Busted Rib

I've had fractured ribs a couple of times and it is a unique "think I might die" kind of pain. I assume the nervous system goes into overdrive because the ribs are protection for all those important organs. Wow, do those little buggers yell like crazy when they're hurt. Last time I ended up in the hospital coughing up blood from a bruised lung. Somebody told me the worst pain lasts about three weeks and that turned out to be true for me. For those weeks, I was watching the clock and taking pain meds every 5 hours around the clock. I slept sitting up in a recliner and holding a pillow across my middle. After that, it was just the occasional jolt (and subsequent pain pill) when I moved a certain direction. I learned to inhale, hold my breath and lift my rib cage every time we drive over railroad tracks or anything that is a bumpy ride. After a certain age, Gravity is our enemy. It just keeps trying until it finally gets us. :E That's my theory. Feel better soon!