Bummer in the Summer

Insert "ribs" instead of hip

Orthos have looked at my rib x-rays.  Even though the x-rays are extremely scary looking, their final consensus is in.

No one at the doctor's office could believe I'm up and around and smiling.  The x-ray tech said the x-rays would be fine because he has never seen anyone move like I can with fractured ribs.  After the x-rays were taken, he looked at me and said, "Well..there is always a first time to be wrong."  They look horrible.  I looked at them with my doctor and almost burst into tears.  One is hanging downward in a clean break and the other broken piece is pushing through my gut about an inch.  No wonder I am having such "burning" pain at night in my stomach.  I thought it was heartburn, but it's broken/displaced ribs poking me.

The ER doc in WA. said they would become gummy in a few weeks and stick back together.  He suggested a waist length spandex sports bra to hold them in place and gave me some pain pills. He said follow up with your doctor when you get home.  My doctor was upset with his evaluation.  She said he had "a typical ER doc seen it all, who cares attitude."  She might be right.   I have a high pain tolerance.  She felt I needed surgery. She thought I might need a pin(s) to put them in place. X-rays were sent to the orthopedic to evaluate. So this has been my week. Sigh.  No rest for the weary.

Final meeting of the doctoral minds (and, I sure as hell hope they are correct).....is we are going to wait this out, ofcourse, unless I develop an acute hemothorax.  Oh yeah...right...that makes me feel good. NOT. 
Pain pills....and a rib belt, and a final word from my doctor.  "Suzanne...please don't do anything crazy."  I don't know why....but that made me smile a bit.  Me?  Do that?  Never.....
The good news (and there is always a silver lining if you look hard enough) is that I don't have to cancel the Scottish Games this weekend in Pleasanton.  Don't worry...no ladders in our trailer.  I'll try to be good :0)

"This is for all the strong ladies, who have made it through so much in life: I'm compassionate because I have known suffering. I am wise because I've been foolish. I can laugh, because I have known sadness. I am alive, because I am a fighter. I will survive because I am strong."