Synth player: If you’re going to take this seriously, go to an ER, NOT an urgent care clinic. The clinic will not have x-ray, lab, CT, or echocardiogram, some or all of which might be indicated depending on the ER physician’s impression. You will also have a physician who is much better trained to diagnose serious stuff, which is what you need.
It could be something minor, but as others have said, if you go in and say “chest pain” you will go to the head of the line.
If it’s really severe and you can’t drive a 911 call would be in order.
All of us who work in this field have seen lots of “Code 3” ambulance rides for much less worrisome symptoms.

I've had several friends die from reluctance to go to the ER. Several months ago I have a severe headache, unlike any I had ever had. Remembering Harold, my last friend to die, I called an ambulance and went to the ER. I knew something was pretty bad when I was first in line and they shoved me into a machine. Turns out I was having a series of TIA's, which very well could have killed me (or worse). Go!

Cardiac and pulmonary contusions occur with some regularity as do torn aortas - rib injury would be most likely explanation, but it requires special testing to diagnose the other entities. Do see someone who can do a good work up to get you some answers!

At least three physicians have suggested going to the ER. If needed you can call an ambulance and then you get to the front of the line. Your insurance typically will cover.

No one is going to not tell you to go get an x-ray. It's best not to mess with acute internal stuff. Yeah, possibly a bruised or even crack rib/sternum? (did you fall on your handlebars?) They discover all kinds of things at the doctor's office.

I hate that this has gone two days with no additional postings by synthplayer. Please update us when you can.

Not to trivialize a potentially very serious injury that should be brought to the immediate attention of qualified medical personnel, but my first thought after reading the description of the injury was of the martial arts "Five point palm exploding heart" technique from the 'Kill Bill' movie.

Synthplayer, are you still with us? Hope you are ok.

Synth,

Are you dead?

Well is not good. He has not posted since.

Anybody know him and can contact him?

Worried.....

quote:

Originally posted by OKCGene:
Well is not good. He has not posted since.

Anybody know him and can contact him?

Worried.....

Roger that. It doesn't sound good that he hasn't been back. I hope someone can contact him

A fractured sternum can suck. Cardiac contusions and pulmonary contusions can also suck. Do yourself a favor and get it checked out. As an ER provider I can give you this piece of advice. Go at like 7-8 in the am and you will be seen quickly.

If you really don’t want to deal with a full blown ER, search your medical insurance provider for a quality Urgent Care clinic.

I used a local UC twice in the last year. Once for what turned out to be a bruised rib (me) and a nasty 2nd degree burn (wife) at a fraction of the cost of an ER. They had an ER physician, X-ray and EKG equipment. Worst case, they detect something that sends you off to an ER, which you will feel you tried your best to cut down time/expense.

Hope you’re alright!

Pain in the chest = visit to ER
I've broken ribs a few times and know the drill. The last time was falling out of a tree a couple months ago. It was on the side , as before, but other than the pain and discomfort not much can be done. Pain in the chest or anywhere around the heart is a whole different deal.

quote:

Originally posted by Wino:
If you really don’t want to deal with a full blown ER, search your medical insurance provider for a quality Urgent Care clinic.

I used a local UC twice in the last year. Once for what turned out to be a bruised rib (me) and a nasty 2nd degree burn (wife) at a fraction of the cost of an ER. They had an ER physician, X-ray and EKG equipment. Worst case, they detect something that sends you off to an ER, which you will feel you tried your best to cut down time/expense.

Hope you’re alright!

Xrays can barely detect broken ribs. Going to urgent care is generally pointless in any situation worse than a cough because they are going to send you to the ER after charging you for a visit anyway. For trauma like this a CT is best.

Hi guys - I'm home. They took X-rays and determined I didn't break anything. But, the slightest movement not only means sharp pain in the heart area, but also, there are times it feels like something is "popping" inside there - and that is extremely painful. The EMT guys suggested it might take 6 - 8 weeks to get over this. I'm one week in, and 5-7 weeks more of this seems daunting. It hurts to sit at my desk, so I won't be online too much for a while.

Thanks for all of the advice! It's great to have invisible friends that can offer such wise suggestions.

I always recommend whiskey in times like these.

quote:

Originally posted by synthplayer:
Hi guys - I'm home. They took X-rays and determined I didn't break anything. But, the slightest movement not only means sharp pain in the heart area, but also, there are times it feels like something is "popping" inside there - and that is extremely painful. The EMT guys suggested it might take 6 - 8 weeks to get over this. I'm one week in, and 5-7 weeks more of this seems daunting. It hurts to sit at my desk, so I won't be online too much for a while.

Thanks for all of the advice! It's great to have invisible friends that can offer such wise suggestions.

At least, the more serious stuff are not evident from the evaluation. That's good. Yeah, bruised ribs and chest wall strain can hurt like hell and last a while. But who knows, you might recover completely in a couple of weeks.

All things considered, YEA ! You're alive! Yea!

Beat wishes to you!

Glad you replied and are still with us. Hope you get better soon