Pain in side after fall

I did similar last autumn fell on the bottom stair and went backwards with my ribs catching on the next stair up I was in so much pain I went to A and E my ribs weren’t broken but it was a good 8 weeks before the violent pain stopped
So I do think it’s a sit tight long wait

Oh dear, Dollymixtures, that sounds painful and to have covid on top of it is a double whammy.
I agree that it sounds like it’s going to be time that is needed. Bruised ribs, etc, take quite a while to feel better I’m afraid.
Have you been offered any strong painkillers, or if not, could you contact your surgery for some advice? They might be able to suggest something you could take to ease the discomfort you’re going through.

i think you should contact a doc and tell them about the bladder and bowel.
you may have jarred something in your back which is affecting the nerves.
probably not, but it needs checking out. from nhs website: Cauda equina red flag signs include bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, pain and/or altered sensation in the legs, loss of sexual sensation, and saddle numbness. It is vital to seek advice immediately from a medical professional if you notice any of these warning signs.

Sorry about the fall and Covid all you can do now is rest and Paracetamol and give it time to heal, I had a similar fall a year or two ago, landed on my shoulder and tore my rotator cuff, took a year to mend.

Dollymixtures I have fallen a couple of times over the last couple of years, the last one being in August. I still have a bit of pain on my left side. What I am most concerned in your case is the impact on your bladder and bowel. If you’re having problems in those departments, please see your GP asap.

Whilst in A&E I mentioned my bladder as it was weird, I just couldn’t go! It was checked but it’s probably because I went with such a bang over a chair arm. I’ve been back to the gp since who has given me some sachets of stuff to help the bowel. 3 days and it’s barely made a difference!

Because of being on an oral chemo and aspirin, I can only take paracetamol unfortunately. I’ve got some gel to rub on but I’m waiting constantly for 4 hours to be up. I feel very miserable and despairing. All this pain, cancelled our trip, grey dreadful weather and cooped up with an equally depressed husband! Anyone got a gun?

did they rule out cauda equina ?

That wasn’t mentioned but it was in the doctor’s strike in a very busy A&E….. I’ll Google it.

He did say something unintelligible but ruled it out after X-rays.

ring your GP and/or 111 now, and tell them you are concerned it could be cauda equina.
if it is, can lead to paralysis if left.
need to be definitively ruled out.
please don't delay.

I think you need to ask for help from a clinician, don't hesitate any longer.

I hope you feel better soon.

About 18 months ago fell over baby gate. Was taking desperate pup out at 5. am
Banged right side of head and thumb on left hand
Thought got away with it walking fine after about ten minutes
However couple days later horid pain in left side and felt sick
Went to paramedic led minor injuries unit at local cottage hospital Early morning and no wait
The point is apparently I must have jarred my back and the inflammation of the joint can cause pain in left side of body
Who would have suspected that ?
Lasted about a week

Update - I tried my GP this morning. I was just told to hang on till Monday! (God, the NHS is dreadful). I’d had a painful sleepless night convinced I must have appendicitis or a blocked bowel,etc as my tummy is swollen on both sides. Eventually was told by 111 I must go to A&E and be checked out properly. This has taken nearly all day but I’ve certainly had a good check. CT scans, X-rays, blood tests, COVID tests - all negative. We have both got flu from last week’s trip to A&E and it’s just a question of getting my bowel going (still nothing) and giving it time. I’m not convinced that this bowel is ever going to move but I’ve been checked and nothing sinister in any way. My blood pressure, oxygen, temperature and some of my blood counts were all very low when I got there. I’ve to take anti viral tablets for next 5 days and have another blood test on Monday. Thanks for your advice. I’d not heard of cauda equina but I am aware now!

glad you went.
those obs that were low, did they rise later ?
i wish you all the best.
and remember, if any symptoms change, get worse, new, you need to contact 111 again.

Dollymixtures Glad you’ve been seen to. At least you now know there’s nothing nasty going on. Hope you feel better soon.

Dollymixtures. Relieved that you had a thorough check at A&E, and to know that all is negative. I do hope your symptoms improve very soon, but in the meantime, keep warm and as comfortable as you can, and please take Welbeck’s advice should you feel worse, or symptoms change. 💐

Does your surgery have e consult
If so they are obliged to reply
Offer appointment by end of next working day

Oh dear, it's such a shock when I happens.

I've cracked or broken my ribs; there's nothing that can be done except to be very aware if you have difficulties breathing as a broken rib can damage your lung.

It took about five or six weeks before I realised it didn't hurt any more.

I hope you can re-book your holiday when you've recovered. It was the best thing to cancel, flying with broken or cracked ribs is not a good idea!

Ps Lactulose might help with the bowels!

I’ve been to A&E again since above as instructed by GP due to bleeding PR. Everything checked again but worrying rises in potassium and creatinine. I need to concentrate on getting all the Lactulose, laxatives, water, etc etc into me to try and alleviate this constipation. The flu is getting better but the coughing remains as does the pain in my side.

It’s all going to be a long job but it’s like a mountain to climb each day trying/hoping to empty my bowels. Obviously got very anxious about it all now. It’s not easy as just taking some Lactulose when I’ve got a chronically lazy or useless bowel which seems to be (but isn’t) totally blocked! No one can help me, it’s just up to me now.

Iry a double dose of sennacot max strength and you will s**t for England! There is a fabulous review of it on Amazon.

did they give any medical reason why the bowel is not functioning properly ?
was it ok before the fall.
(not adam n eve, just step ladder).

Lactulose is a bit too gentle, I've found. Sennakot is more effective. It might be a good idea to use glycerin suppositories to start with to help soften any hard blockage that's formed at the outlet, so to speak. Straining to pass one of these can be very painful and cause bleeding, though I expect you know all these delightful facts!

Yes thank you. I was ok (but not brilliant tbh) before the fall which I assume must have jarred my bowel badly as it’s just since then. I’ve been advised to go easy on proper laxatives and try to concentrate on reeducating my system. It’s not working.very well yet!