Playing With a Cracked Rib

[Jim Sloan]

I cracked/broke a rib in my lower left side a few days back.

Playing the pipes is a bear. I have always read about folks getting injuries and not being able to play the pipes and thought,"that can NEVER happen to me." :cool:

I have 5 engagements in the next 4 days so --

I took a wee pink pillow from my daughter, about 10" x 12" x 2" thick.

I placed it between the bag and bag cover up high near the drones. It made a pronounced lump high on the bag so the bottom of the bag cleared my lower rib cage.

Won't be doing any hour practices for a while but it works enough to be able to play with not to much discomfort.

Jim

[Bill Urquhart]

I wonder if it would help if you put a few large rubber bands around the bag, to help elastically constrict it, so that you wouldn't have to squeeze as much with your arm/rib cage?

[jsragman77]

Might a small Canmore clear the injured area?

Mark

[Iain Sherwood]

Have you checked with your medic? I take it you don't mind risking a punctured lung for a few bucks....

[Curt]

In had bruised or cracked ribs just a few months ago. Didn't get an x-ray due to there being no difference in treatment. Still hurt, but I can play. Nothing can be done for bruised or cracked ribs. Just have to let them heal. Sounds like you are lucky enough to have found a solution however. I was not as lucky. Mine were deep and too vast. No more dumpster diving in the icy conditions for me. Good luck.

[Jim Sloan]

I have a 1,000 $ deductable on my health insurance so --- everything I read agreed with Curt.

It's no problem to breath or even mouth blow a hard reed. The bag against my side is causing the pain.

I stoked the problem by refusng to go easy and made it MUCH worse.

Two days after I did it I went on a marathon chanter and reed brand tag team battle out on my back deck. This even though it was uncomfortable. Nail,Nail Lee,Mc2,Kron Medalist,Troy and MacPfee. I couldn't make myself stop till I had a winner --- and I never could decide.

The next day I could hardly sleep in any position or play without max discomfort. Thanks for winding me up on that one Shawn!

I have been carefull the last few days and it's much better. If I feel it's going to be a long haul I will invest in or borrow a small bag. Thanks for that idea Mark L.

I won't take playing for granted again.

Jim

[Shawn Husk]

Sorry Jim. I never intended to exacerbate your pain. Hope you're feeling better.

Shawn

[Jim Sloan]

Ya gotta know how to spread the blame :willy:

Jim