I went to the doctor on Monday because the pain in my right chest was hurting so bad. It really hurts when I cough, which thankfully is less frequent now that I'm over the H1N1 flu. But it also hurts to simply breathe in deeply, when I laugh, and even when I get up and move around or stretch.

The doctor said I injured my ribs and cartilage from coughing so hard last week. He gave me anti-inflammatory pills for the swelling and codeine for the pain. I took one of the codeine that night and did I ever regret it the next day. My stomach didn't like it, even though I took it with food. It made me nauseous all morning and I had to go home from work at 10. The doctor said I should be feeling better in a week, but it will just take time for it to heal itself.

I just can't believe I coughed so hard I injured my ribs and cartilage. What will happen to me next? And when will I be well again? Being sick/injured the past 2 weeks has been terrible.