Got mugged in 2000 and had 3 ribs broken, cracked sternum too. Had to brace my ribs with a pillow to cough. It was at least 2 months before I wasn't touch-sensitive. It was a year before I could wear seatbelts without it um, "annoying" me. 2 years before I could sleep comfortably on that side. even today I sometimes get "shadow pain". On the flip side vics make me sick to my stomach and Demerol gave me screaming nightmares(the giant spider-things were the worst! *shudder* ) so it was extra strength ibuprofen and Tylenol for me.