Rib and back fractures

So sorry to hear about your fall, I am about tenders younger, but I fell and I understand about losing once independence. I am working hard to keep it, and I am also working hard to keep my health. I too, was surprised by my bones. I know mine is caused by medication. I took 30 years ago.
Do what they tell you to keep your independence and I do wish you the very best

seniormiz, those rib fractures can be terribly painful partly because the ribs are in constant movement as we breathe. One thing you have to be careful of with rib fracturing is pneumonia. Of course, you don't feel like moving or taking deep breaths and it takes usually a minimum of 6 weeks to heal.
You might want to take an osteoporosis drug called teriparatide because it speeds healing while strengthening your bones. If you do develop a cough, be sure and see your primary care doctor.

@minnesota10 Thank you.

@gently I did a lot of breathing exercises after the fractures. My Doctor warned me about the possibility of pneumonia, so I paid attention. She did not prescribe teriparatide. I will ask her about it.

Your doctor can order a Dexascan to see if you have osteoporosis or osteopenia. If your values are in those ranges, make an appointment with a Rheumatologist- they are the specialists for those diagnoses too and have up-to-date knowledge and information about drug options and protocols.
My mother had osteoporosis, there is a genetic component, plus I’m a woman, white, and small-framed- all risk factors. My insurance paid for the Dexascan once I was 55, and yes, I had osteoporosis. Then followed 5 years of HRT, 5 years of Fosamax, 5 years of Prolia, now on first year of Reclast. There are many different options which the Rheumatologist is the best guide through.
I am now in the osteopenia range, trending into better values, but advised I am not expected to go into normal range, so I’m very careful about home safety and avoiding falls. During snow and ice time, I put a small folding table by the back door and pay a house-sitter to bring my mail there and leave it in a cardboard box. Maybe a kid or neighbor who walks their dog would bring the paper up and ring your bell or put it inside the storm door. I went to the online version of our local and two National papers to avoid having to go out in snow and ice to pick them up. Maybe with the promise of an extra tip, the newspaper delivery guy would put it inside the storm door.
I have a garage for my car, signed up for Walmart grocery/store item pick-up, so I don’t have to step in snow or ice for shopping. I use Walmart plus has free delivery for bad weather or roads. Walmart online is like Amazon now. I changed my pharmacy to one that has a drive-up window.
During the fracture healing time, a long handled reacher would be a big help to cut down on the movement required to get things- not the kind with suction tips at the ends, but the open/close jaw-type with “trigger” handle. Amazon or Walmart will mail to you, a local medical equipment store may be willing to deliver.
Best of luck and quick healing!

Lived with 2 broken ribs for two months, bad diagnosis from ER Doctor diagnosised
Diverticulitis they love to spank in your history when they're in a hurry! Learned to sleep on my back. Very
Painful I feel for you. "Easy dose it everytime. Keep your hands out off your pockets when your walking. Wear Crampons on your shoes in the winter & take care old timer!