<s>[INST] HI I AM A 32 YEAR OLD FEMALE WITH NO PRIOR HEALTH PROBLEMS. SO, I FELL AT WORK LAST TUESDAY AND I LANDED ON MY RIGHT ARM AND MY CHEST HIT MY FIST, RIGHT ABOVE THE MIDDLE OF MY STERNUM AND A LITTLE TO THE LEFT. I WENT TO THE DOCTOR THEY TOOK AN X RAY PHOTO AND TOLD ME ITS JUST BRUISED, HOWEVER, THE PAIN IS CONSTANT AND CAN BE UNBEARABLE, IF I COUGH OR HICCUP, AND IT DOESNT LOOK BRUISED BUT THERE IS A SMALL HARD LUMP THAT FOLLOWS ONE OF MY RIBS ON THE LEFT.  MY QUESTION IS THAT WOULD A BRUISE HURT CONSTANTLY, AND FOR THIS LONG OF A PERIOD OF TIME? I FEEL LIKE IT HURTS SO BAD THAT MAYBE THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE WRONG; IS IT POSSIBLE FOR THE DOCTOR AND THE XRAY TO BE WRONG? [/INST] Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. No need to worry much if your chest x-ray is normal. You are having blunt chest trauma and this can cause rib fractures, pneumothorax, lung confusions etc. Chest x-ray is needed to rule out all these. Since your chest x-ray normal, no need to worry about these complications. You are having simple musculoskeletal pain and swelling due to inflammation. This will resolve in 1 week with following measures. 1. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. Avoid movements causing pain. 2. Avoid bad postures in sleep. Apply warm water pad on affected areas. 3. Take painkiller and anti-inflammatory Chat Doctor.  Don't worry, you will be alright and swelling, pain will subside. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks. </s>