Yikes!We tell our patients to hug a pillow really hard, using it as a splint when they feel a laugh, cough, or sneeze coming on. I'm sure split-in-half-Patterson can give you great advice on the practical management of rib fractures, too.
In any case, no smiling, no laughing, no hoildays until you're well, which we hope is quite soon.
All best,
Pam & Dave