I am 16 days post op and have come down with a terrible cold. I have been coughing some the last couple days, but tonight I have started coughing really bad. I am concerned it might cause a leak in my staple line. Should I be concerned? Can I take cough medicine? Any advice would be appreciated.

I think you should call your doctor - that's what they are there for. It's better to call them earlier rather than later. Good luck, hope you feel better!!

I'd call your doctor. I bet you can take some cough medicine.

I am 16 days post op and have come down with a terrible cold. I have been coughing some the last couple days, but tonight I have started coughing really bad. I am concerned it might cause a leak in my staple line. Should I be concerned? Can I take cough medicine? Any advice would be appreciated.

I am 16 days post op and have come down with a terrible cold. I have been coughing some the last couple days, but tonight I have started coughing really bad. I am concerned it might cause a leak in my staple line. Should I be concerned? Can I take cough medicine? Any advice would be appreciated.

Please call your doctor. I don't want to scare you but you could have, or come down with, pneumonia. It's too early out to self-treat for something like that. Do it now.

Here is what I would do:

1. Take some cough medicine

2. DO NOT take aspirin or any blood thinners

3. Use some cough drops

4. Use a humidifier

Unless you have a really bad and persistent cough do not worry. It is unlikely that a mild cough will cause your staples to loosen up. Bottom line if it is not that bad, follow the above steps and you will be ok. If you have ANY doubt whatsoever, make sure you contact your dr ASAP. If you have any specific medical questions, feel free to let me know.

Best,

Dr. JSA

Thank you all for your help. I did take some Robitusson DM Cough Syrup and it seemed to help. Hopefully I am on the upswing.