For some reason the search isn't working for me right now, it just makes my page crash. I did try to find this before I asked!

I had my RNY on Thursday last. Everything went perfectly, and I came home yesterday (Saturday). I'm working on fluids and protein. I have a G tube for some reason I can't remember (those drugs are STRONG) so I can put liquid protein straight into Q-bic (my pouch) if I get to the end of the day and I'm behind. So all is well.

Except I have this annoying dry (regularly productive at first, now rarely) cough. It started in the hospital and no one seemed bothered by it. They said it's normal, cough it up and get rid of it. Okay. I can do that.

But this dry cough is driving me batty. It wakes me up from sleeping, I have to struggle to sit up and hug a pillow, and you all know that coughing 3 days after surgery HURTS!!

Is this normal? Do I just have to muscle through this? Should I call my doc? If I'm being a wimp just tell me, but I haven't seen anything about coughing in all my months reading.

I coughed here and there but mine eventually stopped. Did they give you an incentive spirometer? That could help. If it happens rarely then I personally wouldn't be concerned. If it was more frequently then I'd be asking some questions. Any time I wonder about something that's going on with me, I call my doctor without a second thought.

If anything they can tell you more than what I could. Usually it is normal to cough because like you said, it gets everything out and helps prevent catching pneumonia.


----------------------------

HW- 273
Pre-op Wt- 230
SW- 226
CW- 180
GW- 130
Ht- 5'2.5"
DOS- April 26th, 2017

"Only those who try will become." ~FFX

After surgery, I remember coughing sometimes. Not really the coughing but the pain associated with the coughing. After a few weeks this was no longer a problem. As Myaiku said, make sure you regularly use your spirometer. Some patients have a tube placed down their throat during the operation. Here is a link to an article that describes the condition and relief from it. https://www.verywell.com/why-does-my-throat-hurt-after-surgery-3157316

Thank you both so much. Yes, I have an incentive spirometer--part of the time it makes me cough. My lungs were xrayed and so far I'm okay. But I do have crappy lungs, too (thanks Mom!) so I'll be watchful.

Good article, James. I will track this problem.