So today marks my 3rd day post op. I guess I just have a few things of concern and wanted to see if anyone experienced this also.

Near the main incision where most of the work was completed there is swelling above it, a few inches. I know a lot of his work was done there, bypass and the hiatal hernia repair the rest of the incisions are fine. It almost dents downwards like in a slope to the incision. Of course im going to see him on Tuesday for my drain removal and I will ask again. Did anyone experience more swelling in other areas? This area always feels "tight" too.

Also before I went into surgery I was having a bit of a sinus issue, when I got out I noticed I had phlegm. Using my spirometer every day but I cough once in a while usually when I use my CPAP and man does it hurt. Im so scared im going to pop or rupture something when I sneeze or cough. Im concerned enough to ask them to check to make sure I havent done so. Or I feel if Im dragging myself out of bed or from the place that I choose to sleep im not using my arms enough and stretching too much in that area.

I have some of the same concerns! I have a few incisions that look a little puffy and swollen around them, and I have that feeling of pain/tightness when trying to cough or breathe deeply. I am so nervous about accidentally jarring or like you said popping something inside that I shy away from the breathing exercises I know I should be doing...

I feel the same fear of rupturing something inside when I try to have a BM, nothing yet on day three. Took a dose of milk of magnesia around 11am and another right before bed, hoping that will finally get things going...I feel so blocked up!

6 hours ago, Herewego2018 said:

I have some of the same concerns! I have a few incisions that look a little puffy and swollen around them, and I have that feeling of pain/tightness when trying to cough or breathe deeply. I am so nervous about accidentally jarring or like you said popping something inside that I shy away from the breathing exercises I know I should be doing...

I feel the same fear of rupturing something inside when I try to have a BM, nothing yet on day three. Took a dose of milk of magnesia around 11am and another right before bed, hoping that will finally get things going...I feel so blocked up!

I read a few things last night about breathing deeply, make sure to use your spirometer it breaks up the mucus so you can cough it out. Anyways I read about the "correct" way to cough after surgery apparently this is pretty common. Inhale deeply and while exhaling slowly at the end the mucus tends to come up and you cough it up and spit it out on the exhale. Where ever you are have a paper towel or a napkin ive gotten used to just spitting right into it and throwing it away. I dont have time to run to the sink especially when you know you gotta get it out immediately. Definitely don't shy away from using the spirometer. Ive been doing mine every hour x10 inhale. If I really have to cough I hold my hands over my main incision and press holding it in place, man it hurts but it braces the tissues.

Also I havent had an issue with BM's which is super common. I've passed very watery stools and lots of gas. Burping too, getting used to what my pouch is telling me now. I think I might even be able to come off my Tylenol Codeine after today for the pain. Day 5 is tomorrow. I hope youre starting to feel a bit better. Today was a little different. Actually got some rest last night. CPAP machine 5 hours! To me thats an accomplishment. Ill tell you the first few days have been ultra rough for me.

Edited August 3, 20188 yr by GeminiSky

@GeminiSky odd shapes and appearances around or under areas that were worked on is normal.. it's crazy weird looking, but it goes away as you heal.

For coughing, you want to cough, it's a very good thing. To make it hurt less, you can take a small pillow and press it into your incisions decently hard when you sneeze or cough, this will help keep things from pulling apart. Eventually you can just use the heal of your palm over the area that still needs it, for me it was the main incision.

50 minutes ago, Matt Z said:

@GeminiSky odd shapes and appearances around or under areas that were worked on is normal.. it's crazy weird looking, but it goes away as you heal.

For coughing, you want to cough, it's a very good thing. To make it hurt less, you can take a small pillow and press it into your incisions decently hard when you sneeze or cough, this will help keep things from pulling apart. Eventually you can just use the heal of your palm over the area that still needs it, for me it was the main incision.

Same with me! Its my main incision that hurts like crazy! Ive been using a pillow or pressing my hand when it happens god it hurts! Been coughing up mucus since I left the hospital. Im really hoping this will eventually go away. Using my spirometer like a maniac LOL!