Post op pain from coughing

Just experienced the most excruciating pain from a cough I wasn't prepared for. I felt a popping or tearing a couple inches below my (largest) left side incision.

I was told to clutch a pillow when coughing, and I have been, but this one wasn't anticipated. No pressure was applied,  no pillow clutched. Just a suprising full shot of pain.

I was told by the surgeon that there would be a deep stitch in the muscle on the left side. I asked hospital staff if it would tear when coughing, and was told no. I feel a slight throbbing now, but the pain is gone.

I will call the doctor tomorrow if I think something is wrong. I am also weaning off the oxycodone, perhaps day 4 post op is too soon?.

I still had a burning pain in my abdomen this morning so called my surgeon.  She said to take 600 mg of Ibuprofen.  So, I will do that. She said the stitch probably didn't tear, but it pulled on the muscle.  Usually they like to wait 6wks post op before allowing Ibuprofen but she said it would treat the pain more effectively than the oxycodone. Now just waiting for the Ibuprofen to kick in.

Be careful taking NSAIDs.  The ASMBS says that we shouldn't use them post-op.