Coughing after surgery

hi all! I'm new here and wanted to make a post but this is something that's been bothering me. I can't cough. No matter how hard a put a pillow over my tummy, my biggest incision still will move making it extremely painful for me to laugh, or cough. I need to cough to get the phlegm out of my lungs. Can anyone relate to the struggle? I just got sleeved on 7/30/18 so it's only been 2 days.

Were you given one of those plastic tube contraptions where you inhale to make the balls rise? I think it's called a spirometer. That will help considerably. I don't remember how often I was told to use it, but I seem to recall taking a few breaths with it every ten minutes or so.

Yes I have a spirometer and I've been using it but it doesn't seem to get the deep phlegm. I'll keep using it. Thank you!

It may take another day before you feel some results, but I found it very effective. Maybe if you try using more often and for longer you'll see results sooner.

I know this is frustrating, but you will feel better soon. Hang in there!

You got half the name right! It's called in incentive spirometer. It's definitely useful.

I had the same problem! It took me a week before I was able to but like wombat posted they should have given you an incentive spirometer so keep using that. It just takes time for your body to heal. If your really concerned try calling your surgeon and ask if there is anything else you can do. Hope your feeling better soon!

Thank you! I'm glad to know I'm not alone. I've been using my spirometer but it doesn't help with that deep phlegm. I think I'll be okay! Thanks for the reply!

Man..I coughed on the drive home from surgery and it hurt like hell. If I had to cough during the first week or two, in braces with a pillow and just went for it. It sucked and I definitely shouted some nice expletives (proven pain relief). One thing that mentally helped: before I left the hospital, I asked the doc if a cough, etc could bust a stitch and they said "No". Maybe they just were making me feel better but without that fear in mind, I was able to deal.

That first cough last night about took me out. But that's good to know I won't disturb anything! Thanks!

Are you taking your pain meds? Don't be afraid to use them if needed!! The incentive spirometer is also very important to keep you from getting pneumonia. Keep at it! Making sure to get your fluids in will moisten the mucus and make it easier to cough up.