Question:
Helppppp!!!

Whenever I lay down and sleep ... i continuously wake up because i have to clear my throat repeatedly ... and then after that i end up coughing to clear the rest out .... is the common after gps surgery ... i just crossed over to the losing side on oct. 6th ... so any help would be greatly appreciated! ... I also hope that all my amos friends and families are doing great and are in great health! Take care and thank you again, Lisa    — Lisa G. (posted on October 9, 2003)

October 9, 2003
*What* are you clearing out, do you think? Sinus drainage? Thick saliva? Try going 24 hours without milk and see if that changes anything. For some people with mild allergies, it sorta accumulates. Don't know exactly how, but when they go off milk, they don't have the problem. Of course, it could be a number of things, but that ones an easy try.
   — vitalady

October 9, 2003
I've had the preop and postop and it has to do with my sinus draining. Ive been to doctors and though annoying (from a sound standpoint) its not harmful. If it continues to bother you I would see an ENT, but I doubt it is related to your weight loss surgery.
   — Lisa N M.

October 9, 2003
Your profile doesn't provide any information. Do you have a history of sleep apnea? Are you lying on your back? That can cause people to "wake-up" clearing their throat and coughing.
   — LLinderman

October 9, 2003
Thanks for replying guys ... i've NEVER had this problem until the day i came home from the hospital after this surgery ... yes i am laying on my back ... it's the only way i can lay right now ... it hurts to much to lay on my side or anything ... what i'm clearing out i feel is "flem" ... did you ever just need to clear your throat after a cough or just plain need to clear your throat ... thats what it's like but it's not just a one time deal ...i'm not a back sleeper to begin with ... i thought maybe the flem would build up because of laying flat ... or maybe i'm eating/drinking to close to going to bed!
   — Lisa G.

October 9, 2003
I feel for you, as I have the same thing. I have had sinus surgery already this yr in preparation for WLS (hopefully later on this yr). Sometimes I get to coughing and can't get to sleep unless I start to go to sleep with "Halls" mint in my mouth. I don't like to do this as I'm afraid of choking, but I also need my sleep. I think it HAS to be allergies. I can also get this during the day suddenly and to the point where I have a ton of phlemn (sorry to be so gross) to throw up, and I don't get releif till I do get rid of the phlemn. The cough drop before bed will usually do the trick so I can sleep. It helps with the throat scratchiness too. Hope this helps. Becky
   — bufordslipstick

October 9, 2003
Sleep in a recliner for a while if possible. Otherwise prop yourself up some with pillows in bed or sleep on your side and use those pillows to hold up the gut etc. and make you feel comfortable. I slept with about 2-3 pillows strategically placed when I wanted to sleep on my side in the early days. <p>The only other thought is that after GBS your body produces lots of mucus to help the food move on through the pouch. Maybe you are sort of refluxing some of this. I'd talk with the surgeon to see what they say. One last idea. Drink some hot water or something before bed to break down that mucus. Maybe that would help. Good Luck!
   — zoedogcbr

October 10, 2003
Lisa - you're newly post-op and there is a lot of flem that is cleared in the first few days. It is good to cough and clear it....in fact, it's very good. My first few days I reclined a bit to prevent the flem from coming up into my throat like you have described. By about day #5 I was more comfortable with laying down fully. I hope you're on clear fluids and not trying to drink anything mucus producing, such as milk. If you're really concerned, call your surgeon or his nurse and ask them. Also, you haven't indicated if you have sleep apnea, if you are using a CPAP machine, or any other factor that should be considered. Good luck - I'm only 2 1/2 weeks post op myself. Diana.
   — Diana D.

October 10, 2003
HI sweetie, well i went through same thing as you, sept 29 had mine. its importnat to use the breathing exersiser they give you and one thing i suggest is put a pillow on your stomach and make yourself cough...clear those lungs...do lots of walking with in your limits. its a prevention to PYnomnia. HUGs Dawn
   — sweetdarling_ab