Question:
Tickle

Had my surgery 2/16/09 & I have this tickle in my throat. I've been coughing on and off, not too much but enough to notice. I am feeling better each day that passes but I've notice that when I'm lying down resting, I get this tickle. Did this happen to you after Lap/RNY?    — Ruth M. (posted on February 20, 2009)

February 19, 2009
I had a little bit of a sore throat after surgery. I think it was probably caused by having the tube down my throat while I was under. If you're concerned, give your bariatric provider a call and let him/her know. They'll either confirm that it's normal or have you come in so they can verify everything is ok.
   — cburky911

February 19, 2009
It could be some fluid "buildup" from the anesthesia. That's why it's important to use the "incentive spirometer", that breathing thing you blow into, that was given to you at the hospital. Practice using that device several times daily. It helps to expel any fluids in your lungs, thus preventing pneumonia from happening. You'll be able to breath better too. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

February 20, 2009
I had horrible dry mouth and sore throat after surgery from the tube! They brought me these gycerine swabs that kept my throat moist, because I was asking for too much water and ice and they didn't want me to drink so much yet! They sent me home with the swabs as well...I think you can get them in drug stores...It helps a lot! Ice chips helped too, but again, the nurses warned me not to do ice chips all day...
   — .Anita R.

February 20, 2009
Bits of coughing and sore throat are pretty common post-op. Don't forget you had a big tube down there for breathing, so it causes a bit of swelling usually (for a few days post op). And then the oxygen, gas, etc. all bypass the usual filtering of your mouth and nose, so getting a few germs in there is not unusual either. Hence the spirometer usually given to push us to do deep breathing post op and cough out all that junk (plus the gas from anesthesia.) I did a really deep cough about 5 days post op and suddenly had the strange taste of chemical in my mouth - a hidden pocket of anesthetic gas released LOL. Hate to give medical advice online but your "tickle" sounds normal to me. Keep an eye on it, take lots of fluids, use the spirometer, and keep coughing and moving. Cheers.
   — mountainmike