Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi there,
I am now 3 weeks post surgery for rectocele repair and perineal reconstruction, also had a merina coil fitted. Recovery has been going well, although in the 2nd week I think I started my period, which was a bit distressing but now I have developed a really tickly cough, which I think I caught from my daughter who has been very congested.
I am trying so hard not to cough, drinking lots of water and honey and lemon but sometimes it feels like my throat goes into spasm and I can't stop it. I feel everything move downwards when I cough and am really worried it will undo the repair, should I be concerned? I'm not sure what the health professionals can do for a cough.
3 likes, 11 replies
grace65790 Linz40
Posted
Hi Linz, I remember when I had my surgery the doctor said don't get a cough. Like you could help it.
I would suggest getting a good cough syrup, and something for drainage that tickling your throat.
You can also hold a pillow down there for support when you do cough.
Hope you get over it in a hurry. I did get a cough as well, but was 6 weeks. Everything turned out fine.
robyn94818 Linz40
Posted
Oh poor you. If it's viral, then they will only recommend suck lozenges & take a good cough medicine. But if it's bacterial then may need antibiotics. But without a Dr. looking at back of your throats then you won't be any closer to finding out which it likely is. I'm picking it's viral as that's what causes most of what you have. Which if viral, then probably just bad luck.
jane29850 Linz40
Posted
Hi you've had the same surgery as myself and I also had the marina coil fitted . I try and hold my pelvic floor muscles if I know a cough is coming not sure if that is the right thing to do, but as you say the physio recommends you try not to cough which is impossible if your poorly. You are taking all the right remedies they don't give anything for coughs unless very chesty with infection, and the risk of thrush would put me off using them anyway.
Can I ask how your period was as I've had mine fitted to help with heavy periods and I was still bleeding post op when I had mine it was much lighter than my normal period thoughwhich was good. Hope you have a speedy recovery from the cough and continue healing xx
Linz40 jane29850
Posted
Yes my period was lighter but seemed to go on for ages, I too suffered with heavy periods. To be honest couldn't tell what was period blood and post op blood (sorry tmi!). I am still bleeding but think the cough might be causing it. I have phoned my GPs this morning and waiting for a call back.
How long ago was your op?
phyl_40063 Linz40
Posted
The best think you can do at home is to try and pull your pelvic floor up tight before coughing and maybe gargle with diluted TCP.
Hope you get through this, think they usually use very strong stitches so try not worry too much.
Phyl x
Kegel8Stephanie Linz40
Posted
You are right to want to protect your pelvic floor as much as possible. Google the Kegel Brace or Kegel knack, or sit down when you cough. Same goes with constipation - do all you can to avoid it and get a toilet stool.
Nows the time to do your pelvic floor exercises, because you need to strengthen those muscles because no amount of surgery will strengthen these muscles and they need to support the rest of the pelvic organs.
Watch your weight, take a Vitamin D3, pelvic floor exercise (if it is safe for you to do so, Im not sure where you are in your recuperation), low impact exercise only.
Hope this helps, good luck!
S
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Linz40 Kegel8Stephanie
Posted
Thanks Stephanie.
Was reading about the Kegel knack yesterday, hope I'm doing it right. Have been doing my pelvic floor exercises everyday to strengthen everything down there. Just really frustrated that I should get a cough now, lived so long with awful symptoms and so want this to be a success.
Thank you so much for your support 🙂
Linz40
Posted
So I went to doctors and have some antibiotics. Have continued to have the odd coughing fit and then this morning woke up and am not getting a very good response from doing my pelvic squeezes, whereas before this all started it was feeling quite strong, has anyone else experienced this? What would cause my pelvic floor to suddenly stop responding?Â
Linz40
Posted
I thought I would add to this thread now I am 9 weeks post op and for anyone who is like me - a worrier and googling every symptom!
To be honest I've had my ups and downs over the last few weeks. Developing a cough so soon after surgery was a real blow but I stuck with the pelvic floor exercises and got as much rest as I could.
I am only just getting over my cough, which was a virus I caught from my 5 year old daughter, so not a lot I could do about it. I practiced the 'knack' and sat down when I needed to cough but to be honest when you are hacking your guts up there is only so much you can do!
Anyway here's for the positive part, I had my physio exam today and everything is healing nicely. My physio was impressed with my pelvic floor strength and we spoke about the cough - there is no damage - posterior wall did not move greatly when I coughed it was more the front wall slipping down but she was positive I could improve this with continued strengthening and once I was over the virus.
I have also bought the 'hab it' DVD and I can feel the difference already, that lady is a saviour! Anyway I hope this post gives hope to anyone who is worrying
Kegel8Stephanie Linz40
Posted
Hi Linz40
Thats great news, I am pleased yo are throught it now and well on your way to strength again. i''m so pleased you like the Tasha Mulligan DVD (there are a few films on You Tube for anyone interested) her advice on posture is absolutely essential. As one top Physio said to me, 'if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll get the sames again' (ie another prolapse). So now you've had your surgery it is essential to watch your weigth, do your pelvic floor exercises, and correct your posture (Boobs off belly as Physio Fiona Rogers says!). Good luck, keep strong, thank you for coming back and letting us know. It always helps those who are in the early 'dark-days' know that there is light at the end of this!
Good luck, keep strong.
Stephanie
Happynoon Linz40
Posted
I too have managed to catch a cough from my boys ...I'm just 5 weeks post op !! Their timing is brilliant ,haven't been ill all year lol ... I'm a worrier too and convinced I've done myself damage but your latest post gives me hope that I (fingers crossed) haven't. Glad you are doing well!
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