Coughing

I'm recovering from a head cold and am 5 months post surgery for a NF. Everything has turned out wonderfully, but now I'm afraid the coughing I've done today may disrupt things. I called the doctor's office and the nurse said she talked to my doctor about my concerns and he said that frequent or very strong coughing could loosen the band and try to take cough suppressants to stop it. I've already been coughing quite frequently today. I'm soooo scared that I may have undone everything. The nurse said you can't know without an Endoscopy or if I start experiencing acid reflux again.

Could coughing for one day possibly cause the band to loosen that much?! Does anyone know?

Ruth

Hi Ruthie,

I wouldn't worry a bit.  I had a lung infection when I had my Nissen done, and I coughed NONSTOP and HARD throughout the first two months of my surgery recovery.  I worried my way through, fearing that I'd tear out the stitches and destroy my wrap.  My GI doc wasn't all tha comforting..."what's the worse that can happen?  You have a redo...no big deal."  Not to him, maybe. 

Actually, my surgeon wasn't all that concerned, and thought that my sutures would hold fine...which they did.  Four years later (and lots of coughing during each and every allergy season...even now, when I have a sinus infection and bronchitis) my wrap is holding well.

At my five or six week recheck, I asked my surgeon about the effects of coughing, he said that "even water can erode stone". He said that there is a cumulative effect of coughing, straining, etc., that will eventually weaken the repair. He said that these things are unavoidable.

What are you going to do?  You can't not cough.  I have asthma, and when I have allergies or a cold I cough a lot.  I can't avoid it. 

Hope you feel better soon!  Don't waste time worrying about your wrap.  It'll be just fine!

Take care!

Denise

Hi Ruth,
Hope your cold gets better soon. At 5 months your wrap is strong, so you shouldn't worry a moment. Many of the people here are weight lifters, which puts a great deal of pressure on the wrap/repair, and their surgeons have encouraged them to go back to the gym and lift away. You know that puts lots of pressure on their wraps, but they've been assured that it's fine.
It's great to hear from you! Glad your recovery has gone well.
Take care,
Denise

Hi Ruth,
I'm certain that your weights will not harm a thing. Good for you!

I'm glad you've enjoyed The Power of Now. I absolutely love it, and am now repeatedly listening to his book, A New Earth, which I highly recommend as well. I almost like it better. If you'd like to listen to it, try going to a website called archive.org (Google it, and select Audio) and then use the search engine at the top of the page. You should be able use the search engine to find it. (At the search engine next to "Go" use the drop down menu and select Community Audio. Then put in the title of the book.)

I really think you'll love it. I also have found these books life-changing. I've never heard of Tapping for anxiety, so I'll have to check it out!

Have a great day!
Denise
PS...let me know if you have trouble finding the audio book and I'll try to give better directions...