Cough after laparoscopic surgery - Online Doctor Chats

User :   Hi, Yesterday morning I had a laparoscopy in a private hospital. I had large adhesions removed, a polyp that had dropped down on a stalk from my uterus into my cervix also removed and a rigid cystoscopy. 3 biopsies were taken. I was given opiate IV pain relief directly after the surgery and codeine a few hours later on and was fine when i went home about 5 hours post op, though obviously tender. I have since developed severe shoulder and diaphram pain, and a deep dry cough that is so painful ( I was warned about the shoulder pain) that makes it almost impossible to lie down and I can't take deep breaths. My abdomen is very bloated and I've gained 7 lbs weight since the surgery . I'm not passing much urine. It's now 5.45 am and I can ony take shallow breaths and am in great discomfort because of this and desperately need to sleep. The wound sites are not too painful. It's the diaphram, shoulders and breathing that's the most difficult. I've been given Diclofenac and co dydramol and have taken these as instucted by the hospital when I left, but they have not helped the shoulder and diaphram pain or the coughing. Are these normal symptoms or do I need to contact the hospital. If I do contactct them, will it be Okay to ring later in the morning as I feel guilty ringing them at this hour. I would greatly appreciate your opinion, Kind regards
Doctor :   Hi
User :   Hi
Doctor :   I am reading
Doctor :   Give me a couple of minutes
User :   ok Thanks
Doctor :   The problem right now is you are unable to sleep
Doctor :   You need to get proper medicine which can induce sleep and also control the pain
Doctor :   Otherwise you will be all awake and more apprehensive
Doctor :   Sleeplessness also increases the sensitivity towards pain
Doctor :   Hence I suggest you to ring them up and get a better pain medicine which can induce sleep to you within few minutes
Doctor :   you should not feel guilty to ring them up again
Doctor :   The Hospital is meant to serve you
Doctor :   and you have all the right to utilize their facilities round the clock
User :   That's annoying, but I can cope with that the main difficulty is the breathing difficulty and the cough and wondering if it's serious or just a normal reaction to the anaesthetic.
Doctor :   I cannot be very sure about the possibility of the cough and the breathing difficulty
Doctor :   but the possible causes are
Doctor :   1) Diaphragm irritation because of laparasocpy
Doctor :   3) Chest infection
Doctor :   2) Post anesthesia issue can remain till 48 hours
Doctor :   Are you following me
User :   yes Thanks
User :   It sounds like it's probably just a normal reaction then. I'll wait and see if it resolves itself durin the next 12 hours. Is that resonable.
Doctor :   That is Ok, but how would you get your sleep
Doctor :   Can you manage it ?
Doctor :   When you meet your doctor, I suggest you to ask him ample pain medication which can get some sleep
Doctor :   There are certain medicines which can reduce cough, pain and induce sleep in common
Doctor :   THat would be better choice for you
User :   Im sure I'll fall asleep eventually and if the symptoms worse, I'll contact the hospital
User :   Many Thanks
User :   Thanks, at least I know it nithing that's imminently serious
Doctor :   Right
Doctor :   Thank you
Doctor :   Bye for now
User :   Bye Thanks again