It hurts like hell when I cough or sneeze after my mommy makeover, what do I do?

Question

Hi All! I’m 10 weeks out from my mommy makeover. Caught a cold and over the last week have developed a tremendous pain in my upper right to middle abdomen when I cough, sneeze, yell or move in a certain way. It’s a few seconds of intense burning/stinging pain in that area. Feels like a knife going in! Doctor office says it’s all normal but can’t give me a why? It really hurts and am taking 8 Advil a day to get through it! Any ideas?

James H. Rogers, MD · Answer

While it is typical to have some areas of discomfort ten weeks after surgery, it is not common to develope new sharp pains that were not present previously. You mention that you were coughing prior to the onset of pain. It is possible that some sutures were disrupted causing some bleeding and inflammation. Generally this type of problem will resolve without treatment, however, occasionally blood clots can develope beneath the fascia or rectus sheath, which can cause persistent swelling and discomfort. I recommend having your surgeon thoroughly examing you to rule out any significant problems. If they are uncertain, an ultrasound can be used to readily detect any blood or fluid collections.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hello. Great question. I am sorry for your post op difficulties. I will suggest scheduling a follow up appointment with your surgeon to have a personal examination to properly address your concerns.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The pain you are experiencing is likely your abdominal wall still healing from the surgery.  I encourage you to treat your symptoms to minimize the coughing and sneezing until you are recovered from your cold.  If it does not improve, see your PCP.

Bradley A. Hubbard, MD · Answer

There could be many reasons for your pain, but most likely the coughing and sneezing is putting tension on the stitches in the muscle. It is very painful, but should resolve quickly after your cold goes away. If the abdominal pain persists for more than one week after the cold goes away I would recommend you see your PS. Best of luck!BH

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

Since you are 10 weeks out you could be experiencing more pain because your nerves are starting to wake up. This is something you should continue to follow up with your surgeon and express your concern. Most likely the pain is from the sutures that are in your abdominal wall to keep your muscles tight.

It hurts like hell when I cough or sneeze after my mommy makeover, what do I do?

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It hurts like hell when I cough or sneeze after my mommy makeover, what do I do?

Answers (6)

Answer: Pain after TT

Answer: Pain after TT

Answer: Post op abdominal pain

Answer: Post op abdominal pain

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.