Post-Surgery Breathing Worries: Seeking Guidance
Hello, I'm a 28-year-old female, and I underwent breast augmentation surgery just three days ago, driven by my long-standing insecurity about having a small breast size. However, I’ve developed a troubling issue since the operation: my breathing rate during sleep has drastically decreased to between 7 and 8 breaths per minute, which is deeply concerning to me. Furthermore, I've noticed that fully exhaling causes a significant amount of pain, while inhalation is merely uncomfortable, accompanied by a feeling of pressure. I find myself uncertain about the appropriate steps to take. My surgeon reassured me that this decline in breathing rate is a common occurrence post-surgery. Yet, the information I've encountered suggests that such a drastic change isn’t typically seen as normal. While I'm inclined to trust my surgeon’s opinion, I am alarmed by the idea of having such low respiratory activity, and I certainly don’t want to jeopardize my health by not breathing properly. To ensure my well-being, I discontinued my narcotic painkillers two days ago and switched to Tylenol for pain management, but I have not noticed any improvement in my respiratory situation. I’m left wondering whether it would be appropriate to seek assistance at a hospital for a matter like this, especially since it affects me while I’m asleep. I also feel a sense of embarrassment due to the nature of the surgery—this was a procedure I had desired and invested in. Currently, I am taking 1000 mg of Tylenol every six hours and Keflex four times daily, and that is all I’m managing to take at the moment.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 9:50:35 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel worried about your breathing patterns after surgery, especially given your recent procedure. Your concerns are valid, and it's important to address the symptoms you're experiencing with clarity and care.
Main Points:
- Decreased Breathing Rate: A breathing rate of 7 to 8 breaths per minute is significantly lower than the normal range of 12 to 20 breaths per minute for adults.
- Pain Upon Exhalation: Experiencing pain during exhalation can indicate that something may need attention, especially after recent surgery.
Explanation:
After breast augmentation, it's common to experience some discomfort and changes in breathing due to pain, swelling, or the effects of anesthesia. While your surgeon may have noted that decreased breathing is sometimes seen, your reported low rate raises a red flag that warrants careful consideration. Pain while breathing, especially if it's significant or worsening, is also concerning and should not be dismissed.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your breathing rate, pain levels, and any other changes. Note if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or short of breath, as these can be signs of more serious issues.
-
Practice Deep Breathing: If comfortable, try to practice deep breathing exercises while awake. This can help increase lung capacity gradually and ensure better oxygen exchange. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through pursed lips. Do this gently to avoid increasing pain.
-
Avoid Straining: If breathing deeply causes pain, take it slow and avoid any activities that might strain your chest, such as heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
-
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough fluids can help keep your throat and lungs moist, which may alleviate some discomfort.
-
Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Given your concerning symptoms, especially the low breathing rate and pain upon exhalation, it's a good idea to reach out to your surgeon or a healthcare professional. You might feel embarrassed, but it’s crucial to prioritize your health. Explain your symptoms clearly and ask if you should come in for an evaluation. If you experience worsening symptoms, such as significant difficulty breathing, consider seeking immediate medical attention.
Your health and well-being are paramount, and addressing these concerns is essential. Remember that it's completely normal to have worries post-surgery, and seeking help is a responsible step in ensuring your recovery.
Related Questions
Experiencing Severe Discomfort - What Are My Options?
Age: 35, Height: 5'2", Weight: 61 kg. I have been suffering from intense discomfort located beneath both of my ribs, particularly a sharp pain deep under my left rib cage. A significant medical event occurred on November 25 when I underwent gallbladder removal. This morning I experienced diarrhea, which has since improved after taking loperamide. However, about an hour ago, I was abruptly awakened by significant pain radiating under my ribs. Additionally, I've experienced minor nausea that hasn’t alleviated my symptoms. I took co-codamol roughly three hours ago for pain relief, but it has proven ineffective against the current level of pain I'm enduring. What might be causing these symptoms? I live in the UK and I'm hesitant to utilize emergency services unnecessarily. Yet, given that co-codamol hasn't alleviated my discomfort, and I have a demanding 12-hour shift ahead tomorrow, what steps should I take next?
Concerns About Potential Oven Cleaner Exposure: Should I Be Worried?
I'm a 23-year-old male, weighing 225 pounds, living in the United States. After shifting to a new apartment, I discovered that the oven still had dried remnants of oven cleaner that hadn't been washed off. My roommate had recently applied a different oven cleaner and scrubbed it with a Brillo pad, followed by rinsing. The next day, when I used the oven to heat some food, I noticed some leftover residue in the corners. A chemical odor caught my attention, and after about 15 minutes, I decided to transfer my food to the microwave for safety. Moreover, I had used the same Brillo pad to clean the oven tray before placing my food on it, unaware that it had been previously used with oven cleaner the night before. Now, I'm feeling anxious that I might have ingested some oven cleaner. I’m experiencing an unusual cold sensation in my mouth and throat, which comes with a scratchy or dry feeling. I'm wondering if the amount of cleaner I might have been exposed to is concerning or if it's merely a negligible trace. Any insights from others who have experienced this would be greatly appreciated.
Navigating Motion Sickness and Cybersickness
Hello everyone! I'm a 16-year-old female, with a height of 162 cm, and I’ve dealt with motion sickness for most of my life. Recently, however, it has worsened significantly, extending to cybersickness as well. Spending more than 25 minutes in front of a screen leads to severe discomfort—something that is particularly challenging since I need to use screens for my schoolwork and beyond. After these episodes, I often find myself unable to do anything but lie in bed for the remainder of the day, wrestling with nausea or even vomiting. This issue doesn’t just arise from screen time; I also experience stomach upset during walks or jogs, which leaves me puzzled about how to alleviate this condition. I frequently rely on over-the-counter travel sickness medication, specifically Avomine, and while it does offer some relief, the effect is minimal. I’m seeking advice or suggestions that might help me regain a sense of normalcy in my daily life. For your reference, I don't smoke and only consume alcohol on very rare occasions. I’m located in the UK! Any tips would be greatly appreciated!
Navigating Iron Levels: A Personal Journey
At 36, I find myself grappling with iron deficiency issues ever since I had a copper IUD placed. Though I had it removed three years ago, my ferritin levels still remain troublingly low; I've seen some progress—up from a previous 5—yet it’s still far from satisfactory. Currently, I take heme optifer iron three times a week to try to boost my levels. During my initial blood test, I was fasting and had halted my iron supplements for a full day prior. The results were perplexing, leading me to pause my iron intake for another two weeks before submitting blood work again. The recent results showed: - Iron: 32.7 umol/L - Transferrin: 1.74 g/L - Transferrin Saturation: 0.74 - TIBC: 44 umol/L - Ferritin: 29 I’m struggling to understand these findings. Is it typical to have such high transferrin saturation whilst my ferritin remains low? More importantly, what strategies can I use to elevate my ferritin levels to the desired range of 50 to 60 given these blood test results?
Swelling and Discoloration at the Tip of My Big Toe
I am a 34-year-old assigned female at birth, standing 6'1" and weighing 225 pounds. I do not smoke and my current medications include Lexapro, Metformin, and Tirzepatide. Recently, I accidentally trimmed my toenail a bit too short, though there was still visible nail left. Initially, I experienced some discomfort accompanied by redness, tightness, and swelling around the toe, but I decided to manage it without seeking immediate attention. However, a few days ago, I began to notice the emergence of purple dots and streaks, which have progressively worsened. Furthermore, I have also detected a painful purple area at the edge of my second toenail, which is surprising as I haven’t trimmed them in several weeks. I would appreciate any insights on this issue, as I’d like to avoid unnecessary expenses for a medical consultation that may lead to a dismissive response like “just let it grow out.”