Let's talk about the experience of recovering from a "barbie butt" surgery, which is a proctectomy with complete rectal closure. This procedure can be quite challenging, especially if you have conditions like asthma or allergies that make you cough frequently. After surgery, coughing can be very painful, feeling almost like breaking a bone, and it might even make you feel like you're going to vomit. If you're wondering when this pain will ease up, here are some helpful tips and insights:

- Try using a firm pillow or a rolled-up towel. Hold it tightly against your abdomen or lower pelvis when you cough. This technique, known as splinting, can help reduce the strain on your surgical site and lessen the pain.

- The good news is that pain usually starts to improve fairly quickly within the first few weeks. Many people notice significant relief as they continue to heal.

- It's worth noting that some surgeons might remove or reposition abdominal muscles during the surgery, which can make coughing more painful initially.

- Even after you've healed, you might find that your coughs are shallower and less forceful for a while. However, your full coughing ability should generally return over time.