hey, i'm originally from northeast indiana (it sucked too...probably not as bad as the gary area tho) and have also had the appendectomy thing a few years ago and can say this...for the next few weeks, coughing will be the last thing you'll want to do. i would just chill with the tube, pills and a few beers...maybe try a couple sissy tokes now and then after a few days...

rest well and get well soon...