Post-appendectomy

[Oncmed]

It is now 3 weeks since my emergency appendectomy- my appendix was gangrenous and nearly ruptured. I required a second surgery 4 days later as I continued to decline in health - they washed out my abdominal area due to the severe infection and put in a drain.

I have been at home now for nearly 2 weeks and I’m starting to get sharp pains where my appendix use to be. I haven’t had this problem until now and I’m concerned. Doctors keep saying it’s healing pain it will go away.

Considering most people can be back to work in a week after laparoscopic surgery and out of hospital the day after surgery - mine has been a massively prolonged experience.

Has anyone else had this experience? Should I return to the doctors? I know you shouldn’t google things (I told the doctors I had appendicitis after they told me I had an upset stomach) but I’m concerned it’s a ‘stump appendix’ that would require more surgery!

[hypercat54]

Hi this sounds nasty. I would go back to the doctors and insist they do something. Maybe the infection has come back? I hope you feel better soon. x

[cyberbarn]

Have you taken your temperature? Post surgical infection usually goes along with a raised temperature. If you had a raised temperature they would have a harder time saying nothing is wrong. On the other hand if you don't, then maybe it really is just healing pain. There will be a lot of inflammation from the surgery and infection, that is where all the Pacman like white blood cells hang around eating up all the stuff that shouldn't be there. That inflammation can cause pain, as well as causing mild depression. Sometimes it is called post surgical blues, where everything, including pain, can feel worse than it is.

I hope things settle down and become more clear for you soon.

[Oncmed]

Hi all, thanks for your replies. I went to A&E, and low and behold my blood tests showed signs of a massive infection. I just had a CT scan and have several pockets of fluid (pus) in abdomen. I am nill by mouth and it’s just a waiting game to see if I need surgery, will know when the doctor comes round this morning.