Post-Appendectomy Diarrhea: Could It Be Post-Op Ileus or Antibiotic Side Effects?
Greetings, I’m a 36-year-old female, Caucasian, standing at 5'6" and weighing 260 pounds. I have never smoked and drink infrequently. My medical history includes diagnoses such as IBS-D, GERD, Grave’s Disease (previously Hashimoto’s), sleep apnea, and PCOS. I currently take several medications: fluoxetine, methimazole, singulair, Zyrtec, omeprazole, Slynd, and Wegovy (administered weekly). Over the past week and a half, I have been on a range of antibiotics. At present, I am recuperating in the hospital following an appendectomy. A few days ago, upon my arrival at the emergency room, a CT scan revealed that I had “uncomplicated” appendicitis. After discussing options with my doctors, we opted for an initial treatment of antibiotics to postpone surgery. For 3 ½ days, I was administered Flagyl three times daily, alongside other injected antibiotics ranging from one to two times per day, while being unable to consume food or fluids, relying solely on intravenous nourishment. Ultimately, on the fourth day, I underwent surgery once the antibiotics failed to reduce the inflammation. Now on my fifth day in the hospital, I am still receiving antibiotics. A key requirement for my discharge is passing gas post-surgery. However, every time I feel a potential release (my stomach is constantly gurgling), I instead experience diarrhea. While I've been burping, I haven't been able to pass gas. Could this situation suggest a post-operative ileus, or might it simply be a result of the antibiotics accumulating in my system without anything else in my digestive tract to counteract them? You might be wondering why I don’t just ask the medical staff, but they only visit once each day. In the best-case scenario, if I inquire about this, I could end up spending an extra night in the hospital awaiting a response tomorrow. I really want to go home and am unsure if bringing this up is worth the hassle.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 5:10:45 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about post-operative symptoms like diarrhea after your appendectomy, especially in light of your recent antibiotic use. Diarrhea could indeed stem from several factors, including a post-operative ileus or antibiotic side effects.
Main Points:
- Causes of Diarrhea: It could be linked to antibiotic effects, post-operative changes, or even a temporary disruption of your digestive system from surgery.
- Importance of Monitoring Symptoms: It’s crucial to assess symptoms and understand the underlying cause, especially as you prepare for discharge.
Explanation:
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Post-Operative Ileus: This condition occurs when the intestines temporarily stop functioning correctly after surgery. It can cause bloating and difficulty passing gas, but it typically leads to reduced bowel activity rather than diarrhea. Diarrhea after surgery can be unusual and may suggest that your gastrointestinal system is reacting, potentially aggravated by antibiotics.
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Antibiotic Side Effects: Antibiotics can disrupt your gut flora, leading to diarrhea, known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Without food intake, this effect could be heightened as your system adjusts.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how often you're experiencing diarrhea, any associated pain, and your ability to pass gas. This information can be useful for assessing your condition.
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Communicate Your Concerns: Consider asking for a brief discussion with the medical staff when they are next available. Express your concern about the diarrhea and the importance of passing gas for your discharge. Make it clear you want to understand what might be happening.
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Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids (if allowed) to stay hydrated, especially if you are experiencing diarrhea. This will help support your recovery.
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Dietary Adjustments: If you're cleared for soft foods, consider starting with bland, easy-to-digest options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet), which may help manage diarrhea.
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Stay Positive and Patient: It’s natural to want to recover quickly, but give your body the time it needs to heal. Your healthcare team will want you to be comfortable and healthy before discharge.
Let me know if you have more questions or need further guidance!
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