Experiencing Diarrhea Following Appendectomy
Female, age 45, weighing 127 pounds. Hi everyone, I underwent an appendectomy last Sunday. Initially, I didn’t have any bowel movements until late Tuesday night or early Wednesday, but since then, I’ve only had diarrhea. On Friday, I took Imodium, which was effective for about one to two days, but now the diarrhea has returned. I also find it difficult to achieve a clean wipe after using the restroom. In hopes of improving my situation, I started taking Florastor probiotics, but so far, I haven't seen any positive results. Is this a typical experience? Following surgery, I wasn’t prescribed any antibiotics for home use; instead, I received a 30-minute intravenous infusion of Zosyn the day before my discharge due to a urinary tract infection. I’ve primarily been sticking to the BRAT diet and haven’t experienced any significant stomach discomfort apart from the incision sites. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that when I go to urinate, diarrhea often occurs simultaneously, making it surprising when I end up needing to have a bowel movement while I’m just trying to pee. Thank you for your attention. I would greatly appreciate any advice or tips you might have for me. Thank you!
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 4:30:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some challenging digestive issues following your appendectomy, which isn’t uncommon after such surgery. While many people encounter changes in bowel habits post-operatively, it’s important to take steps to address your diarrhea and ensure your recovery progresses smoothly.
Explanation:
After an appendectomy, changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea, can occur due to a variety of factors. Stress, changes in diet, anesthesia effects, and post-surgical recovery can all influence your digestive system. The fact that you started experiencing diarrhea a few days after surgery is not unusual. Introducing probiotics like Florastor can help restore gut health, but it may take some time to see their full benefits. Additionally, the connection between urination and diarrhea can sometimes relate to pelvic floor changes or discomfort around incisions as they heal.
Next Steps:
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Stay Hydrated: Since diarrhea can lead to dehydration, ensure you’re drinking plenty of fluids. Electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte) can be very beneficial.
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BRAT Diet: Continue with the BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast), which is gentle on the stomach. Gradually introduce other bland foods as you feel comfortable.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of your bowel movements, any associated symptoms (like fever or increased pain), and your fluid intake to help identify patterns or triggers.
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Review Medications: If Imodium provided temporary relief, consider using it again if symptoms persist, but use it cautiously. If diarrhea continues for another couple of days, it might be wise to pause any more IBS medications as it can lead to complications.
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Track Probiotic Use: Continue taking Florastor as directed but keep an eye on how your body responds. Probiotics take time to adjust gut flora and normal bowel patterns.
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Gentle Activity: Maintain light physical activity as tolerated to support your overall recovery, but avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by your doctor.
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Reach Out for Help: If your symptoms do not improve in the next few days, or if they worsen (e.g., persistent severe diarrhea, dehydration, or new symptoms develop), don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further assessment.
Recognizing these early signs is important for your healing. If you have any other concerns, feel free to ask. Take care!
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