Post-Surgery Concerns After Appendectomy
I’m a 25-year-old assigned female at birth doing my best to manage ADHD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and depression, alongside allergies to both Amoxicillin and pollen. My current medications include Adderall XR, Trazodone, Intuniv, Prozac, and Sprintec, while I’ve recently stopped my testosterone treatments. Yesterday, I underwent an emergency appendectomy, marking my first experience with anesthesia and surgical procedures. I am currently experiencing considerable soreness and I apologize for any errors in my writing due to this discomfort. I have a few inquiries regarding my post-operative care. To begin with, my incisions were sealed with stitches and glue, but they were left uncovered. Is this typical? I’m very worried about the risk of infection. Should I apply any dressings at home, and if so, what materials are recommended? Additionally, there was a plan for me to remain in the hospital for another night since the pharmacy had already closed by my discharge time. However, my surgical team insisted that I be sent home instead. Moreover, I noticed that none of the adhesive stickers for the oxygen tubes were removed before my discharge, and the areas hadn't been shaved prior to application. My nurse expressed disbelief over this oversight. Is it possible that my surgical team simply missed this step? Perhaps I woke up too soon for them to remove or manage these items before I left? I do recall not being particularly compliant during the recovery phase; I was thrashing around and quite vocal due to my discomfort and confusion, though I did express regret for my behavior. Is this all part of the usual recovery process following an appendectomy? I appreciate any insights you can provide to help me understand the situation better.
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 9:01:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your recovery after your appendectomy. It’s completely normal to have questions and worries at this stage, and I’m here to help clarify your situation and guide you through your recovery process.
Main Points:
- Incision Care: It's typical for appendectomy incisions to be sealed and left uncovered, but monitoring for signs of infection is essential.
- Soreness and Post-Operative Behavior: Your discomfort and the reaction after anesthesia can be common, and it’s important to take care of yourself during recovery.
- Post-Discharge Observations: Issues like unremoved adhesive stickers from oxygen tubes can happen, but it’s good to keep an eye on any lingering sensations or concerns.
Explanation:
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Incision Management: After an appendectomy, incisions may be closed with stitches and glue, and sometimes they are left uncovered to allow for airflow. It’s important to keep the area clean and dry. You should look for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If you feel concerned, a breathable bandage can be applied, but make sure it doesn’t stick to the glue or stitches.
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Soreness: Feeling sore after surgery is very common. It’s your body’s way of healing. Keep an eye on your pain; using ice packs and taking prescribed pain medication can help manage your discomfort.
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Adhesive Stickers and Post-Operative Behavior: Oversights can happen, and if you have concerns about the unremoved stickers, you can gently clean the area with soap and water, but avoid scrubbing too hard. If you experience any irritation or if they're causing discomfort, consider discussing this with a healthcare professional.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Your Incisions: For the next week, regularly check the incisions for any signs of infection and reach out to a healthcare professional if you notice anything unusual.
- Pain Management: Continue with any prescribed pain medications as needed and try using ice packs to reduce soreness.
- Rest and Recovery: Allow your body to rest. Engage in light activities as comfortable but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for the time being.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your healing process.
- Follow-Up Care: Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to review your progress and address any lingering concerns, including the adhesive stickers.
You are doing your best to manage a challenging recovery, and it's okay to have these questions. Pay attention to your body and reach out for help whenever you feel uncertain or worried. Take care!
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