Experiencing Pain Post-Antibiotic Treatment for Appendicitis – Seeking Insights
Greetings! I’m a 26-year-old female who was diagnosed with mild appendicitis during a visit to the emergency room on June 19th. At that time, my appendix measured 8mm, and my white blood cell count was 12. Fast forward to today, June 28th. I was treated in the ER with intravenous antibiotics, which significantly reduced my pain level from about a 7/10 to a mere 2/10 by the next morning, after which I was discharged. Although my white blood cell count has decreased to around 7, I was not given another CT scan. I received a prescription for a 13-day course of Augmentin, which I’ve been taking twice daily. Currently, I am on day 8 of the antibiotics, but I’ve noticed a rise in my pain levels to approximately 4/10 since leaving the hospital. For the past five days, the pain seems to have stabilized at that level. While it is manageable, it is uncomfortable, and I experience sharp, icy sensations in various areas of my abdomen. There is still some discomfort on my lower right side, but it feels different compared to the initial pain. The discomfort increases when my bladder is full, and I also face alternating episodes of constipation and diarrhea. I am curious if it is typical to still experience pain at this stage. Notably, pressing on my abdomen does not exacerbate the pain. I have a follow-up appointment with my general practitioner on Tuesday, but I am contemplating a return to the ER. However, I worry they might recommend surgery regardless of my test outcomes. I’m uncertain if this ongoing pain is still related to my appendicitis or if it could be attributed to the potent antibiotics, gas, or constipation. Additionally, I struggle with severe panic disorder, which heightens my anxiety about the prospect of surgery. While I understand that proceeding with surgery may be the more straightforward option, my intense fear of medications complicates things. I find it exceedingly difficult to take even a single Tylenol, so I feel overwhelmed at the thought of handling anesthesia and pain management. Just the idea of it triggers panic attacks for me. I’m seeking general advice. Does my situation sound typical?
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 3:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation. It sounds understandably challenging, and it's commendable that you're managing your health concerns while dealing with anxiety.
Summary of Main Points:
- It's possible to experience ongoing pain after appendicitis treatment, but you should monitor the nature and level of the pain.
- Anxiety about potential surgery is valid, especially with your panic disorder. Managing symptoms and your mental health is crucial.
- Keeping an appointment with your general practitioner (GP) is a good step.
Explanation: After treatment for appendicitis, some discomfort can linger due to various reasons, including inflammation, irritation from antibiotics, or digestive changes (like gas or bowel irregularities). The fact that you experience variations in pain levels, as you mentioned, can be related to healing and not necessarily indicate a failure of treatment. Since pressing on your abdomen does not worsen the pain, this could be a positive sign suggesting that an urgent complication is less likely.
Your symptoms of sharp sensations and abdominal discomfort with a full bladder could also be related to bladder irritation or changes in bowel habits due to the antibiotics. The alternating constipation and diarrhea are also not uncommon side effects of antibiotic use. However, since your symptoms have shifted since your discharge, it’s essential to discuss them with your GP.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your pain levels, dietary habits, bowel movements, and any other significant symptoms. This will provide useful details for your GP.
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Focus on Comfort Measures: To manage abdominal discomfort:
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet. Try smaller, more frequent meals that are gentle on your stomach.
- Gentle abdominal massage or heat pads may help relieve discomfort.
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Plan for Your GP Visit: Prepare a list of all your symptoms, concerns about surgery, and how your anxiety affects your ability to take medications. This will help your GP understand your situation comprehensively.
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Consider Anxiety Management Techniques: Engaging in relaxation exercises, guided imagery, or deep breathing may help reduce anxiety. If you haven't already, consider discussing these options with a mental health professional who understands your panic disorder.
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Decide on ER Return Carefully: If your pain worsens suddenly, or if you experience severe symptoms like high fever, persistent nausea, or vomiting, returning to the ER is wise. But if symptoms remain stable, it may be best to wait for your GP appointment.
Please remember that you are not alone in this experience. You're taking positive steps to manage your health, and by being proactive and prepared, you can make informed decisions about your care moving forward. If you have more questions or need further clarity, feel free to ask!
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