OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns After Appendectomy: Seeking Advice

A 30-year-old female, weighing 150 pounds and of Caucasian descent, underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy on June 25th for non-perforating appendicitis. Her medical history includes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Hashimoto's thyroiditis, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Current medications consist of metoprolol ER 50mg, midodrine 5mg, Allegra, Vyvanse 40mg, and oxycodone 5mg. I am reaching out for advice regarding my antibiotic treatment and whether I should consider emergency care, or if it is acceptable to wait until my follow-up appointment on July 8th. Following my emergency surgery on June 25th, the recovery has been quite painful, though it was generally progressing well. However, I experienced an incident two days post-operation when my dog jumped onto my lap, landing on my lower stomach. On July 1st, I began noticing rashes around my incision sites, where the surgical glue had begun to come off. The affected areas have become extremely itchy, red, elevated, and warm, extending beyond the incisions themselves. While the incisions appear nearly closed and show no signs of draining or infection, on July 3rd, my primary care physician expressed concern about possible infection due to the warmth and prescribed doxycycline. I commenced the antibiotic treatment that same day, but since then, my abdominal pain has intensified, contrasting with earlier improvements. Currently, I am experiencing pressure in my pelvic region, which has made urination uncomfortable. Transitioning from sitting to standing triggers sharp pains, and discomfort seems to be radiating across my lower abdomen from one side to the other. Although I often feel warm, I have checked my temperature and am not running a fever. I find myself worried about the possibility of an internal infection at the surgical site. Would the prescribed doxycycline suffice if an internal infection is present? Should I pursue emergency assistance or can I safely wait until my scheduled follow-up on July 8th? The surgeon emphasized the importance of monitoring pain levels due to the likelihood of post-operative infections resulting from the surgery's location and the appendicitis itself.

Answers (1)

7/5/2025, 5:10:37 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re feeling quite anxious about your recovery after your recent appendectomy, especially given the new symptoms you are experiencing. It’s understandable to be concerned about possible infections and discomfort.

Key Points

1. You are experiencing persistent pain, itching, and redness around your incision sites.
2. Pressure in your pelvic region and changes in urination are also concerning.
3. Your primary care physician prescribed doxycycline to address potential infection, which is a common antibiotic for this situation.

Explanation

After surgery, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, but if you notice significant increases in pain, especially sharp pains, or changes in your symptoms, that can indicate complications. The rashes you describe, combined with increased warmth and itching, could suggest an allergic reaction to the surgical glue or a potential infection that needs further evaluation. Doxycycline is a common antibiotic for treating certain types of infections, but if the issue is more complicated (like an internal issue), further evaluation may be needed.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of your abdominal pain, any changes in your incision sites, and any other new symptoms. Note if you develop a fever or if the rash worsens.

2. Contact Your Healthcare Provider: Given the intensity of your abdominal pain, pelvic pressure, and changes in urination, I recommend contacting your primary care physician or surgeon’s office to report these symptoms. They may decide to see you sooner or provide tailored advice.

3. Evaluate Pain Management: Since your pain has increased, discuss with your healthcare provider about adjusting your pain management plan. Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) may help depending on your medical history and current medications.

4. Emergency Care If Needed: If your pain becomes severe, you notice any changes such as fever, severe swelling, or if you feel faint or unwell, seek emergency care right away.

It's okay to feel worried about this situation. Focus on communication with your healthcare team; they are best equipped to guide you through this recovery process.