Experiencing Cold Symptoms Following an Appendectomy: What Should I Do?
At 19 years of age, I recently underwent an appendectomy on the 22nd, and overall, my recovery has been decent. I’m not experiencing severe abdominal pain, nor do I have any unusual discoloration or discharge from my surgical sites, considering it was a laparoscopic procedure. However, on the 29th, I began to feel extremely drained and sluggish, as if my energy had vanished. Additionally, I've been experiencing some nausea, making it challenging to eat without feeling unwell afterward. I had previously visited the emergency room on the 26th due to discomfort caused by trapped air from the surgery, which I was told wasn't a significant concern. Now, I'm feeling anxious and contemplating whether I should return to the ER or consult with my primary care physician to rule out any underlying issues. I have an upcoming appointment scheduled for August 4th, and I'm uncertain whether to wait it out or monitor my symptoms more closely. I do tend to worry about my health, but I have been following all the necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated and avoiding heavy lifting. Despite this, I still feel off. I have anti-nausea medication on hand, though I haven’t yet used it, and I only took Tylenol for a couple of days post-surgery since my pain was manageable. While I haven’t developed a fever, I sometimes feel fluctuations in temperature. I've been regularly checking and my readings have consistently stayed below 100°F, averaging around 99.7°F. I'm just seeking advice on how to proceed given these symptoms.
Answers (1)
7/31/2025, 12:40:42 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're currently experiencing some concerning but not uncommon symptoms following your appendectomy while managing your recovery. Given your energy drain, nausea, and fluctuating temperatures, it's important to monitor your symptoms closely while also taking steps to support your recovery.
Explanation:
After surgery, especially a procedure like an appendectomy, it's normal to feel some fatigue and minor gastrointestinal issues as your body adjusts and heals. While you don’t have severe symptoms or significant signs of infection, persistent fatigue and nausea deserve careful attention. Feeling anxious about these changes is understandable, especially if you're recovery-focused.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your energy levels and nausea. Write down when the symptoms occur and their severity. This will help you track patterns and may be useful when discussing with a healthcare provider.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Continue to prioritize staying hydrated which is crucial for recovery. Try to eat small, light meals more frequently throughout the day instead of larger meals. Foods like broth, toast, bananas, and applesauce (often referred to as the BRAT diet) can be gentle on the stomach.
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Anti-Nausea Medication: If nausea persists and makes it difficult to eat, consider using the anti-nausea medication you have on hand. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or the medication packaging.
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Rest: Ensure you're allowing your body adequate rest. Try to balance any light activity with plenty of downtime to help your energy levels.
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Monitor Temperature: Continue to check your temperature regularly. If it rises to 100.4°F (38°C) or above, or if you start experiencing new symptoms like increased abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or any other concerning changes, seek medical advice promptly.
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Be Prepared for Your Appointment: As your scheduled appointment on August 4th approaches, gather your symptom diary and be prepared to discuss all your concerns. This will help your primary care physician make an informed assessment.
If your symptoms worsen or you feel increasingly concerned, don’t hesitate to return to the ER or seek medical advice sooner. Your health and comfort are the most important factors, and expressing these worries to a healthcare provider can provide reassurance or necessary intervention.
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