Recent Appendectomy Left Me with Persistent Abdominal and Back Pain
I'm a 24-year-old male and at the beginning of this year, I suffered from long COVID. It lasted around seven to eight months, from December to July. By July, I was relieved to notice a significant decline in symptoms, and I felt a lot better. However, since then, I've encountered a variety of health issues. I’ve been experiencing intermittent pain in my left testicle and groin, with the intensity varying over time. I visited the ER last month, where doctors conducted an ultrasound and CT scan, finding no abnormalities; my testicles and other organs appeared to be normal. About a month later, I began experiencing persistent pain in my lower right abdomen that lasted for three consecutive days. I returned to the hospital for another scan, and they informed me that my appendix had enlarged since my last visit and required laparoscopic removal that Sunday night. The following Monday, I was discharged without major issues apart from some urine retention and general soreness. Fast forward to two days ago, I began to feel a deep, intermittent pain in my lower left abdomen. This discomfort seems localized, sometimes beneath my left rib cage and at other times nearer the lower left quadrant of my abdomen. I suspect constipation may be contributing to this since I have been quite constipated lately. Additionally, I’m experiencing pain around my upper left ribs (specifically the 4th and 5th), which can be felt at various locations—on my back, side, or across the front of my rib cage. The pain varies in quality, sometimes dull or achy, and occasionally presenting a mild burning sensation. It fluctuates with my position and activities, like walking. Breathing isn't a problem, but it feels like I've got pain throughout the entire left side of my abdomen and rib cage. While most of the discomfort has been mild, it hasn’t subsided for several days. This year alone, I've had about five CT scans—including three in a short period—with contrast, and I’m apprehensive about undergoing more. I'm frustrated and just want to regain a sense of normalcy. After my appendectomy, I anticipated feeling much better and returning to my usual self, but now I’m dealing with these new pains, suggesting potential underlying inflammation. Is it typical to experience such discomfort related to constipation and gas after an appendectomy? Could my spleen be involved, even though there isn’t anything apparent that would cause it to enlarge, and a recent CT scan confirmed it was normal? I appreciate any insights or guidance you might offer.
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 8:30:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a challenging time with multiple sources of discomfort, especially after your recent appendectomy. Post-surgical pain and digestive issues like constipation can certainly cause considerable discomfort and be distressing. Let me address your concerns clearly.
Main Points:
- Post-Appendectomy Pain: It is common to experience abdominal discomfort after invasive surgery, including appendectomy, due to changes in your body and muscle healing.
- Constipation and Gas: These can cause pain and discomfort, especially localized pressure in the abdomen, and may contribute to your symptoms.
- Inflammation Considerations: While inflammation can lead to discomfort, given your recent scans showing no abnormalities, this provides some reassurance.
Explanation:
After your appendectomy, your body is still healing, and surgery can lead to changes in bowel habits. Constipation is common post-surgery due to pain, medications, and dietary changes. If gas builds up in the intestines, it can also lead to significant pain. While your spleen was confirmed to be normal on the CT scan, it wouldn't typically cause the pain you're describing unless there's an underlying issue, which appears unlikely given your recent imaging results.
Next Steps:
-
Manage Constipation:
- Diet: Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and ensure you’re drinking plenty of water.
- Physical Activity: Engage in light activity, as it can help stimulate digestion and relieve constipation.
- Over-the-Counter Solutions: Consider using a gentle laxative (like Miralax) if dietary changes don’t relieve constipation within a few days.
-
Pain Management:
- Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the abdominal area may help alleviate pain linked to gas and muscle tension.
- Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage mild pain (ensure you follow dosing instructions).
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of your pain and any other symptoms (e.g., changes in bowel habits, fever, or significant alterations in pain quality). Look for patterns and triggers.
-
Follow-up:
- If symptoms persist beyond a week or worsen (increased pain, fever, changes in bowel movements), consider reaching out to your healthcare provider to discuss further evaluation or management tailored to your situation.
Remember, it's understandable to feel frustrated after experiencing such a range of challenges, but you're taking important steps in seeking care and monitoring your health. Return to activities and hobbies you enjoy as you're able, as this will also help improve your overall wellbeing. Let me know if you have any further questions or need additional guidance!
Related Questions
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Healing Progress Post-GBS: Toe Concerns
I am a 28-year-old male, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 131 pounds. My current medications include Fomadatine and Zyrtec, prescribed due to my ongoing battle with Chronic Gastritis and SIBO. I maintain a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from both smoking and alcohol. My health concern revolves around the toe adjacent to my pinky toe on my left foot, as well as my pinky toe on the right foot. Since August of last year, I have been on the mend from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Recently, I've noticed that at night, the skin on my feet tends to turn a reddish pink, although this usually improves after I walk around. However, two of my toes have remained red, with one appearing slightly swollen. Generally, my pinky toes are quite thick, but the condition of my left foot's toe is worrisome for me. It seems that I'm unable to upload an image to illustrate my issue.
Swelling Beneath My Chin Near the Jawline
18-Year-Old Male: I'm reaching out to any medical professionals who might provide insights into my situation. I've been using marijuana since I was 14, but now, at 17, I'm making an effort to stop and have been clean for 18 days. Recently, I've discovered an unusual swelling located just beneath my chin, behind my jaw. It causes some discomfort when I move, yet it doesn’t feel painful continuously. I'm somewhat anxious that this could be indicative of a more serious issue, especially considering it's positioned near my chin's lymph nodes. Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as it might help alleviate my worry.