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:
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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!
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