Ongoing Issues Following My Appendectomy
At 26 years old, I found myself in the emergency room on July 1st because of abdominal discomfort. The doctors diagnosed me with chronic appendicitis and prescribed antibiotics, sending me home. A week later, I underwent an appendectomy. However, shortly after the surgery, I experienced a significant spike in fever (ranging from 101 to 104 degrees) accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Upon returning to the emergency room, medical personnel discovered signs of a urinary infection through tests but were unable to determine the underlying cause via a CT scan. As a result, I was treated with intravenous antibiotics, specifically Rocephin. For the next couple of days, I struggled with constant vomiting and persistent diarrhea, though my fever subsided. This led to another visit to the ER due to dehydration, where I was given Promethazine for nausea and Sucralfate, which I have since stopped taking. Since that time, I’ve been dealing with sporadic health issues. Some days, I feel relatively fine, but then I experience a return of various symptoms including nausea, vomiting, bowel irregularities, abdominal discomfort (localized in several areas), acid reflux, fatigue, and even blood in my stool. A CT scan in August revealed proctitis, yet no other significant findings were noted. Most of the tests conducted (such as a celiac panel and an OVA and parasite test) returned with negative results. It has been two weeks since I took an H. Pylori test, and I’m still awaiting the results. My father had prostate cancer in his sixties, but I have no substantial family history of cancer or conditions that could shed light on my situation. I’ve previously dealt with mild stomach issues, such as occasional nausea and diarrhea, but nothing of this magnitude or persistence. My surgeon and primary care provider have both referred me to a gastroenterologist, who has been very helpful, yet I still feel lost without a clear diagnosis. I'm now seeking guidance on medical attention for this weekend. Over the last few days, I've been grappling with diarrhea, extreme fatigue, and increasing pain in the area where my appendix used to be. I reached out to my gastroenterologist but did not receive a reply before the weekend. Initially, I thought I could wait it out, but the pain intensified tonight. It has become painful to have a bowel movement, and the discomfort isn't limited to just my lower right abdomen; I occasionally feel it in other areas of my abdomen and lower back. Although the pain isn’t as severe as my appendicitis, it has a troubling resemblance that concerns me. I don’t have a fever at the moment, but I worry about the possibility of another infection. I am contemplating whether to go to urgent care or the emergency room—urgent care has been subpar and lacks imaging technology, but I'm unsure if my current state warrants a visit to the ER, since I doubt it could be appendicitis again. **In Summary**: I've been experiencing various gastrointestinal issues including proctitis, nausea, and vomiting for two months following my appendectomy, and I'm uncertain where to seek medical help for the increasing abdominal pain I've endured over the last few days.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 2:31:06 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a troubling range of symptoms following your appendectomy, including increasing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and extreme fatigue. While you’ve seen your gastroenterologist and are awaiting further test results, your current symptoms and history do warrant prompt attention.
Explanation:
Appendectomies can sometimes lead to complications, including infections or other gastrointestinal issues. Your concerns about increasing pain, especially around the surgical area, and the recurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms are valid. Given that you are experiencing pain during bowel movements and have a history of significant abdominal discomfort, it's important to ensure that nothing more serious is occurring.
Next Steps:
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Seek Immediate Care: Given your worsening symptoms, particularly the pain and history of gastrointestinal issues post-surgery, I recommend going to the emergency room (ER). While it may not be appendicitis, the intensity of your symptoms requires a thorough evaluation to rule out complications such as infections or other gastrointestinal issues.
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Document Your Symptoms: Before your ER visit, take note of your symptoms, including:
- The severity and location of your pain.
- Any changes in your bowel movements (like consistency and frequency).
- Any other symptoms like nausea or fatigue. This information can help the healthcare team understand your situation better.
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Stay Hydrated: As you've experienced diarrhea and vomiting, it's important to try to stay hydrated. If you feel able, sip on clear fluids or oral rehydration solutions. However, if you are unable to keep fluids down, medical personnel at the ER will provide you with necessary IV fluids.
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Communicate Your History: Ensure you inform the ER staff about your previous appendectomy, your episodes of high fever, urinary infection, and any ongoing treatments. This history is crucial for assessing your current condition accurately.
By addressing your symptoms promptly in the ER, you will not only receive the necessary care but also gain more clarity on what’s happening with your health. Remember, your well-being is a priority, and seeking help is an important step in managing these complications. Please take care of yourself, and I hope you feel better soon.
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