Managing Appendicitis with Antibiotic Therapy
34 years old Female Height: 5 feet 7 inches Weight: 84 kg Ethnicity: Caucasian Length of Symptoms: 1 day Location: Ireland Relevant Medical History: Well-controlled temporal lobe epilepsy Medication: Keppra 750 mg daily Greetings everyone, I arrived at the emergency department on Tuesday, the 9th, due to severe discomfort in my upper abdomen accompanied by significant vomiting. Following several CT scans, I was diagnosed with acute appendicitis. Unfortunately, surgery wasn't an option for me; the forceful vomiting resulted in a minor tear in my esophagus, and there was a notable amount of air in my system. A subsequent CT scan confirmed that there was no fluid leakage. The leading consultant determined that undergoing surgery posed too great a risk given the presence of air and the small tear. As a result, I was admitted to a general ward where I received intravenous antibiotic treatment. Over five days, I was also prescribed OxyNorm for pain relief. Daily blood tests indicated that my infection and inflammation returned to acceptable levels. I was discharged today with a prescription for two weeks of oral antibiotics and regular doses of Solpadeine for pain management. A surgical procedure to remove the appendix is planned for the future unless an emergency arises. Since discontinuing OxyNorm, I have been experiencing more noticeable pain; the pain relief medication I was prescribed seems to be less effective. However, the discomfort is significantly milder than the initial pain I had. The physician mentioned that experiencing some pain is normal and expressed no concern. I’m curious about how long I might expect the pain to persist? Additionally, would it be advisable to consider switching to Nurofen Plus (which combines ibuprofen with codeine)? Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 6:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a challenging time with your recent diagnosis and hospital stay. Managing your pain effectively while recovering from appendicitis is important.
Key Points:
- Pain Expectation: Some pain post-appendicitis is normal and may last for several days to weeks, especially as your body heals.
- Medication Consideration: Switching to Nurofen Plus may provide better pain relief, but it’s important to use it cautiously and consult your healthcare provider about any medication changes.
Explanation:
Following appendicitis, pain levels can vary significantly due to inflammation and healing processes. It's common for individuals to experience more pain once stronger pain medications are reduced. Since your doctor indicated that some discomfort is normal, it appears they believe you are healing appropriately.
As for Nurofen Plus, it contains ibuprofen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID), which can help reduce pain and inflammation, and codeine, which adds further pain relief. That said, both medications can have side effects, and codeine can lead to dependence if used long-term.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Pain Levels: Keep track of your pain intensity and any changes in your symptoms. Note when pain occurs and any triggers.
-
Pain Management: If you feel that Solpadeine is not managing your pain adequately, consider discussing the use of Nurofen Plus with your healthcare provider. They can advise on the appropriateness of this combination based on your current health status and medications.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Continue to drink plenty of fluids and allow yourself time to rest, as healing requires energy and resources from your body.
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Follow-Up Care: Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to reassess your condition and pain management strategy.
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When to Seek Help: If your pain worsens significantly, you develop new symptoms (like fever or persistent vomiting), or if the pain becomes unmanageable, reach out to your healthcare provider promptly.
Please take care of yourself, and remember, you've shown strength in navigating this situation. If you have more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
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