Severe Discomfort Following Laparoscopic Appendectomy
I'm a 24-year-old male who underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy four days ago. The initial two days of my recovery were incredibly challenging, largely due to persistent gas pains. However, yesterday, on day three, I experienced a notable improvement, which gave me a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, upon waking today, I was met with a recurring agony reminiscent of my appendicitis days. I’m now dealing with a sharp, stabbing discomfort localized in my right lower abdomen and back, exacerbated when I take deep breaths or move around. This morning, I reached out to my surgeon, and we proceeded with some examinations. A CT scan showed that everything appeared normal, and blood tests were also conducted before I was discharged. I've just received my blood test results, which reveal that while my leukocyte levels are normal, my CRP (C-reactive protein) levels have spiked to an abnormal 61. My surgeon hasn’t yet returned my call regarding these results, but I find it extremely perplexing that I'm experiencing significant pain days after the surgery when I felt relatively pain-free initially. At the moment, I am managing my discomfort with ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 1:30:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about the pain you’re experiencing after your laparoscopic appendectomy, especially since it has changed from a feeling of improvement to a new, sharp discomfort. Here’s a brief overview of key points and next steps to consider.
Key Points:
- Post-surgery Pain: It’s normal to experience some discomfort after surgery, particularly from gas, incision pain, and internal healing.
- CRP Levels: A CRP level of 61 suggests inflammation in your body. This could be due to surgical healing but needs to be monitored given your symptoms.
- Pain Management: Continue managing pain with ibuprofen and paracetamol, but be cautious about prolonged use without guidance.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on any changes in your pain, especially if it worsens or if you develop new symptoms (fever, increased swelling, or drainage from the surgical site).
- Rest and Hydration: Ensure you’re resting adequately and staying hydrated, which can facilitate healing and reduce discomfort from gas.
- Deep Breathing: While it might hurt, gentle deep breathing exercises can help alleviate pain and prevent complications like pneumonia. Start with shallow breaths and gradually increase as you're comfortable.
- Contact Your Surgeon: Since you’ve had an abnormal CRP result and are experiencing significant pain, it's essential to follow up with your surgeon. Continue trying to reach them regarding your symptoms and lab results, emphasizing your pain and CRP levels. If you’re unable to reach them soon, consider contacting the medical facility to express the urgency of your situation.
Remember, it is important to prioritize your health and reach out for further support if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen. You’ve been through a lot, and it’s perfectly okay to seek clarification and reassurance from your medical team.
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