Concerns Post-Laparoscopic Appendectomy: Tenderness and Discharge After Four Weeks
I’m reaching out via my backup account. Is there anyone else out there who's dealt with ongoing tenderness, sharp sensations, or a feeling of emptiness around the belly button weeks following laparoscopic surgery? How long did it take for you to heal completely? Was your discomfort alleviated with antibiotics and local treatment? My recovery has been progressing fairly well, especially with support from my boyfriend. However, I had to return home to avoid becoming overstayed as I had my emergency while visiting him towards the end of my trip. Now back at home, I live on the fifth floor without an elevator, which has made things tricky as I’ve had to transport groceries upstairs while being cautious to not exceed carrying 3 kg in each hand. Climbing the stairs seems to have exacerbated my condition. I’ve begun to feel soreness when getting in and out of bed frequently, and there’s some pressure near the left side of my navel port site. The stitches around the incision are starting to show a faint pink color. Currently, I had to travel for work and opted to wear cycling shorts to limit movement in my abdomen. However, I may have put too much strain on myself, as I noticed some dried blood and sticky discharge after using the restroom following my flight. I reached out to my doctor, who prescribed additional antibiotics (Augmentin). Fortunately, I’m not experiencing any fever, chills, or significant inflammation. Yet, there’s still a sharp sensation at the site, which becomes uncomfortable when I walk around without proper abdominal support. I’m becoming uneasy as my return to work is approaching in two weeks (eight weeks post-operation). My job involves high physical demands, with lots of movement and lifting, not to mention some heavy-duty tasks. I would like to know if what I’m experiencing is typical and what further precautions I should consider. I’ve promised myself to be cautious moving forward. Thanks in advance for your advice! I will be sharing some pictures. The first image was taken when I first noticed the issue, the second one after I cleaned the area, and the third one shows what it looked like after my first dose of antibiotics along with paracetamol.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 5:30:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about ongoing tenderness and discharge weeks following your laparoscopic appendectomy, especially as you navigate recovery in a challenging living situation. Let’s break down your symptoms and provide some actionable next steps to help you feel more secure in your healing process.
Main Points
- Ongoing tenderness, sharp sensations, and discharge after surgery can be common but should be monitored.
- The pink color around your incision and the presence of discharge may indicate irritation or a mild infection.
- It’s important to manage physical activity and take precautions to allow your body to heal properly.
Explanation
After laparoscopic surgery, it’s normal to experience some tenderness and localized sharp sensations as the body heals. However, persistent discomfort, especially with signs of discharge or changes in your incision site, should not be ignored. The pink discoloration may suggest some inflammation, which, combined with a sticky discharge, could signal an issue that needs attention, even if you are currently on antibiotics.
Your living situation and the physical demands of your job add to the complexity of your recovery. Climbing stairs and carrying heavy items can strain your abdominal muscles and may contribute to your discomfort. Since you noted some dried blood and the challenge of transporting groceries, it is wise to continue being cautious to avoid overexertion.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a close eye on any changes in your incision site. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, worsening discharge, or the development of a fever, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
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Limit Physical Activity: Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for the next few weeks. As you approach your return to work, consider discussing modified duties to ease your transition back into a physically demanding role.
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Support Your Abdomen: When moving around, consider wearing a supportive abdominal garment or band that helps stabilize the area when you're up and about.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your overall recovery.
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Follow Up: Since you’ve already reached out to your doctor, continue to communicate your symptoms. If your situation doesn’t improve, particularly if discomfort increases or you notice new symptoms, a follow-up in person would be beneficial.
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Rest and Recovery: Prioritize rest whenever possible. Allow your body time to heal by minimizing activities that cause strain.
It's great to hear you have support from your boyfriend; lean on that support as you recover. Healing from surgery can take time and patience, and it’s important to prioritize your health over rushing back into demanding activities. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to ask!
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