27-Year-Old Experiencing Persistent Abdominal Pain Following Laparoscopic Surgery
Hello everyone, I’m a 27-year-old female, and I underwent a laparoscopic appendectomy in May of last year. Initially, my recovery went fairly well. However, by early November, roughly six months after the surgery, I began to experience significant discomfort localized to one of my incisions on the lower left side of my abdomen. This pain has remained fixed in a small, specific area approximately the size of my fingertip. ### Description of the Pain: - The discomfort has been daily since November, and it is now March. - There’s a constant ache that lingers without fully subsiding. - It escalates to a 7 or 8 on a scale of 10 after prolonged standing, performing chores, bending, or remaining upright for too long. - Symptoms intensify when attempting to have a bowel movement. - Eating exacerbates the pain. - Coughing or traveling over bumps increases discomfort. - Lying down provides some relief. - Occasionally, it interrupts my sleep if I’ve had a busy day. - The sensation resembles severe menstrual cramps but is confined to that particular area. - There are no noticeable bulges. ### Diagnostics Conducted So Far: - In December, a faecal calprotectin test indicated mild elevation (around 90), but a subsequent test came back normal (about 15). - Stool examinations returned negative results. - Dynamic ultrasound and CT abdomen scans were performed. - I’ve been referred to general surgery and am currently awaiting my appointment. - As of now, a colonoscopy has not been conducted. Imaging has not revealed anything particularly alarming. ### Bowel Symptoms (Emerging around the Same Time): - Fluctuating between constipation and episodes of diarrhea. - Some days yield no bowel movements, while others result in notably large stools. - Stools tend to be thick, dark brown with occasional black specks (but not tarry). - I experience particularly foul-smelling gas. - There is no presence of bright red blood. ### Additional Symptoms: - I often feel fatigued, particularly by the end of the week. - About once a month, I experience a fever (between 38–39°C) accompanied by chills and subsequent hot sweats, which last for a day, and then I wake up feeling recovered. - I have not encountered any urinary complaints or ongoing night sweats. - There has been no noticeable decline in health from month to month. I have dropped some weight since May (from a size 8 to a 6), largely due to the stress and anxiety that have arisen since the surgery. At this stage, I am feeling quite drained. This pain has been a daily struggle for five months and shows no signs of abating. ### My Thoughts on Possible Causes: - A small hernia at the port site or a defect in the fascial layer. - Chronic pain related to the abdominal wall scarring. - Scar endometriosis. - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), though this may be a separate concern. While I’m awaiting my surgical consultation, I find myself becoming increasingly anxious. Has anyone experienced: - A minor hernia that didn’t appear clearly in a CT scan? - Scar endometriosis following laparoscopy? - Persistent abdominal wall pain lasting several months? What does this situation suggest to you? I’m truly weary of dealing with this and would be grateful for any insights.
Answers (1)
3/2/2026, 10:40:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been enduring a frustrating and painful experience following your laparoscopic appendectomy, particularly with the abdominal pain you described. It's good that you are awaiting a surgical consultation, as it can help clarify your situation.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms could stem from various causes, including scar tissue, a possible hernia, or gastrointestinal issues.
- Maintaining detailed communication about your symptoms with your healthcare team is crucial.
Explanation:
Persistent pain in the abdomen following surgery can often be caused by several factors. Given your description of localized pain at the incision site, it's plausible that you could be dealing with post-surgical pain syndrome, where scar tissue develops or causes irritation in the abdominal wall.
Your mention of bowel symptoms, such as fluctuating constipation and diarrhea, combined with your pain, may suggest an underlying gastrointestinal issue like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or post-surgical functional changes. Occasionally, conditions like scar endometriosis can also arise after abdominal surgery.
Your episodes of fever and chills could indicate that there’s an inflammatory process occurring, which warrants attention, even if there are no alarming findings in your imaging studies. The feeling of fatigue and weight loss also suggest that your body is undergoing stress and may need additional support.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting daily pain levels, bowel habits, and any triggers or improvements can help your healthcare provider make a more informed assessment.
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Discuss Specific Symptoms with Your Doctor: When you meet with the surgeon, make sure to bring up the following concerns:
- The potential of a hernia and whether it could be missed on imaging.
- The signs that may suggest scar endometriosis.
- The varying bowel symptoms and how they relate to your abdominal pain.
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Consider Dietary Adjustments: To manage gastrointestinal symptoms, you might want to consider:
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger ones.
- Keeping a food diary to track what may exacerbate your symptoms.
- Staying hydrated and including fiber in your diet to help with bowel regularity.
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Pain Management: For managing your current pain levels, consider over-the-counter pain relief options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as tolerated and if there are no contraindications. Applying a heat pack can also provide temporary relief.
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Practice Stress Relief: Given the anxiety about your symptoms, exploring relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise can be beneficial for both managing pain and reducing stress.
It's understandable to feel exhausted from this experience, but gathering thorough notes and communicating openly with your medical team will be essential in receiving the best care going forward. Remember, you're not alone in this, and there are paths to find relief and clarity.
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