Recovering From Appendix Surgery: What to Expect

Appendix surgery, also known as an appendectomy, is a surgical procedure for removing your appendix. Appendectomies are emergency surgeries that are performed on people who have suffered appendicitis, which is an infection of the appendix. Once appendicitis begins, it’s crucial to have the appendix removed before it bursts, as this can prove fatal.

You’ll know if you have appendicitis by the telltale excruciating pain that starts in the middle of your stomach and travels to the lower-right side. You might also experience a fever, nausea, vomiting, and other abdominal issues if you have appendicitis.

An appendix surgery is a fairly common and routine procedure that typically goes off without a hitch. The procedure usually takes around one hour, depending on which type of appendectomy you prefer and how skilled your doctor is.

Types of Appendix Surgery

If you need to undergo appendix surgery, you’ll have two options – an open or a laparoscopic appendectomy.

Open Appendectomy

In the past, open appendectomies were the only surgical option to remove the appendix. With this method, your doctor would make a two to four-inch incision in your stomach and remove your appendix as a whole. Because open appendectomies are invasive, surgeons typically only perform them if your appendix has already burst.

Laparoscopic Appendectomy

Laparoscopic appendectomy is the more common of the two ways to remove your appendix. With this method, your surgeon will make several tiny cuts in your abdomen and use video guidance to remove your appendix through the smaller incision. Because of how minimally-invasive laparoscopic appendectomies are, they’re the preferred appendix surgery. Laparoscopic appendectomies also have a shorter and easier recovery time than open ones.

Post-Surgery Expectations

While appendectomies are fairly minor compared to other types of surgery, you will still have a recovery period following the surgery.

Immediately After Surgery

Most people will feel very weak and tired immediately following their appendix surgery. This can result from your recent physical trauma or as side effects from anesthesia. It’s also common for people to have shoulder pain if they have a laparoscopic appendectomy because of how the procedure is performed.

Here are several other symptoms you might experience.

• Nausea
• Gas
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pains
• Diarrhea
• Headache

You should also expect to stay in the hospital for a day or two while you recover, although some people can go home the same day, depending on how well the surgery goes.

Pain Management Strategies

Pain and swelling in your abdominal area are usually the most uncomfortable symptoms of an appendectomy. To combat pain, you’ll be given a steady dose of IV and oral medications at the hospital. Once you go home after surgery, you can fight your pain with a combination of the following.

Acetaminophen
Ibuprofen
Hot and cold packs

Your pain will be at its worst the first three days after the surgery but will quickly improve thereafter.

Understanding Potential Risks and Complications

Potential risks and complications of an appendectomy are extremely rare, but they can happen. For the first several days, watch out for bleeding, infection at the incision site, a bowel blockage, or damage to nearby organs.

The Recovery Timeline for Appendix Surgery

The recovery timeline is fairly quick for people with appendix surgery, although it’s slightly longer if you had an open appendectomy.

Initial Recovery Phase

It’s important to take your time as you’re recovering from an appendectomy. You should never over-exert yourself, especially immediately following your surgery. Walking is the most physically-exerting activity you should attempt in the days following your appendectomy. Try walking longer or further each day, but take breaks whenever necessary.

You should also avoid showering for at least 24 hours after surgery and bathing for several weeks post-surgery.

Returning to Normal Activities

If you don’t push too hard, you can return to work and other normal activities in one to three weeks following a laparoscopic appendectomy or two to four weeks following an open appendectomy.

Long-term Outlook after Appendix Surgery

Most people live a long, full, and healthy life following an appendectomy. Except for the first several weeks following your surgery, you won’t have to make any permanent dietary, exercise, or lifestyle changes.

Physical Recovery and Exercise

It’s crucial to take things slow when recovering from an appendectomy. You shouldn’t lift anything heavy or strenuous for two weeks following your surgery, which could lead to complications. You should also avoid strenuous exercise, such as jogging, lifting, or biking, and limit your activity to walking.

Accelerating Healing and Recovery

You can speed up your recovery by maintaining a healthy diet that’s appendectomy friendly. It’s best to heat soft, high-fiber foods to help with your bowel movements, as you don’t want to get constipated or over-exert yourself on the toilet. You should also drink lots of water and other hydrating fluids so you don’t get dehydrated.

In addition to your physical state, taking care of your mental health is important. Not being able to live your normal life for the first few weeks following your surgery will be difficult. Therefore, you should surround yourself with encouraging and caring people. You should also remember that your pain and discomfort are only temporary, and you’ll be back to normal in no time if you take your recovery slow.

Navigating Daily Life During Recovery

Because of your physical limitations, it’s important to surround yourself with helpful people during your recovery. You’ll need help with various everyday activities, such as grocery shopping, driving, and child care. If all goes well, and you don’t overexert yourself, you can return to work in one to four weeks.

Potential Setbacks and Solutions

The biggest risk you’ll face during your recovery is a potential infection at the incision site. To avoid this, it’s crucial to keep your incision site dry and clean and follow your doctor’s instructions to a T. You should also take all medications as directed and attend each follow-up appointment. If you start feeling unbearable pain or nausea, notice signs of infection, or can’t pass gas, call your doctor immediately.

Summary

Appendix surgeries are emergency, life-saving procedures you must undergo following an attack of appendicitis. While getting to the hospital to undergo immediate surgery is essential, it’s also important to follow the advice in this article if you want to make a full recovery.

Recovering from appendicitis surgery takes time, so you should be patient and keep a positive attitude. This, along with staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and investing in home concierge care, will aid you in your recovery.

• IV Therapy Treatments for Athletes – The Perfect Addition to Your Training Routine
• Is it Good to Combine Compression Therapy with IVs?
• The Top 10 Vitamins And Supplements For Muscle Recovery