Ongoing problems after Appendix removal

Hi kassandra1995, I had my appendix out, laparoscopically 5 years ago. There was just under 24 hours' delay, despite being told, 'you're going down next,' many times. By the time I got to theatre, it was perforated and gangrenous. I had pain immediately post-op and it's continued ever since. Initially I was on every pain killer available, including morphine patches, but the side effects were too much [severe constipation, then an urgent, desperate need to open my bowels!] I have been referred to many specialists. [Had MRI, CT, ultrasound, chest x-ray]. The pain is located around the R rib area. The last pain management Dr concluded that 'something happened during surgery; either someone [heavy] leaned on me [for a prolonged time], or the surgeon used the equipment in a haphazard way, causing damage to my ribs/rib cartilage. He is offering a pain killing/steroid injection around the rib carriages. I have agreed, as I am desperate. The pain can come on suddenly and be horrendous; like I'm being stabbed repeatedly in my ribs. Some days it's a chronic dull, life-sucking severe ache; those days are rare. Mostly, the pain is present; it makes no difference if i haven't eaten/have eaten. I can't twist, bend forward [or back] it hurts to sit and housework is a challenge. I've read recently about someone else who had a similar thing happen; they were going to have an ERCP test [a specific invasive procedure to check the gallbladder]. Not that I would advocate EVER! unless it was cancerous, removal of the gallbladder. A relative had hers out & has been in agony ever since [3 years later]. But if there was found to be a stone in the gallbladder, it's possible that could be the cause of the pain!? I would INSIST they do not remove my gallbladder, but instead either shatter the stone/s, or use laser to do the same. Sometimes, it's hard to keep going; especially trying to work when the pain is 'off the scale.' I am a stoic, when it comes to pain; a fact I like to inform the specialists of. I won't 'give up on myself.' I think the ERCP can only be requested by a gastroenterology specialist. Don't give up; the answers may be just around the corner..

Hi Kassandra

I had an abdominal appendectomy with a bladder laceration on July 7. I am 6 weeks post op and I am not having any more severe pain. I think your right to pursue this. I did read that an MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging) may show much more detail then a CT scan which is just a glorified multiple X-rays. Did they use contrast on you? ( through an IV) which would help show more detail. MRI would sow more detail of soft tissue and organs but not good for bones. It does not use radiation but use magnets to create image from the hydrogen atoms in the cells of tissue and organs. It also provides a more 3D image. It takes 30 min to do is very load and much more expensive then CT scan. One of the reasons they do CT first I am copying and pasting a good article on the differences between CT scan where I got some of this info. I would suggest you ask for an MRI. Also is it possible you could still have an infection somewhere? Just because you were treated with antibiotics doesn't mean the infection was cleared. Couple of reasons I say that. One you may not have been on the antibiotic long enough time. And two it may not have been the correct antibiotic for the strain of bacteria you may have. I am so sorry for your continued pain an illness. I pray you find answers soon. Best Denise

https://patient.info/health/mri-scan

Emis Moderator comment: I have replaced the given link with a link to the equivalent article on our site.

I’m a middle-aged (oh, that term) guy in my early 50s. I had an emergency appendectomy in June 2017 and since the surgery, I’ve had fairly consistent pain at the site where my appendix had been located. The pain radiates up and to the left toward the belly-button incision. (My surgery was laparoscopic.) My suergon ordered a CT scan of the area and problems were found. 

But — I’m not the same person I was before the surgery. No, they didn’t give me a new identity although on most days I wish they had.  I’m exhausted all the time. Absolutely no stamina, not even to walk around the block. My GERD-Acid Reflux has been miserable and whereas prescription meds hurts once kept it controlled, now nothing will. I’ve gone back and forth taking/not taking a probiotic as I’m not sure which is better. 

Now here’s the really fun part. Within two weeks of surgery I developed a rash on my trunk (back, buttocks, shoulders, chest, upper arms) that was misdiagnosed at least 4 times before I was sent to a dermatologist who performed a skin biopsy. The result was Folliculitis with Pityrosporum yeast. I’ve been using prescription ointments and body washes since the rash appeared as well as two rounds of Itraconazole (oral med). Rash remains present and stubborn and I’m now on round three of the Itraconazole. It’s so very frustrating. No one has made a connection between the appendectomy and the rash but I believe something was triggered. 

Looking to discuss with others who have had ongoing complications. 

Thanks,

Lewis in Colorado 

I had my laparoscopic appendectomy in march 2017. After waking up, my surgeons told me they didn't need to actually take my appendix, because it was a large ovarian cyst that had ruptured that was causing my pain, but they took my appendix anyways. For some reason. But I've had serious and recurring cysts pretty consistently ever since, so if I were you I'd high tail it to your OBGYN and get a good scan set up. Ask about PCOS, even if your period is regular, just to get the conversation moving. And if your doc says it's nothing or passes over your pain, find a new doc!

It has now been three years since a ruptured appendix put me in the hospital.  After removal things pretty much returned to normal for about a year when I started to experience morning nausea, pressure in my gut, some confusion of thoughts where I feel like I am not thinking clearly.  It comes and it goes, some days better then others.  Anxiety, stress seem to be triggers.   Before the appendix removal I NEVER experienced Nausea, always had a strong stomach, but that has changed.  I have had all the tests everything seems alright although I apparently have mild chronic gastritis, but foods don't seem to affect things too much one way or another. Its only in the mornings and symptons clear after a few hours. My underlying concern is that they haven't found anything concrete and my symptons are still present.  I have seen numerous people comment, has anyone had a remedy?  

 

I recently appendix operation and all seemed fine 10 days after this I am getting headaches and also very sore lump in my belly button it feels about 1inch long very sore and raised what do i do thanks

Hi Kassandra

Ive had some similar problems but over a longer period of time. 

I had my appendix out in june 2017 when I was 19 years old. After the surgery I was fine and I recovered normally. It wasn't untill December 2017 I started to get random cramps, stabbing pains, in my lower abdomen. In Feb 2018 I woke up one morning with the WORST stomach pain ever. Worse than my appendicitis. I went into hospital and my bloods showed very high white blood cell count which indicated an infection somewhere in my body. I was in hospital for 3 days on a gynae ward where the gave me ultrasounds, swabs, examinations, and everything came back normal.

I was discharged with antibiotics. Ever since hospital my right lower abdomen (where the appendix was) has been in pain. Stabbing pain, some times cramping pain. Hurts alot worse when touched so I can't really wear tight clothes or lie on my stomach.

Been back to doctors, had a flexible sigmoidoscopy (half of a colonoscopy), came back normal. I am now seeing a dietition to see if that will help. Nothing so far has helped and no-one seems to know what is causing my pain.