As I went to bed one night last week, I thought I had had a good day. It was my 3 year olds first day of preschool, I took lots of photos, had a good cry, heard all her news that evening, took a great power-walk, had a glass of wine and hit the hay.
At 4am I woke up feeling strange, as if I had a tummy bug. Five hours later I was still up, but in really bad shape and beginning to feel like this was no flu.
The doctors office told my husband that the pain in my abdomen should go away for a while, every time I threw up. It didn't. It felt like I was impaled on a sword. I couldn't walk properly and could keep nothing down - or in. They told him to get me to the ER. I was almost embarrassed, despite the pain. Didn't the doctors there have more important things to do than deal with a tummy bug, albeit a bad one? My doctor's office again told my husband to get me in and I did feel, deep down, that this might just be something else.
By the time my husband and three scared toddlers got me to the ER I was very dehydrated, with a BP of 70/50 and vomiting constantly with nothing coming up.
About 11 hours later I was in surgery with a ruptured appendix and thinking "how on EARTH did this happen?" And "how could something the size of a worm, with no definite purpose, cause so much pain and even death, if a rupture is not given medical attention?" You'll find lots of answers at the end of this story.
I had many, many tests. I was given a pregnancy test, in case of an ectopic pregnancy despite promising them I could not get pregnant due to my husband's surgery a couple of years ago.
"But did he get his count done afterwards?" the nurse asked.
"Yes!" I said. "And it's zero!"
The doctor gave the nurse a look (yep, I saw it, despite my pain)and they took a test anyway! I had to laugh, really. Maybe they thought that between running a busy home and having small kids and a busy work schedule, they thought I had time for extra-curricular 'activity'. I didn't take it personally. Aren't all of us women supposed to be fantastic multi-taskers? Hey, maybe I can have it all - boyfriend too!
After my negative pregnancy test (thank you, Dr. Doubtful) I had blood tests, urine tests, a pelvic exam, an ultrasound and finally a CT-scan. Morphine wasn't working at all so they put me on other painkillers. The pain is very hard to explain, I had experienced nothing like it before.
The CT-scan showed the issue to be my appendix which I had pretty much figured out at this stage, especially as my general abdominal pain had localized strongly to the right side. The cat scan also showed fluid gathering and a rupture beginning. I developed a fever right before surgery, further sign of an impending rupture.
Emergency surgery well went, I was put under general anesthesia and the rupture happened during surgery. I was lucky to have had laprascopic surgery, despite the rupture, (done via my belly button with two other small incisions in my abdomen) as opposed to a tradition appendectomy where a large incision is made.
Two days later I was home and am now ok, despite pain (in my left side, more than my right side, strangely enough) and progress is good. My belly is not as distended as when I left (be prepared for rapid weight gain and a rather huge belly because doctors literally fill your abdomen with air before surgery). I have now lost the 8 pounds of fluid I gained (gained in three days!) and my gut size is not as Frankenstein-ish as it was over the weekend. I've worked hard for that flat tummy - I want it back! I will be on antibiotics for some time.
Here is my advice from this experience - TRUST YOUR GUT. Literally, and figuratively in this case. While the appendix has been somewhat connected to helping our digestive system, we don't need it. And a rupture is nothing to joke around with. If pain is constant after vomiting, call a doctor or get to the ER.
Like many others, I am one who feels like she might be wasting doctors time and I'd rather stay in bed for a day and call it even. But severe pain is your friend. It's there for a reason - don't ignore it. My instincts told me to get to a hospital (my first time ever in the ER, as an adult) so listen to what your body is telling you. If it feels wrong, it probably is. If it feels serious, it probably is, too.
That's my preaching over -
Here is a little information on the appendix, and more importantly, appendicitis, courtesy of the University of Michigan Hospitals Systems -
"Appendicitis is one of the causes of serious belly pain. It happens when the appendix , a part of the large intestine, becomes infected and inflamed.
Experts do not know what the appendix does in the body, but most of the time it does not cause problems.
About 8 out of 100 people will get appendicitis sometime during their lives. It is most common in people ages 10 to 30, but it can happen at any age.
What causes appendicitis?
It is not clear why people get appendicitis. Infection in the appendix causes appendicitis. But doctors and scientists are not sure what causes the infection. In many cases, a small object (such as a hard piece of stool) blocks the opening to the appendix. Then bacteria can grow in the appendix and cause an infection.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of appendicitis is belly pain. Many people feel the first pain near the belly button. Then it moves to the lower right side of the belly. But the pain can be in different parts of your belly or even on your side or back. The pain may get worse if you move, walk, or cough. You may also have a fever or feel sick to your stomach.
Sometimes the only symptom is a general feeling of not being well and a pain that is hard to describe. The pain in your belly may be different than any pain you have had before. It may be severe. Or it may not seem like a very strong pain, but you may have the feeling that something is wrong. Trust your instincts.
Because the diagnosis is not always easy to make, it is very important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms.
In some cases, appendicitis does not cause any symptoms except for belly pain. If you have moderate belly pain that does not go away after 4 hours, call your doctor. If you have severe belly pain, call your doctor right away.
How is appendicitis diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask you questions about what symptoms you have, when they started, and what was happening before the pain began. Your doctor will press on your belly to see where the pain is. He or she will take your temperature to see if you have a fever, which is a sign of infection. You also may have blood tests to look for signs of infection.
Your doctor may not be sure whether you have appendicitis. You may need other tests, such as a CT scan or an ultrasound of your belly.
Sometimes tests can't show for certain that you have appendicitis, but your doctor may strongly suspect that you do because of your symptoms. In this case, your doctor probably will recommend you have surgery to have your appendix taken out. Most of the time, the doctor is right and the appendix is infected. During surgery your doctor may find that your appendix is normal and something else caused your pain. Your doctor will go ahead and remove your appendix. You can live just fine without it, and taking it out gets rid of any chance that it could cause problems later.
How is it treated?
The only treatment for appendicitis is surgery to remove your appendix (appendectomy). If you have appendicitis and do not have surgery in time, your appendix can burst. A burst appendix can cause serious problems. It’s best to remove the appendix before it bursts.
There are different types of surgery for appendicitis. Your surgeon may operate through a large cut (incision) in your belly or use a tool called a laparoscope to remove your appendix through a few smaller incisions. Either way, you may take antibiotics before your surgery, after your surgery, or both. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of surgery. Talk with your surgeon about which type is best for you.
If your appendix does burst, you will need antibiotics. Surgery to remove a burst appendix may be more complicated.
Symptoms
The main symptom of appendicitis is belly (abdominal) pain. The pain can feel like indigestion or like you need to have a bowel movement or pass gas. Many people feel the first pain near the belly button. Then it moves to the lower right side of the belly. But the pain can be in different parts of your belly or even on your side. The pain may get worse if you move, walk, or cough. You may also have a fever or feel sick to your stomach.
Many people who have had appendicitis say the pain is hard to describe. It may not feel like any pain you have had before. It may not even be a very bad pain, but you may feel like something is wrong. If you have moderate belly pain that does not go away after 4 hours, call your doctor. If you have severe belly pain, call your doctor right away.
You may have appendicitis if:
You have pain in your belly. The pain may begin around your belly button.
The pain in your belly gets stronger and moves below your belly button on your right side (the lower right quadrant ). This is the most common place to feel pain when you have appendicitis.
The pain does not go away and gets worse when you move, walk, or cough.
You have pain in any part of your belly or on your side.
You feel nauseated or throw up a few times. You also may not feel like eating.
You have constipation, back pain, a slight fever, or a swollen abdomen.
Some people do not have the symptoms listed above. Older people, children younger than 2 years, and pregnant women may not have pain in the lower right part of the belly. Other people feel pain in their side because their appendix is in a different position than normal.
Pain in the abdomen is very common.
There are also many conditions with symptoms similar to appendicitis. But because appendicitis can become serious in a short amount of time, call your doctor right away if you have any of the symptoms listed above. Treatment is much easier if the appendix has not ruptured. In most people, the appendix does not rupture until they have felt sick for at least 24 hours.
Exams and Tests
Appendicitis is diagnosed with a medical history, physical examination, lab tests, and sometimes imaging tests. Appendicitis can be difficult to diagnose, especially in children, pregnant women, and older people.
Medical history
The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, including the order in which your symptoms appeared and what was happening before the pain began.
Physical exam
The doctor will push on different parts of your belly to see where the pain is. The doctor will probably focus on the lower right quadrant , where most people feel pain when they have appendicitis.
The doctor may insert a gloved finger into your anus (digital rectal exam) to help identify the cause of your pain. Women may have a pelvic exam to help rule out other problems."
http://health.med.umich.edu/healthcontent.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=de...
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Add a Comment24 Comments
I had my apoendix removed 8 months ago. I continue to gain weight no matter what type of diet I try. My metabolism is way out of whack and I now have saddle bags and a huge gut. Weight gain is up to 28 pounds and counting. I developed terrible anxiety my depression worsened and my fatigue is worse than it was at the height of chronic lyme disease.
May 8, 2018 - 9:07amThis Comment
Just had mine removed. It was like a stitch in my side and the pain wasn't severe until jostled on my right side. However, I'm very glad I went in. My appendix was removed just in time. All is well so far.
July 2, 2017 - 5:52pmThis Comment
I've been having stomach issues for two years doctors always treated it with laxatives they said I had IBS after two years with recurring symptoms about every 2-3 months finally said enough is enough I need to see a specialist gastroenterologist and my family physician recommended a CT scan upon receiving a CT scan within 30 minutes leaving the CT office or received phone call it said go to the ER immediately that's when they found that I had a chronic appendicitis that has been healing in on itself every time I was given a dose of antibiotics I can remember one time going to the family physician and then giving me strong antibiotics for a GI tract infection but never understanding how I got it they called it a bacterial infection of the gut so now I'm looking at my old medical charts I'd have the same symptoms for 2 years I got another point that I just wouldn't go to the doctor and wait it out until the last visit in which I become concerned and had found out I would be a father soon there's a difference between being a hypochondriac and actually knowing there's something wrong with your body please don't wait and if you feel that your doctor is not positive of your condition please see another there was so much scar tissue from the appendix swelling and being infected and then growing back in on itself the surgeon's terms that he had a very difficult time removing it during laparoscopy ever since the surgery my stool has been Pasty wet gummy but never solid and firm also I've noticed rapid weight gain and a decreased urge to go even though I eat regular meals three times a day I still feel that something is not quite right
May 24, 2017 - 3:41amThis Comment
Hi Susan,
March 19, 2017 - 4:26pmThis is almost exactly the symptoms I experienced. Also, don't feel annoyed at them not believing you about potentially being pregnant. They did the same with me, I said I had zero chance of being pregnant (unless science had changed and two women could now get pregnant), and they still made me do a pregnancy test... So I assume it's just strict procedure.
Thanks for the info, they don't tell you much in hospital...
I was wondering why my belly was so swollen, the air makes sense, as disgusting as the thought of that is.
This Comment
I recently had emergency surgery to remove my appendix. However I had been suffering with stomach issues for months. Some of which include a bubble like pain on my right side, pulling pain in my belly button and swollen tummy. There were days I felt nauseous and lethargic and had no clue what could be wrong. I made a total of 4 visits to see my doctor including a private gastroenterologist and no none thought to check my appendix. I was diagnosed with constipation the first visit, the second and third visit I was given antibiotics to treat an infection and the private doctor magically concluded I had glandular fever and said I should rest. He ordered an ultrasound which showed nothing however my blood work kept showing an infection but the test for Monospot came back negative. My symptoms continued but I trusted these doctors until recently when I woke up with a sharp pain in the middle of my stomach and by noon my entire stomach was inflamed with pain.
Found out I had acute appendicitis after a CT scan and also learned that my appendix was 3 times longer than normal.
The surgery was successful and I am grateful to share my story but one thing I can say to anyone reading this, appendicitis does not happen overnight. It's gradual and your body tells you something is not right, sadly the symptoms are not always text book and so your doctor might miss it.
Don't take chances ask for a CT scan if you have continuous issues with your stomach.
April 23, 2016 - 4:35amThis Comment
Glad to read your story. That confirms my thoughts about what had been going on in my body before the condition turned acute with a resulting laparoscopic appendectomy. For several months, i hadn't been feeling completely up to par, not major, but just not normal. None of the usual things that i did to improve how I felt made any difference. Then more recently my sleep pattern changed from average 8 hours per night to ten to even twelve hours per night, on a consistent basis. I'm in my 70's and have had Candida so I attributed what was going on to age and lack of success in combating the Candida. Now that the surgery has been over for 12 days, although not all my strength has yet returned, I am feeling better than before and back to sleeping only 8 hours per night. My conclusion is that contrary to what doctors told me, there is a build-up time possible with appendicitis.
November 1, 2016 - 2:18pmThis Comment
Yes i had appendix removed when i was 12 years but i dont know why doctor inserted finger in my anus.
September 8, 2015 - 6:56pmThis Comment
Dr. did the same to me, one reason was to make sure I didn't have blood in the stool (GI bleed). 2nd to push towards my side to see if I felt pain from the inside, which I didn't. I did feelpain when he would press down on my lower right side but not when he would let go. I was in his office less than 5 minutes and he told me to go to the ER immediately and to tell them I need to get checked for appendicitis. Went to the ER they did blood work, my WBC were really high so they cancelled my CT scan and took me straight to the OR.
May 22, 2017 - 11:31pmThis Comment
I think it's sooo important that you noted the variation in how much pain people experience with an appendicitis attack. I got mine out a few days ago. I knew something was up because I'm very tuned into my body and I knew the tiny amount of pain(?) ( more like a slight pressure) in my lower right abdomen for 2 nights was unusual because of its persistence. I had no nausea, vomiting, fever, etc at all and the pain was so mild I didn't take an Advil or anything.
July 27, 2015 - 10:47pmThis Comment
Woke up bloated and with a stomach ache on a Sunday morning. The stomach ache wasn't too bad, it would come and go. It wasn't until Monday that I knew something was wrong. Monday throughout the day my appetite was gone. Monday night I had dry heave and pain on the lower right side of my abdomen. From what i had read online i knew doctors were going to recommend surgery so I did some research online and found cure zone.com and other websites. I read that a few people cured themselves by fasting. So I gave it a shot, fasted for four days followed by eating very light food such as watermelon oranges and then eventually having soup. On the days that I did not eat pain did go away, even on the days that i ate fruit and soups. but by the sixth or seventh day when I had some more heavy foods, Pain came right back. After about a week after the pain first started I was admitted to the hospital. Surgeon was unable to perform laparoscopic surgery so I had a Laparotomy , An incision right down my stomach about six inches long. I had Acute appendicitis. Hospital stay was 4 days, recovery time was 9 weeks. Looking back I should have just went to the ER right after I had dry heave . Still would of had the operation but recovery time would have been a lot less and I wouldn't have a six inch scar down my stomach.
June 26, 2015 - 3:48amIf you have signs of appendicitis I suggest you go to the ER right away.
This Comment