How to recover from an appendectomy from appendicitis
Acute appendicitis is an inflammation of the mucosa that lines the inside of the vermiform appendix, a narrow tube-like organ that's attached to the cecum, the first part of the large intestine (colon). Appendicitis is a medical condition that affects more than 20% of the world's population, and on average, is more common in men, between the ages of 15 and 30 years old. Although not all cases of appendicitis are severe, an appendectomy (the removal of the appendix) is performed routinely in all cases of appendicitis as a preventative measure. Today, an appendectomy can be done laparoscopically, which leads to a recovery period of close to a month. Next, we'll explain how to ensure a swift and easier recovery from appendicitis.
Steps to follow:
Follow the medical advice of your physician to treat appendicitis. Refer to your physician for all medical advice and understand that the following recommendations are merely general ones, and that they should always be confirmed by a medical professional.
The post-operative period for appendicitis is usually 2 to 4 days. During the first day, you shouldn't eat any solid food and must remain in bed. You should drink juices and protein drinks. After the first 24 hours, you can start to drink liquids and semi-solids such as yogurt, ice cream and nutritious shakes. Keep in mind that you are recovering, and must get plenty of vitamins and nutrients, even if only in liquid form.
After the first 36 hours, you can begin to eat some solid foods and take medications such as paracetamol and painkillers. The patient should start to get up and walk a little. After 48 hours, the patient is usually discharged from the hospital and can continue to recover at home. Once the more acute symptoms have subsided, the patient can begin a liquid diet of juices made from carrots, beets, cranberries or grapes.
During the first week after an appendectomy, the incisions will be tender and sore and the patient must rest. After seven days, the stitches will be removed from the incision site.
After 3 or 4 days of being discharged from the hospital, you can begin to eat food that's been boiled or grilled. It's important that the patient is always well hydrated and drinks plenty of water and juice.
For 7 days following an appendectomy, while the stitches are still in place, the patient shouldn't take a bath or go into a swimming pool and should bathe with running water, taking showers rather than baths, to avoid infections.
After the stitches have been removed, the patient can begin to lead a normal life, but must refrain from doing any sports for 1 month after the operation. Walking and light exercise is fine, as long as you are not exerting yourself.
While recovering from appendicitis, if the patient has a fever, vomiting or dizziness, they must immediately present themselves to the Emergency Room.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How to recover from an appendectomy from appendicitis, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.
Tips
- Some homeopathic remedies can help you heal faster from appendicitis and include the following: Aconitum Napellus, Belladonna, Bryonia, Crotalus horridus, Iris tenax, Lachesis or Mercurius can be of great help.
