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I had my appendix out a month ago. The surgeon said it may not have been appendicitis, that the CT looked like it bu that when he got the appendix he wasn't sure. In follow up the surgeon said the pathologist wasn't sure either. I have since had an episode or two of pain that is similar to the initial. What should I do? What could this be?
Gender: Male
How tall are you (feet and inches)?: 5' 6''
What is your weight in pounds?: 165
How old are you?: 28
How long has this been going on?: More than a month
Check all symptoms you are currently experiencing: Diarrhea
Describe associated symptoms not listed above: none
What have you done so far to remedy this condition? Please include tests and relevant studies here.
: only what is above. I do not have a primary care physician but I do have insurance.
Please list any chronic medical problems and also list any prior surgery (lacerations don't count!): None except for appendix surgery.
Check all conditions present in your immediate family... : None of these
Please list any medication allergies that you have : : none
Please list any medications you are currently taking (and dosage if known) :: multivitamin
When was your last menstrual cycle?: Now
Are you currently using or do you have a history of tobacco use?: No
Are you currently using or do you have a history of illegal drug use?: No
Please describe your alcohol consumption :: Rarely
HOW QUICKLY DO YOU NEED THIS TO BE ANSWERED?: Within the next few days
So that we can serve you best, please try to tell us your top three things you wish to be addressed in our response.
If this wasn't my appendix what might it be?
Did I need the surgery?
What do I do now?
5 comments:
Even with ultrasounds and C-T scans there is about a 2% chance of an incorrect diagnosisof appendicitis.
There are a lot of other causes of right lower abdominal pain---inflamations of the intestine close to where the appendix is located. (called ilietis). Also any problems with the ovary and ovarian tubes (especially endometriosis).
The C-T should have been able to pick up any cysts, nodules, tumors; but an MRI is sometimes better at seeing endometriosis (which is often associated with pelvic pain at the time of your menstrual period).
Sometimes it is necessary to have a laparoscopic exam where the gynecologist can look under direct vision at the area of your pain.
Even if you fall in that small % of those who weren't found to have appendicitis at the time of surgery, it's not a bad thing to be rid of the appendix so it can never bother you in the future.
What I think would be best at this time would be to see a gynecologist and have the uterus and ovaries checked out.
If that doesn't solve the problem, getting a colonoscopy to look for any intestinal problems---such as ilieitis etc. might be necessary.
Would like to hear all this turns out.
Best of Luck!!
Space Doc
Thank you doc, but I think a gynecologist would see my, uh, my nether regions, and ask why I was coming to see him. Can you tell me more about 'terminal ileitis'? Is there another name for it?
having trouble getting through WILL TRY LATER.
Appendicitis is a clinical diagnosis. It was correct for your surgeon to have performed the appendectomy since your physical exam suggested acute appendicitis.
If you are truly experiencing similar pain as prior to surgery and your appendix did not display evidence of inflammation at the time of surgery, it is important for you to discuss with your surgeon at your next post operative appointment (make one if none exists) his findings during his exploration at surgery. How did the rest of your colon look as well as your small bowel, particularly your terminal ileum? Was there evidence of any Meckel's Diverticulum, Diverticulitis, Irritable Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease or terminal ileitis? He would have been able to visualize this during surgery. If you were a female patient he may have explored further to view your ovaries.
In any event, If you and your surgeon decide it is necessary to further investigate your symptoms he may decide a repeat CT scan is necessary to compare with the pre-operative study. If no changes exist he may continue with an upper GI series with a small bowel follow through to rule out Crohn's Disease, (Terminal ileitis) or Meckel's Diverticulum. If nothing is found in the prior workup, the next step may be a more invasive test such as a colonoscopy.
If this is a female patient an abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound may be obtained to evaluate the ovaries for cystic disease or otherwise.
Your pain may also be fleeting post operative pain that will resolve with time. Anonymous did not mention any symptoms other than diarrhea which can be present post appendectomy.
Obtaining a copy of your pathology report is always good to keep for your personal records.
-MDSTAT SURGEON
Wow, thank you so much doctors. I'm a male but I see where I checked that I was having my period. Sorry! I'm not! Will do as you suggest. Many thanks indeed!
Appendix Man
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