Guide To An Appendix Removal And Recovery

Medication After Surgery

Most patients who have a surgical procedure performed to remove their appendix will receive specific information on what medications they should and should not take following the procedure. Extra precautions should be taken with respect to blood thinners, as they can cause complications if directions from the physician are not followed. Patients who had to have an appendectomy because their appendix ruptured will be prescribed a course of antibiotics following their procedure. The full course of antibiotics should be taken according to the provided instructions and should not be stopped when symptoms improve. Any pain medications should be taken according to the specific instructions given by the doctor. Over the counter pain medication such as acetaminophen, naproxen, and ibuprofen can be taken following an appendix removal surgery if prescription pain medication is not provided. If medications cause a patient to have an upset stomach, they should try to take their medications following meals or ask their doctor for alternative medication.

Incision Care Tips

Patients need to care for their surgical incision correctly to avoid infection, bleeding, and other complications. Patients should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water before touching any region close to the site of their incision. Most individuals will be advised by their surgeon to wait at least forty-eight hours after their surgery to take a shower. A patient who has had an appendectomy should watch for signs indicative of infection at their incision sites, such as pain, redness, and foul-smelling drainage. Wearing loose-fitting and comfortable clothing for the first couple days following an appendix removal surgery can help a patient avoid discomfort from the friction created by the rubbing of clothes on the incision site. An individual who has had an appendectomy can decrease the amount of strain placed on their incision when they move or cough by placing a pillow over their stomach and applying pressure to the area.