The appendix is a vestigial organ located on your abdomen’s right side. While the tiny finger-shaped tubular organ may not serve significant and apparent functions, it can cause serious health risks. The appendix can be obstructed or blocked, leading to appendicitis. This may require appendectomy Lenox Hill to remove the appendix.
Appendicitis is characterized by dull, mild, sharp, or severe pain. It can cause a fever, chills, malaise, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, appendicitis can cause life-threatening complications. For instance, it can burst and cause a life-threatening infection, emphasizing the need to seek immediate attention if you experience sudden stomach pain, especially one that spreads across the abdomen.
While appendectomy might sound scary, the surgical advancements make it relatively safer. For example, laparoscopic surgery only requires tiny incisions on your abdomen. This minimally invasive approach facilitates a faster and more comfortable recovery process. You can make the process more productive by following home remedies, including:
- Strenuous activity
Avoiding strenuous activity following any surgical procedure, regardless of the location, is always advised. If you had open surgery, you should keep off strenuous activity for at least 14 days. If you had laparoscopic surgery, limit the period to at least five days. This is a general period; your doctor will provide a more personalized recommendation based on your overall health. The doctor will provide information on the activities you can undertake and when you can resume your normal routine after an appendectomy, which you should follow to facilitate a smooth recovery.
- Adequate rest
Your body needs to self-repair and heal following the surgery. You may feel sleepier and tired than usual, which you could assume stems from the medication you could be taking. Among the effective home remedies to facilitate better recovery is ensuring you listen to your body and get enough rest.
- Pace your exercise
Physical activity is still essential after surgery. Exercise facilitates better circulation and improves mental wellness, which boosts recovery. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t hit the gym and start sweating it off since this can do more harm than good. Start easy when you feel you are up to it, such as with short walks.
- Pain management
Pain after surgery is normal, but it shouldn’t be left unmanaged since the pain can cause significant stress, slowing recovery. When you are in pain, your body is stressed, which affects the optimal functionality needed for faster recovery. Your pain medication might not be effective. You should talk to your doctor for a different prescription or dosage revision.
Besides pain medication, you can also alleviate pain by supporting your abdomen. After an appendectomy, activities like laughing or coughing can be painful. Supporting the abdomen can help alleviate the pain. You can do this by gently pressing a pillow over the abdomen.
After an appendectomy, you may return to work/school when you feel up to it, but ensure you don’t put extra stress on the body. Children can resume school a week after surgery and should be observed to ensure they don’t engage in strenuous activities like sports/gym sessions for at least 2-4 weeks. Contact Lenox Hill Surgeons, LLP today for more on appendectomy.
Wellness Care Health Blog 