Had laproscopic appendectomy 3 days ago: complications?

Question

It didnt burst so that was good, but now my chest feels heavy, it hurts to take a deep breath and the upper part of my stomach feels bloated, like theres a big air pocket in there. Do I just need more time to recover, how long will it take before I go back to work and is all this normal?

Answer 1

Post op complications can occur from infections in the abdominal cavity. See MD for meds. I had major surgery, and I ended up with a huge cyst. It was handled by the radiologist, who visualized it on CAT scan and drained it via a tube. I was living on antibiotics.

Answer 2

It is normal to have a bloated feeling after laproscopic surgery because of the gas that they pump into your abdomen to separate your organs so they can see.  It might even move into your shoulder area as the gas rises. I can't remember how long the feeling will be there but it should start getting better in a day or 2.  But if you start running a fever or any other symptoms that just don't seem right, call your surgeon.

Answer 3

You're most likely still healing. Even though your surgery was laproscopic, the surgeon still went through muscle, which takes longer to heal. You also have scar tissue that you'll be able to feel.

Laproscopic surgery is good because it cuts down on the time it takes for you to heal, but it's still going to take about two weeks.

Your doctor should have given you discharge papers explaining what to expect, what is normal and what's not while healing. And also he/she should have informed you of the time table for different things, such as when you can go back to work.

If you're still unsure then I would suggest calling the office of your surgeon and letting them know what's going on and how you feel. They're the best ones to tell you if what you're feeling is normal or not.

Good Luck, and feel better soon!