What Would You Do? UPDATE post #16

[Daxx]

Here's a question that needs some answers ...

You've been diagnosed on 8/17 (via CAT scan) with one of the following conditions:

1. sub-acute appendicitis
2. infected appendix
3. appendecial tumor

You have a test on 8/23 that shows there is no tumor, so #3 can be ruled out entirely. Your Dr. says to "wait it out" to see if the appendix will heal itself and do another CAT scan in 3 weeks to see if appendix has changed (healed at all). Meanwhile, you have constant back pains and these sharp pains in your stomach area, right side. However, they're come-and-go pains but occur throughout the day. You've been dealing w/this since Weds. 8/24.

What would you do? Would you run to the ER? Or, would you "ride it out" and wait for that CAT scan?

 

[Sparx]

edit.

 

[Microcell]

Why wouldn't they do an Appendectomy? My DD had full blown appendicitis, with perforation, (which means it leaked) and a ten day hospital stay for an IV antibiotic. She got really sick because it perforated. I would get a second opinion, I would think it would be better to come out. Do they think there is a risk for you if they do surgery? No kidding, there is usually not alot of time when it goes. My DD had been misidagnosed, and could have died if it didn't come out when it did.


My DD was in and out of consiousness by the time the pain got to be acute.

Get a second opinion.

 

[Daxx]

Why wouldn't they do an Appendectomy? Do they think there is a risk for you if they do surgery?
Get a second opinion.

Long story short ... had pains in FL on vaca. (early July) and was diagnosed at Celebration Hosp. w/ovarian cysts. Came home and went to my Dr. to have it checked out and went for sonogram which revealed cysts. Dr. wasn't happy, so sent me for CAT. CAT showed above symptoms re. appendix. I show no signs (can walk around, eat, no fever, etc.).

Dr. calls in surgeon. Surgeon feels that since I've "lived" w/this for a month, then maybe it will heal itself. Rather than take the infected, grotty thing out, surgeon wants to wait.

As for 2nd opinion, cannot get in anywhere til mid Sept. By then, I'll have 2nd CAT scan and more answers ... so what's a gal to do?! No risk, whatsoever, to me to have surgery.

~Daxx's Wife

 

[georgina]

That's a tough one. In my experience, surgeons almost always want to operate. The fact that the surgeon suggested waiting would indicate to me that they think it may just go away.

 

[Daxx]

Bumping for more opinions! Thanks!

 

[ericamanda01]

If the pain continues I would go to the ER. Why suffer?!

 

[kilee]

I don't know. I'm really suprised they don't want to remove it just to be safe. Does the surgeon and your primary care doctor agree on the course to take?

 

[lsyorke]

Are you on antibiotics? In my 20 years of nursing I've never seen an appendix "heal itself". Laproscopic removal of an appendix makes it a very simple procedure.

 

[Trish5768]

My DS was just discharged from an 9 day hospital stay because his appendix burst and had become gangrenous. He was very sick and his recovery is going to be 8 to 10 weeks. We were told that if he had gone into surgery 4 hours later he would not have made it. Don't mess around with this, get it out.

Just wanted to add that he had seen his dr. back in Feb. for the same kind of pain and they ruled out appendix and told him it was gall bladder. I'm convinced that this has been the cause of his ongoing pain for the last 6 months and why he was such a mess when they opened him up. This had been festering for months.

Good luck to you whatever you decide.

 

[Daxx]

To answer two of the above questions ...

Not on any antibiotics. Was on antibiotics in early August due to high white blood cell count. After antibiotics, had bloodwork done and white blood cell count was back to normal. CT scan, done 5 days after end of antibiotic treatment revealed the appendix problem. Therefore, it appears antibiotics brought down white blood cell count, but infection was still picked up on CT Scan (therefore, infection still was in existence 5 days after antibiotic treatment).

Now, it's been 18 days since I've finished antibiotics, no call for additional bloodwork to check current white blood cell count and not placed on more antibiotics to see if that'll continue any so-called healing.

My primary feels that if surgeon wants to wait, then fine w/him.

This is so frustrating ... I mean, this is my health and from what I've read, you just remove the appendix and be done w/it. However, the drs. seem to be taking a "back seat" on this one.

 

[Poohnatic]

If you can't get a second opinion before the cat scan...

Insist on more blood work, let Dr. know you're concerned that you may have elevated white cell count.

Keep a log of when pain occurs, location and duration, type of pain for the doctor. If the pain worsens, go to the ER...appendix is not something to play around with. As others have said, it can be pretty nasty if it bursts.

suzanne

 

[totalia]

See another doctor. It sounds like you need to have it removed.

 

[westernmom]

While I've never had any appendix trouble, I have had back trouble & I will tell you that "the squeaky wheel get the oil." I'm not suggesting that you become rude or abuse, just polite & persistent.

Call your pcp & surgeon's offices (daily if you feel the need) to let them know you are in pain & very concerned. Ask to have the dr call you back. You can also show up at the office if you're in acute distress.

Don't be afraid to go to the ER. You'll could get a second opinion that way.

Go ahead & schedule a second opinion. Then call every couple of days & inquire if the office has had any cancellations.

Look at this situation kind of like you're going after a CRT ressie after the 90 day mark - you have to get creative.

I hope you get some relief soon.
Jennifer

 

[hugsquared]

I have heard of "chronic appendicitis" although I don't think it's all that common. There is also a difference between inflammation (swollen and tender)and infection(bacteria present). As a nurse, I'd say follow these guidelines:
If the pain worsens or changes in any way, go to the ER
If you start running a temp, no matter how mild, go to the ER
If you start having nausea, vomiting or inability to eat, go to the ER
If you are having fairly constant pain and suddenly the pain is gone, go to
the ER...when it ruptures, the pain goes away
Anything that is abnormal(not keeping with the last week or so)go to ER
Call you doctor back and let them know you are not comfortable with waiting
and they either need to see you again, or ask for a referral
IMMEDIATELY for a 2nd opinion. They can get you in to see someone
where you might not be able to. You can also ask for a 2nd surgical opinion...not just medical.
If at anytime, you feel like something is "just not right", don't hesitate, go
to the ER

I hope you feel better. An earlier poster was right. They can do a laparscopic appendectomy and if you're not ruptured, you can be home either the same or next day. Please keep us posted on how you're doing.

 

[Daxx]

Here's the latest ... called surgeon (terrible bedside manners) about pains ... he's sending me for a white blood count. No interest in seeing me, etc. Just said call office tomorrow afternoon for results. So, off I go to get my bloodwork done, although I'm wondering why I'm bothering.