appendicitis

[Deleted User]

My 15yr old son had his appendix out on Tuesday. He left hospital today but we were given no advice about his recuperation.

It seems that a children's ward is staffed only by paediatricians who are unwilling to give any advice to a surgical patient, despite being asked what I think are sensible questions!

So - we don't know if he has to keep the wound dry (ie when can he have a shower?), when we should remove the dressing, when he can return to school. Most important to him is when he can return to sport (specifically rowing) etc.

Any input or advice much appreciated!

Dustboy

As an appendixless person, I recall how horrible this was for me at 19/20.

No med training at all but I kept it dry until after the stitches were removed, stayed off anything involving stomach exercise for about 6 weeks, including driving and used a salt bath repeatedly when the surface got infected.

But I probably had a course of leeches in those days so it is likely to be out of date.

Would suggest trip to the GP/Practice Nurse for dressing/advice/inspection? Pharmacists are terribly helpful people too, and usually immediate, not 3 weeks to get an appointment.

Good luck. Hopefully Hippo or Vrap are around to provide definitive answers?

gymfreak

sore toes- had mine done last year. has he had keyhole surgery??

[Deleted User]

I can remember that I was advised to avoid some kind of food, cheese for sure, but I can't say more. Might be worth checking!
I was also told not to exercise at all for 3 weeks.
However, I still showered every day, using antiseptic soap.
Apart from that, everything comes back to normal quite naturaly.
(I was 22)

Good luck to your son!

[Deleted User]

thanks folks.

gymfreak - unfortunately no - it wasn't offered, and I didn't think to ask them to do it that way.

[Deleted User]

Dustboy
your advice is still relevant today

er-you dont need to avoid any food
stitches out in 7-10mdyas

[Deleted User]

stitches are internal only and don't need removing - not sure how the skin is closed because its all covered up!

gymfreak

i thought they always did it like that now. mine was and i was back running a week later- why on earth would they not do keyhole, it was a well neat procedure!!

hope he feels better soon xx

[Deleted User]

also remember the effects of anaesthetic
when he feels ok, he will be
xxxxxxx

[Deleted User]

PH - is it OK for him to shower - or is a soggy dressing a bad idea?

[Deleted User]

i guess id keep,the wound covered for a coupla weeks
cling film?

so he can shower and feelok

[Deleted User]

If you phone the ward they should help-havent they??

guess rwoing might need a 4-6 week break

[Deleted User]

Thanks PH - clingfilm is a good idea - up to about age 12 they refuse to wash - by 15 its very important to them (especially the hair!).

ImRio

ST I had internal stitches when I had my appendix out (many moons ago). There is only a knot at each end of the scar that doesnt need removing it just falls off by itself after about 7-10 days.

Dustboy

My boy has a see thorugh sterile cling film type bandage on at moment, about enough size to cover appendix wound. Called Tegaderm? Last few holes I have had dug, they tie it up like a shoelace internally so you only get a neat line on the surface rather than a Herman Munster scar with railway sleepers.

[Deleted User]

Dustboy - you too?

I've worked out that its possible to have a very shallow bath without getting the dressing wet. Son is much happier (and sweeter smelling too).

Dustboy

Bet it hurts to get in and out