Appendicitis but appendix not removed.

[Santasbigredbobblehat]

Have been in hospital with a ruptured appendix tip. Initially I was sent to have it out and even got to theatre when it was decided because of the position to heal it with antibiotics and that it was more likely than not to be fine.

Has anyone had this? Did you leave hospital with antibiotics and an appendix?

I had mine out but I have been told that lots of people who had their appendix out years ago didn’t really need the op

I had a retrograde appendix so not much pain when mine ruptured (due to its position?), and although I felt rough I was still eating and no nausea. A scan showed fluid round my appendix where it had ruptured and l developed peritonitis. They inserted an abdominal drain during surgery to remove the fluids and was on antibiotics.

If your appendix has ruptured I'd be concerned about peritonitis even with antibiotics.

Well the surgeon says it’s the tip that ruptured and it should ‘self-heal’. He said surgery would be difficult. I guess I’m worried I might end up back in hospital.

Hmm, I've just had 2 nights in hospital with what nhs111 and my GP thought was appendicitis. CT scan says no, bloods show that inflammatory markers are up and I'm in pain but I'm now home. When the oromorph wears off I'll be in agony. But they don't want to put me through an unnecessary procedure.........
Your story doesn't surprise me OP: at least they are giving you antibiotics. I hope you feel better soon.

Sorry to hear that ODFOx, my CT scan did show the rupture. I mean, I can see what they’re saying they don’t want to do surgery unless needed… I’ve only heard of people having it out. Hope you get sorted.
Yours could be a ovarian cyst maybe?

I had mine out in Jan. They did CT, it looked v inflamed, came out same day. But I had all the classic symptoms including a temperature, vomiting and A LOT of pain.

There was another lady on the Ward who had and inflamed appendix but was on IV antibiotics, the plan was to send her home with more and then scan again in two weeks to see if the inflammation had settled and healed. She did seem to be in less pain and was still able to eat and walk around.

I don't know what the outcome of scan two was for her. But it does seem they do watchful waiting sometimes.

I guess best case scenario you don't have to undergo unnecessary surgery which can have complications and takes 2-6weeks to recover from. Worst case scenario the drugs don't work and they do have to go ahead. How bad that is depends on how rough you feel now as you'll probably feel worse before you feel better. But the surgery is generally safe. Either way I hope you make a full recovery asap.

So, so glad I had mine out as a child.

No expert, but the evidence is there for managing some types of appendicitis with antibiotics instead of surgery. Just make sure you go back if you're unwell.

It came out yesterday! What a palaver.

"Better out than in!" as my dear departed granny would say about an op.
Hope you're feeling better soon now it's out - take it easy OP.

Get well soon!