Bad stomach problems 3 weeks post appendectomy - please help!

[Kathi Kimmerle]

I ran across this forum by accident. I was looking up possible appendectomy complications. I sure hope somebody out there can help me!

I had an emergency appendectomy three weeks ago today after going to the ER with severe lower abdominal pain. The surgeon told me there was alot of free blood and debris in my lower pelvic/abdominal area, but that the appendix only looked bad on the outside - the inside was fine. After five days in the hospital, I was sent home without complications.

A week following my surgery (about 2 days after I returned home from the hospital) I developed a kidney infection, which was treated with Cipro. Then, a week following that, I started having more stomach pain, along with diarrhea. A CT Scan revealed "Acute Diverticulitis". I was put on Levaquin/500mg & Flagyl/500mg. I have been on this for six days.

I have had moderate to severe diarrhea for two weeks now. I just assumed that it was from all of the antibiotics I've been on. However, I saw a gastroenterologist (sp?) yesterday, and he highly doubts that these medications are causing the diarrhea. He doubts the diverticulitis diagnosis also. (I had a colonoscopy for bleeding about six months ago, and no diverticular disease was noted.) By the way, can diverticulitis been mistaken for another gastrointestinal problem??? I always thought that CT Scan's were a "sure-fire" way to diagnose things???

I'm afraid to step on the scale because I know I've lost too much weight.
I am extremely weak from the diarrhea. I have absolutely no appetite, and am completely at the end of my rope!  While the Dr's are trying to figure out what's wrong with me, I would really like to know if anybody out there has been through anything like this? I am a 38-year-old mother with small children at home. I just really don't have time to be sick! Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks,
"Tummy Trouble"

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Surgeon has kindly addressed you questions in his comments below and I agree with his assessment.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[surgeon]

The first question is what in fact was the cause of the original problem: abdominal pain, blood in the pelvis. It might have been as simple as a ruptured ovarian cyst, but it sounds as if that's unanswered. So now question is to what extent your current problems are related to the original problem, or a consequence of the surgery. It's hard to say. CAT scan, like virtually any test, is not 100% perfect. The diagnosis of diverticulitis would have been based on inflammatory changes seen in the colon; it could be due to other issues as well. It's possible there's an abscess developing; if so, it can usually be drained with minor procedure not requiring direct surgery. Sometimes it's useful to repeat the CT scan after a few days; things may have become clearer. It might take a bit more time to figure things out. Certainly you need to remain in contact with your surgeon; he may have the best sense of when it's time to re-investigate. Other considerations would be a gyn consult, and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy to look directly at your lower colon.

[Kathi Kimmerle]

Thank you for answering my question. I appreciate the information you provided. This forum has been very helpful to me. I will most certainly follow up with my surgeon to make sure all is well. Thanks again!

[dsptchrw/crohns]

suffering from crohns is difficult within itself. I certainly understand your concerns about your health. I am 32 and was diagnosed with crohns disease about 8 months ago. I am by far anyone who should give medical advise, however your symptoms are very similar to what I have experienced. Your diarehea and feeling so tired and worn out with some rectal bleeding is so similar to mine. I was fortunate enough to have a Dr. that immediatley sent me for a Colonoscopy. The surgeon who preformed it took a sample of tissue for biopsy. This came back indicative of Crohns Colitis. I was refered to a specialst, who didn't help at all. I took it upon myself to find a group of specialist after much research and talking to people wth crohns. Without this support, I feel that I would have never received the great medical care that I am receiving now. Please followup with your surgeon, however, the answer is not always surgery.

[Silver100]

If you have cramping and mucous as well you should ask your doctor to test for Clostridium Diffile.  This condition is caused by antibiotics.  What happends is the antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your stomach/colon/intestines leaving the C diff bacteria(bad bacteria) to overgrow and release toxins that cause can diarrhea and cramping.

If this is the case you should check out this website:
http://www.cdiffsupport.com/discus/

[Kathi Kimmerle]

Thanks for all the feedback! This forum is really great!

I had a follow up with my doctor today, and the infection still hasn't cleared up. It has been determined that my problem is definitely diverticulitis.  I have been put on another 10-days of Flagyl & Levoquin.
My liver enzymes (whatever that is) are elevated. Now they're testing for hepatitis. I must admit I'm a little freaked out.

I went in for an emergency appendectomy almost four weeks ago, and have since had a wound infection, kidney infection, and diverticulitis. Could I have caught a bacteria while in the hospital that has caused all of this post appendectomy stuff?

Has anybody out there ever had this weird chain of events following the removal of the appendix? I'd sure like to know!!

Best wishes.

[Katenyc]

Hi,

Sorry you're having so many problems post-surgery.  I agree with Silver's post -- wouldn't hurt to have a stool analysis to rule out an infection of Clostridium difficile.  I have had this infection before and it went beyond diarrhea -- stomach cramping, mucous, and even blood at times show up in the stool.  Also, taking antibiotics can cause diarrhea anyway, and it seems as if you've taken a number of them lately.  Have you thought of taking probiotics while you are taking the antibiotics?  They're supposed to help replenish the "good" bacteria which your intestines need to fight the bad bacteria -- both good and bad are destroyed when taking antibiotics.

Good luck, and I hope you get to the bottom of this.   I know what it's like to feel ill and be taking care of small children.

Kate

[thomas572]

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