4 week wait for appendectomy of ruptured appendix - what activities are safe ?

[IrishCommuter]

I'm 41yrs old, in reasonable fitness and health but have been diagnosed with a ruptured appendix and have had a drain/antibiotic therapy to clear up the infection and abscess. The appendix will be taken out in 4 weeks' time. What range of physical activity should I carry out in the interval? Would there be a risk of causing damage by lifting, bending, moderate gym exercise etc ?

Thanks..

[wbl1]

Man...this person just wanted some advice on activity level while waiting for surgery. It IS common practice to wait for the appendectomy if it ruptures. Aggressive treatment with antibiotics and drainage of any abscess in the mean time. It lowers the chances of losing intestine and having colostomy and surgery can be more predictable. Of course this also requires ct scans and on going care in the interim.  Please people,  if you don't have a medical background be careful how you answer these questions.  I'm actually in the middle of this now. Was hospititalized for 11 days fighting abscess and treating it etc.

[IrishCommuter]

I did have peritonitis prior to admission and yes, I was extremely ill though had no idea of how bad I actually was (I thought I had a bad dose of the flu with a stomach bug). This was successfully treated and, from my reading regarding the handling of a ruptured appendix, the pre-op interval is fairly standard. So any advice regarding activity while I wait would be appreciated!

[Dar584]

You are crazy if you wait 4 weeks for removal of your ruptured appendix.  If you end up with peritonitis you wil be extremely ill !! I dont care if they have you on antibiotics the organ had ruptured infection into your abdominal cavity !!  Besides I would think that the appendix itself can turn gangreen because of the rupture!!  You are crazy to wait antibiotics or not surgery is the answer!

[IrishCommuter]

Ummm... http://insidesurgery.com/2006/04/appendix-removal-appendectomy/ - particularly the third paragraph relating to abscess (which I had)... The (American I think) article suggests a 6 week interval so 4 weeks wouldn't seem to be excessive.

[caregiver222]

Sell the cat and the parakeet and fly to America and get the operation within 6 hours.

If the appendix is ruptured the only thing you will end up with is anti-biotic resisant bacteria. And hopefully the priest will say nice things about you at your funeral.

I'm with TurkeyLurkey.

"That's nuts!"

[IrishCommuter]

Well no, the received advice is to clear up the infection (high mixed antibiotic doses) and be sure that the infection has gone/inflammation has subsided before proceeding with the removal. An interval of this period does seem fairly routine - as long as there is ongoing monitoring to ensure no infection reoccurs. I think the assumption is that in the absence of continuing fevers, pain etc the appendix rupture has naturally sealed - long enough at least till the operation. Hence my question about whether there are any specific activities or movements I should be avoiding in the mean time, I don't want it reopening for business !

[TurkeyLurkey]

4 weeks?  That's nuts.  A ruptured appendix leaks into all your organs as I understand it.  I would think you need immediate medical attention.