You have had an open appendectomy to remove your appendix. The appendix is a worm-shaped hollow pouch attached to the beginning of your large intestine. During an open appendectomy, a cut (an incision about
Incision care
Here are some tips for taking care of your incision:
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Wear loose-fitting clothes. This will help you be more comfortable and cause less irritation around your incision.
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Shower as instructed by your health care provider.
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Gently wash around your incision with soap and water.
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Don’t bathe or soak in a tub or swim in a pool until your incisions are well healed and your provider says it's OK.
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If your incision was closed with small, white strips of tape, don't pull them. They will fall off on their own in about a week.
Diet
Here are some tips for eating after your appendix was removed:
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Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, unless directed otherwise.
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Take a fiber-based laxative if you are constipated. You may also use a stool softener to prevent constipation.
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Eat a bland, low-fat diet at first. Slowly progress to a regular diet as instructed. Foods include:
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Mashed potatoes.
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Plain toast or bread, crackers.
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Soup.
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Plain spaghetti.
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Rice.
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Macaroni (plain or with cheese).
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Cottage cheese.
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Pudding.
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Low-fat yogurt.
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Low-fat milk.
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Canned fruit (except pineapple).
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Very ripe bananas.
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Activity
Follow these tips for activities:
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If you had general anesthesia, don’t operate machinery or power tools, drink alcohol, or make major decisions for at least the first 24 hours.
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Slowly increase your activity level to help with your recovery. Start by doing light activities around your home once you feel able to do so.
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Don’t drive until you are no longer taking prescription pain medicine and your health care provider says that it is okay.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than
10 pounds until your provider says it’s OK. -
Limit sports and strenuous activities for
1 or2 weeks. or as directed by your provider.
When should you call your doctor
Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have:
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Swelling, oozing, more pain, or abnormal redness around the incision.
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A fever of
100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, or as advised by your provider. -
Chills.
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Increasing belly pain.
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Severe diarrhea, bloating, or constipation.
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An upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting.
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Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
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Leg swelling.
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