Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, fever possible, pain in right lower quadrant. The test to see if it's the appendix rather than a stomach bug is to hop on one foot. If this causes extreme pain in the right lower quadrant, get to the hospital.
I wish there were more tests that could be done to determine if one's appendix is failing but hasn't perforated. There's a condition called chronic appendicitis in which the symptoms match appendicitis but come and go so it's very difficult to get diagnosed. I strongly suspect that I have it because it's the only thing that makes sense and other diseases/disorders have been ruled out. I've gone to the ER when symptoms are present but my appendix consistently presents as normal. So did my gall bladder and it was almost dead by the time I was diagnosed. I'm concerned my appendix is doing the same thing my gall bladder did - looking normal but not functioning. I meant to ask my doctor about it at my last appointment but forgot. I'll have to ask him about it at my next one.
I'm not sure appendix does anything except get inflamed requiring removal. At least that is my understanding. I also have learned that there are parents who, even when faced with this life threatening situation, refuse surgery, not wanting to put their child through it and demand antibiotic therapy. That is a temporary fix for 40%, with 60% requiring surgery anyway after antibiotic treatment is concluded. And even the 40% end up having surgery at some point in their life. All for an "organ" which isn't needed.
I've seen a lot of information on the internet, but I'm not sure of the accuracy. I had a friend comment that sunflower seeds caused her son's appendicitis. I've read that it is believed by some that the appendix stores good gut bacteria until needed. But the doctors and medical staff I spoke with at the hospital all say they aren't really sure why it's there and removal has no impact on the body. It was rumored that it was something that was used before humans have evolved into what they are today, particularly back in the caveman stage.
Gallbladders are a different matter and I haven't done much research on those yet, although I should, since I have a few friends and family who are having them fail and removed, etc. in the last few years.
The original purpose of the appendix was to aid in digesting plant matter in early humans' diet. There's a school of thought that it still serves a purpose in modern humans but it's largely thought of as a vestigial organ.
As a parent, I would rather have it removed than go for antibiotics. It's not something I think should be treated with antibiotics.
The surgeon who removed my gall bladder said it was the healthiest looking non-functioning gall bladder he's ever removed. No stones. It just stopped working. I had been having low level symptoms for a few years that, looking back, pointed toward my gall bladder not working properly. I didn't connect the dots until I started having gall bladder attacks. All symptoms pointed to gall bladder but all imaging scans (ultrasound, CT, xray - multiple of each) were clear. GI specialist sent me for a HIDA scan, which showed my gall bladder wasn't functioning. He said he knew it was my gall bladder because it was the only thing that really made sense but he had to prove it.
So, if you ever do suspect gall bladder problems and nothing is showing up, ask for a HIDA scan. Gall bladder pain sucks. Upper right quadrant. Just under the ribs.
The appendix is now believed to help healthy biotic in the gut.
I have the same thing, Chef.
It first started when I was 32 weeks pregnant with Aaron.
I was in the hospital for 2 days receiving strong antibiotics and pain killers.
If I wasn't pregnant, they would have sent me home, but I had to be on a monitor the entire time.
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A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
The appendix is now believed to help healthy biotic in the gut.
I have the same thing, Chef.
It first started when I was 32 weeks pregnant with Aaron.
I was in the hospital for 2 days receiving strong antibiotics and pain killers.
If I wasn't pregnant, they would have sent me home, but I had to be on a monitor the entire time.
Chronic appendicitis?
Any suggestions on what to tell my doctor?
Cuz I'm tired of hurting. I understand they can't just go in on a whim and remove it but my instinct says if they did, the pain would stop. The symptoms all match. My body just likes to be stubborn.
My daughter was on a youth trip out of state when she became sick, at first she thought it may be food poisoning since she ate cottage cheese, had constant pain and threw up all night long. The next morning one of the girls went and got one of the chaperones who was a nurse to check her out and they took her to the hospital where she was diagnosed with appendicitis . That was fun getting that phone call.
Before we even got to the airport she was in and out of surgery.
The appendix is now believed to help healthy biotic in the gut.
I have the same thing, Chef.
It first started when I was 32 weeks pregnant with Aaron.
I was in the hospital for 2 days receiving strong antibiotics and pain killers.
If I wasn't pregnant, they would have sent me home, but I had to be on a monitor the entire time.
Chronic appendicitis?
Any suggestions on what to tell my doctor?
Cuz I'm tired of hurting. I understand they can't just go in on a whim and remove it but my instinct says if they did, the pain would stop. The symptoms all match. My body just likes to be stubborn.
Thankfully, I've not had a serious episode in a couple years .
My problem now is gall bladder and liver inflammation.
As for the appendix , after a few rounds of antibiotics, it stopped bothering me.
__________________
A flock of flirting flamingos is pure, passionate, pink pandemonium-a frenetic flamingle-mangle-a discordant discotheque of delirious dancing, flamboyant feathers, and flamingo lingo.
I miss Ed now. With all the 911 stuff I am watching this week and his story about his son and the saga the ensued with Ed not knowing if he was alive or not and the relief when he found out he was fine. Reminds me about him. I sincerely miss him.
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Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug.
My daughter was on a youth trip out of state when she became sick, at first she thought it may be food poisoning since she ate cottage cheese, had constant pain and threw up all night long. The next morning one of the girls went and got one of the chaperones who was a nurse to check her out and they took her to the hospital where she was diagnosed with appendicitis . That was fun getting that phone call.
Before we even got to the airport she was in and out of surgery.
My daughter was on a youth trip out of state when she became sick, at first she thought it may be food poisoning since she ate cottage cheese, had constant pain and threw up all night long. The next morning one of the girls went and got one of the chaperones who was a nurse to check her out and they took her to the hospital where she was diagnosed with appendicitis . That was fun getting that phone call.
Before we even got to the airport she was in and out of surgery.
Thank God that girl grabbed the nurse!
Yes, the surgeon said it was red hot. She had been having stomach issues all year and I even took her to the doctors who said she was fine. I guess it was bothering her then too
