Severe stomach issues five months after laparoscopic appendectomy?

Posted by alexaadams @alexaadams, Jun 29, 2023

For context, I have MCAS (Mast Cell), and a history of ovarian cysts and SIBO.
A few months ago in February I had a laparoscopic appendectomy. Ever since then, starting mainly around a month post-op. I have been having the most severe gut health problems. I already follow a gluten free and vegan diet because of my sensitivity to animal products and gluten. It started in March with severe gas, very strong odor (something that I had never had in the past). It was agonizing and I felt nauseous constantly. Then it progressed to severe constipation, and even now I am constipated to the point where an enema does not do anything. As it progressed my heartburn after eating anything became horrible. Medications like tums, Pepcid, etc. do not help. These past two months I get horrifically bloated and develop abdominal cramps no matter what I eat. There is nausea following 90% of meals I eat, especially sugar. In addition I have developed panic attacks after eating. My worry is that in the past I’ve had two laparoscopic surgeries for ovarian cysts (this my abdomen has had a lot of trauma), I fear that during the appendectomy my vague nerve was damaged. I have also already don’t testing for parasites. I have found the only thing that completely stops the stomach ache is the use of edibles (marajuana) as it relaxes my vague nerve. I have an appointment with the Mayo Clinic in August but am desperate to know if anyone else has had complications like this following appendicitis.
Also relevant: when I have abdominal pain it tends to be located on the lower left, occasionally lower right, by the bellybutton, and above the bellybutton.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 29, 2023

Hello @alexaadams, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear you are having to deal with complications following your laparoscopic appendectomy. It's great to hear that you have an upcoming appointment at Mayo Clinic to figure out what is causing the terrible symptoms. While we wait for members with experience to join the discussion, I did find two references on the topic.

--- Recurrent Abdominal Pain after Laparoscopic Appendectomy: https://synapse.koreamed.org/articles/1007626
--- Recurrent pain abdomen following appendectomy: Stump Appendicitis, a surgeon's dilemma: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5331228/.

There is a similar discussion here that you might want to read through.
--- 3 months after appendectomy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/3-months-after-appendectomy/

Can you provide an update after your Mayo appointment?

alexaadams | @alexaadams | Jun 29, 2023

In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @alexaadams, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear you are having to deal with complications..." + (show)

Thank you so much. I will be sure to update.

ctarrillo | @ctarrillo | Jan 25 4:06am

I think I have a very similar case to you. I used to be able to eat whatever I want then all of the sudden I can’t eat anything with out an absurd amount of gas build up. It’s just gas, and the gas causes so, so much pain that I’m vomiting up gas. To be specific, I don’t vomit but vomit gas. Then I develop weird flushing fast heart rate and quick breathing. Are these symptoms similar to yours ?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 25 8:22am

In reply to @ctarrillo "I think I have a very similar case to you. I used to be able to..." + (show)

Hello @ctarrillo and welcome to Mayo Connect. I read your post and I'm wondering how long ago you had your surgery. Was it a laparoscopic procedure?

Have you discussed this problem with your doctor? Did he/she offer any suggestions as to the reason or what you can do to help?

ctarrillo | @ctarrillo | Jan 25 9:31am

In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @ctarrillo and welcome to Mayo Connect. I read your post and I'm wondering how long..." + (show)

My symptoms started before the hospitalization. They removed my appendix but said it was perfectly healthy. It was laparoscopic but she said everything is actually healthy.

Currently they have no idea how to proceed and are now testing for immune stuff which I’m currently in the waiting room for. Idk how it will turn out.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 25 5:50pm

In reply to @ctarrillo "My symptoms started before the hospitalization. They removed my appendix but said it was perfectly healthy...." + (show)

@ctarrillo

I appreciate your update. I know you are looking for answers. Will you keep in touch with any questions or concerns you may have as you look at immune disorders?

I'm look forward to hearing from you again.

ctarrillo | @ctarrillo | Jan 26 3:55am

Something strange happened, and I wonder if an expert could clarify. There is a particularly sore part in my stomach that when I touched to force myself to burp. It was giving constant flushing until I pushed on it hard and then it shifted a little, and the pain went away.

Did it have some kinda hernia of the stomach ?

Please sign in or register to post a reply.