Hello all, I was hoping to hear some of your experiences post-op for an appendectomy. I had to have mine removed last Friday at Pattaya Memorial. I find that I am experiencing weird muscle aches/spasms/pain/mild cramping in my calves and forearms. I also have heart palpitations. I have been really making an effort to keep electrolytes balanced and movement a priority. I asked the doctor about this today and I recieved a smile and an, I don't know. Anyone else have any stories. Maybe it's anxiety, maybe not, looking for some comfort. Thank you.

What you describe is not likely to have anything at all to do with the appendectomy.

I frankly have no explanation for the muscle cramps unless a drug reaction of some sort (what meds are you on?) or dehydration (is your urine dark?).

If the doctor examined and found nothing wrong with your heart rhythm then the subjective sense of palpitations is usually a sign of anxiety, although in some cases this too can be a side effect of some medications.

From your previous posts, you have complained about this prior to your proceadure......Perhaps see the right Dr if you are self medicating for depression and panic attacks.....

Thanx for your replies. You are correct Nick J . have had anxiety issues this past year but have been pretty great off any meds since January. I agree with Sheryl it must be anxiety. Urine is clear. I read somewhere muscle aches could be a side effect of the anasthesia but I have no idea.My calves were immensley sore right out of surgery and for the next day, could not bend them.

Im not on any meds, no pain meds. either.

Two months back I did have ekg and had a slight sinus arrythmia but told it's fine not to worry. Not easy to do.

Sounds very much like anxiety. Suggest you get therapy - see the pinned mental health thread. The therapist will help you decide if meds are necessary and if so refer you to a good doctor to prescribe them. Self-prescribing for anxiety and depression is a bad idea.

Thank you Sheryl, I agree about self-medicating. I was previously on Lexapro for a few months prescribed via psychiatric doctor. I weened slowly off them and until my surgery have been just fine with the anxiety. I think meditation and light walking in my case is all the therapy I need. Knowing it's anxiety actually eases me because I know what I need to di. Thank you for your replies.

Surgery in itself is an anxiety-producing event, more than we realize. It goes against our most basic instincts to allows our bodies to be cut open. Even though you are anesthetized, at some level the deepest unconscious mind is aware of the violation. So it is not surprising that your anxiety would exacerbate afterwards.

Thanks Sheryl!! I couldn't agree with your statement more. Feeling much more relaxed just realizing my anxiety is valid.

might do just as well, to take a drug holiday, and let your body normalize, most anti-depressants do as much harm as good, from conferences i've been to.

usually, one needs as much information as possible to say anything, like your medical history, and exactly what the symptoms are , how long they last, have they happened in the past, any start/stopping of routine meds, if so when, etc etc

did they put you on any antibiotics peri-surgery? post surgery

No antibiotics peri/post. Just had stitches removed an hour ago, feel great. I think the anxiety is behind me over this situation. Back to cooking and walking again, feeling 100% better! Thanks for all of your replies.