Post-Operative Complications: What to Do?

Dear Ask The Doctor: 17 days ago I had emergency surgery for ruptured appendix. I was in surgery for 3 hours. Since then I have been experiencing nausea, dizziness and weakness on almost a daily basis. I have not vomited. I do not have a temp. I eat small meals, drink fluids and am taking it easy. And no bowel problems. Just the dizziness and nausea that is driving me crazy. How long does this usually last? And what could be the cause? I should add, I had 30 staples and a drainage bag. Both removed over a week ago. I have what the doctors call a blood lump from so much bruising. I am told this will go away on it's own over time; the body will look after it. I don't know if this would have any effect on my nausea and dizziness problem? Thank you, Trudi Noble

There could be several causes of your symptoms. One is that you may have a long term complication of the anesthesia. If you had a general anesthesia, that could be causing your symptoms and it may take another week for it to resolve. Another consideration would be you can be allergic to Advil. Try minimizing the use of these drugs if possible. If your symptoms resolve after that, then it could be the culprit. Are you sure that you are not pregnant? Because your symptoms is also found in pregnancy. If you really feel bad, you may go back to your surgeon or doctor because you might have electrolyte imbalance due to lower food intake; blood tests may be needed for this. You may also ask your doctor to prescribe you another kind of pain reliever. With regards to the blood lump, if it is in your stomach then it is an unlikely cause of nausea and dizziness. I do hope this helps. Take care always.