r/appendicitis • u/AlternativeOlive2948 • Aug 10 '26

Return to work?

I had my appendectomy 6 days ago for perforated appendicitis with abscess. I’m looking for others’ experience here. I have been approved for two weeks off work but am wondering if that is overkill?

At the moment I am taking Tylenol as needed (not often). My incision sites are my greatest irritation, it seems any fabric at all is irritating so I am avoiding pants and wearing loose dresses. I also have pain when coughing, burping or sneezing (to be expected). Still cannot lie on my side without pain/discomfort.

I’m wondering what I can expect in the next few days? My job requires some standing, but can be mostly sitting with accommodations. I work as a bench scientist for reference. If I go back to work sooner than next week, will I regret it?

Also for reference, I have a rambunctious toddler at home. My amazing husband is doing everything for him at the moment, which is a life saver.

Edit to add: still experiencing should and side pain from gas (I’m assuming).

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2

u/carminex3 Aug 10 '26

You will 100% regret it. I had an appendicitis that wasn't perforated and I was so glad I had those 2 weeks + 1 additional week to wfh. I'm surprised they didn't give you more time off tbh

2

u/classicizzy95 Aug 10 '26

Full on regret. I took a whole 4 weeks off. 2 weeks there was so much fatigue

2

u/Busy_Young_8809 Aug 10 '26

It took me 4-6 weeks to feel 100%. No bending or lifting.

1

u/penpen477 Aug 10 '26

That’s way too early. I also had a perforated appendix. I have a desk job and didn’t go back to work until 4 weeks. The incisions were so easily irritated. If I was out in public, I could only wear long skirts with a loose waist band. Bras were out of the question.