Lifestyle and home remedies

Expect a few weeks of recovery from an appendectomy, or longer if your appendix burst. To help your body heal:

• Avoid strenuous activity at first. If your appendectomy was done laparoscopically, limit your activity for three to five days. If you had an open appendectomy, limit your activity for 10 to 14 days. Always ask your doctor about limitations on your activity and when you can resume normal activities after surgery.
• Support your abdomen when you cough. Place a pillow over your abdomen and apply pressure before you cough, laugh or move to help reduce pain.
• Call your doctor if your pain medications aren't helping. Being in pain puts extra stress on your body and slows the healing process. If you're still in pain despite your pain medications, call your doctor.
• Get up and move when you're ready. Start slowly and increase your activity as you feel up to it. Start with short walks.
• Sleep when tired. As your body heals, you may find that you feel sleepier than usual. Take it easy and rest when you need to.
• Discuss returning to work or school with your doctor. You can return to work when you feel up to it. Children may be able to return to school less than a week after surgery. They should wait two to four weeks to resume strenuous activity, such as gym classes or sports.