What I Wish I Knew About Recovery After My Appendectomy

When I left the hospital after my appendectomy, I expected clear instructions on how to recover. Instead, I found myself staring at a vague sheet of discharge papers, wondering, “Okay… but now what?” Recovery felt overwhelming, and I quickly realized I’d have to figure things out on my own.

Thankfully, my support network stepped up and gave me some of the best advice I could have asked for. So, if you’re dealing with post-surgery uncertainty, here are five things that truly made a difference in my healing process.

1. Coughing Hurts—But It’s Necessary

This advice came straight from my mom, a retired ICU and burn unit nurse with over 30 years of experience. When she told me I needed to cough even though it felt like I was being stabbed in the gut; I initially thought she was joking.

She wasn’t. Turns out, coughing is crucial for clearing mucus from your lungs after surgery. The anesthesia and limited movement increase the risk of pneumonia, and avoiding coughing only makes things worse. I learned to hold a pillow against my stomach for support, take deep breaths, and brace myself before coughing.

Key Takeaways:

- Coughing prevents lung-related complications like pneumonia.

- Holding a pillow against your abdomen helps minimize pain.

- Deep breathing techniques make the process more manageable.

2. A Daily Task List Will Keep You Sane

One of the hardest parts of recovery was not knowing how much I could do without overexerting myself. A friend suggested making a simple checklist of daily tasks to track my progress, and honestly, it was a game-changer.

At first, my goals were basic: walking to the mailbox, unloading the dishwasher, driving for a short errand. Then, I slowly built up to grocery shopping, standing while cooking, and returning to everyday life without exhaustion. Seeing progress in small steps made everything feel less overwhelming.

Key Takeaways:

- Recovery isn’t just about rest, it’s about regaining independence gradually.

- Small tasks (like standing while doing dishes) add up over time.

- A checklist can help you celebrate progress instead of feeling stuck.

3. Advocate for Work Accommodations

Returning to work after surgery is not just about showing up; it’s about recognizing your limits. I work at an Under Armour Outlet as a freight lead, which means climbing ladders, lifting boxes, and being on my feet all day. Three weeks post-surgery, I knew I wasn’t ready for full-duty, so I sat down with my manager to discuss accommodations.

Luckily, they adjusted my role for a few weeks. I skipped heavy lifting, took more frequent breaks, and focused on tasks that didn’t involve excessive reaching. Asking for help made all the difference in easing back into my routine.

Key Takeaways:

- Know your limits before going back to work; some tasks might be harder than expected.

- Communicate your needs early so adjustments can be made.

- Recovery at work is gradual. Give yourself permission to ease into it.

4. Lean on your Health Network

About a month into recovery, I hit a roadblock—I got sick, and my neck started hurting like crazy. It felt like my body was falling apart. Fortunately, I had access to chiropractic care, and after an adjustment and ultrasound therapy, I finally felt relief.

This made me realize the importance of using allthe resources available to me. Recovery isn’t always linear, and sometimes your body needs extra help from professionals who specialize in healing.

Key Takeaways:

- Setbacks don’t mean you’re failing; they’re part of recovery.

- Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage can help with lingering pain.

- Your health network is there for a reason; don’t hesitate to use it.

5. Fitness Took Patience—But It Is Worth It

Getting back into exercise after surgery was intimidating. I knew I couldn’t jump straight into intense workouts, so I focused on gentle movement first, things like yoga, energy healing, and using my TRX straps for light resistance training.

Walking played a huge role in rebuilding my strength, and dog-sitting for two weeks turned out to be a perfect motivator. Having a reason to get outside and move made fitness feel natural instead of forced.

Key Takeaways:

- Start with mobility-based workouts instead of high-intensity training.

- Find activities you enjoy—walking, yoga, TRX, or anything low-impact.

- Daily movement matters more than structured exercise sessions.

Closing Thoughts

Recovering from surgery isn’t just about following a doctor’s orders—it’s about listening to your body and leaning on the people around you for support. I wasn’t given much guidance when I left the hospital, but these five lessons made all the difference in getting back to normal life.

If you’re navigating recovery yourself, I hope this helps. Take things one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and trust that healing isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.