Hi, I had my appendix removed just over 2 weeks ago and since then I've had strange sharp stabbing pains in my groin area. It comes on randomly - sitting, standing, even woke me up last night. They only last about a few minutes but are excruciating. It's nothing like period pain, it feels like someone has a knife and are stabbing me repeatedly for a few minutes - sorry I don't know how else to explain it! Is this common after an appendectomy? I have a follow up appointment with the surgeon in 2 weeks but don't know if I should see a GP in the meantime.
Hello. Post-operative pain can manifest in various ways and can sometimes be referred to areas distant from the surgical site. However, the type of pain you're describing in the groin area is not a typical complaint after an appendectomy.
There are a few things to consider:
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Referred Pain: It's possible for pain from the surgical site to be referred to the groin, but the sharp, stabbing nature of your pain might be atypical for referred pain.
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Injury or Irritation: It's possible, though rare, for nerves to be irritated or injured during abdominal surgeries, leading to sharp pains.
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Other Causes: The pain could be unrelated to your surgery. Conditions like groin hernias, hip issues, or problems with the reproductive organs can cause groin pain.
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Infection: It's always essential to rule out any signs of infection, especially after surgery.
Remember, it's always better to be cautious, especially after surgical procedures. If the pain is severe or if you experience other symptoms like fever, swelling, redness, or drainage from your surgical site, you should seek medical attention promptly.