Recovery time is usually a day or two without complications in the hospital, and several weeks of rest and recovery at home to allow the surgery to heal. A burst appendix may require a longer recovery time because the surgery is more extensive.

While recovering, the patient should avoid strenuous activity for several days for a laparoscopic procedure and several weeks for open surgery. This is to allow time for the body to heal. The doctor will advise when it is okay to resume normal activity. During this recovery period, the abdomen is in a delicate state, and a pillow should be applied with pressure if the patient needs to cough, laugh or move. This helps ease the pressure in the area.

Doctors will usually prescribe strong pain medications to help the patient through the initial stages of surgery. This is a time for rest and recovery, so limit walking and sleep when tired. The body is recovering from trauma and needs to restore itself.

There may be some comfort in alternative therapies, such as meditation and guided imagery, both of which can contribute to pain relief. Distractions like listening to music, talking and television can distract from pain, particularly with children, who are harder to control because of their naturally restless nature.

While appendicitis is not a pleasant experience, it is fairly normal. The good news is that patients only have one appendix, so if you experience appendicitis, rest assured, it won't happen again.