After an appendectomy, your child may feel weak and tired and may have symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach for several days.

Your child's body will work normally without an appendix.

And you won't have to make any special changes to your child's diet or lifestyle.

Your child might have some pain and bloating in the belly.

That usually goes away within a few days.

Most children can get back to their usual activities in about a week, or longer in some cases.

After going home, be sure that your child follows any instructions about diet or activity and takes medicines as prescribed.

Encourage your child to drink plenty of water.

Your child can probably eat his or her usual foods, if the doctor says it's okay.

Follow any instructions you received about caring for the incisions--the cuts.

Your care team can let you know when it's okay for your child to shower or bathe.

Watch for any problems, and call your doctor if your child has problems such as new or worse pain, bleeding or having an incision come open, or signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness; red streaks leading from an incision; pus draining from an incision; or a fever.

Also call if your child can't pass stools or gas or is passing little or no urine.

Be sure to call your doctor if you have any questions.

Giving good care after surgery can help your child feel better and recover sooner.