#Appendectomy

[affixjoy]

I love this story so much I wrote a whole fic inspired by it:

TIL anyone who's going to overwinter in Antarctica has to have had their appendix out. Because removing an appendix that's not causing any trouble just as a precaution is way better than having one that's about to burst when you're on the ass-end of the planet with no way to be rushed to a hospital if shit gets real.

[hb-writes]

Doting

Summary: When Mia's sudden stomach pain turns out to be appendicitis, the Cullen family's doting nature comes out. Takes place pre-Twilight/ Bella, but not by much (it's the same school year).

Characters: All of the Cullens are present, but focus is mainly on Carlisle Cullen, Esme Cullen, Edward Cullen & Mia Cullen (OC)

Content Warnings: medical stuff - ER visit, appendicitis, appendectomy, surgery recovery

Twilight (Mia Cullen) Masterlist

It was usually Carlisle and Edward who monitored the majority of Mia’s medical needs. It was Carlisle and Edward who did the assessing and diagnosing, determining the need for a visit to her pediatrician or the emergency room. Determining what could and should be cared for by them at home, knowing that she received a fair bit more at-home care than most children did because most kids didn’t have a father and brother with medical degrees. Most kids didn’t have so many people paying such close attention. Most people didn't have so many people close who cared and had the ability to see in one way or another what was going...

Most people didn't have a Carlisle or an Edward, with their medical degrees and their decades of experience and knowledge.

Most people didn't have an Alice who had visions of the future or a Jasper who could sense moods.

But even so, it had been Esme and her mother’s intuition—her thorough knowledge of her youngest child—who figured out something was wrong with their Mia.

Mia had been quiet when she came home from school, slightly withdrawn as she went through the motions of saying goodbye to her siblings before they left for their hunting trip. No one questioned it. Mia understood why she could go, but she was always a bit disappointed when the others left her behind. 

She first mentioned the stomach ache after they left, declining dinner and informing Esme that her stomach had been off all day. Mia figured it had just been nerves about the science test that was worth 40% of her grade this quarter, and when the test had passed but the unease in her stomach didn’t dissipate, Mia assumed she had caught a bug. It seemed likely—it was flu season after all. 

But the flu didn’t feel like this. It could be awful, sure, but the persistent pain Mia had felt…she knew it was something more. And it was something she couldn’t hide or explain away. She was in enough pain that she didn’t even care to hide it from her mother. Mia was in enough pain that she didn’t fight when Esme announced that they needed to go to the hospital. 

Mia only braced herself against the pain as her mother situated her in the front seat of the car, too engrossed in her discomfort, too desperate for relief to even be bothered about where they were going. 

It was Carlisle’s new resident, a bright-eyed young woman who grew up and attended college and medical school on the other side of the country, moving to Forks 6 months ago for her training, who greeted them and examined Mia while Carlisle was busy treating a farmer who had the misfortune of having his arm stuck in a piece of farm equipment. 

It was the resident who endured Mia’s screams as she gently pressed her fingers to Mia’s stomach. It was the resident who had studied the sonogram images of Mia’s abdomen. It was the resident who explained to Esme and Mia the diagnosis and the prognosis and the next steps. It was the resident who prescribed some pain killers while they waited.

Mia was resting by the time Carlisle was able to get away, curled into the fetal position with her head in Esme’s lap, both of them huddled in the hospital bed.

Carlisle kissed his wife and stroked a cool thumb across his daughter’s flushed cheek before pulling the chart from the end of the bed. He had already been briefed, but he liked to see the blood work for himself. Liked to see her vitals. Liked to be sure for himself even though he trusted his resident’s assessment. 

As soon as the appendicitis was diagnosed, they started the medications—antibiotics to fight the infection and pain killers to help keep her comfortable. 

Carlisle knew his daughter would be fine. They had caught it before the appendix ruptured. She would have a quick surgery and head home. She would recover and have little to show for the whole ordeal aside from a memory and a small scar that would fade to nothing over time. 

“She’ll be okay,” Carlisle said, unsure if the assurance was more for himself or for his wife. “Flanders is a terrific surgeon.” 

Esme nodded at her husband before looking back to their daughter, smoothing back the sweaty hair on Mia’s forehead. Esme had been so grateful when Mia fell asleep, so grateful for the speed with which the IV-administered pain medication had swarmed her daughter’s system, swiftly easing Mia’s torment. But there was a fear that still refused to budge, a worry that had settled itself in Esme’s heart and every fiber of her being. 

Carlisle pulled her to his side and kissed his wife’s forehead, careful that the movement didn’t disturb their sleeping child. Carlisle knew the words wouldn’t be enough to soothe Esme. 

The words…The knowledge that she would be fine…That an appendectomy was standard…easy…None of that had soothed him either. 

The only thing that would offer any relief was seeing their child on the other side of this.

—

The surgery was laparoscopic. Minimally invasive. No complications. She was discharged home on the same day from the recovery room with discharge notes and a prescription for pain medication. 

Mia was asleep on the couch, settled between Esme and Carlisle when the front door burst open, Edward emerging with a wild look in his eye. It was a full minute before Alice caught up.

“She’s—”

“I saw—” Alice began, the words caught in her throat as the vision she’d seen flashed in her memory again. Edward swallowed as it washed over his mind as well. 

“She’s fine,” Carlisle said, his gaze drifting towards the front door as Rose, Jasper, and Emmett came into the room. “Our Mia had appendicitis, but your mother spotted it in time and she’s healing.” 

Carlisle’s words and the sight of their sister sleeping peacefully brought some relief—Carlisle could see the slight change in each of his children as they integrated the information, taking in his assurances. 

Even so, he extricated himself from the sofa and crossed the room to pull her discharge papers from his bag. He wordlessly passed them to his son for review before glancing back at Mia. 

Jasper stood a ways back, but the others had taken up the space Carlisle had vacated, crowding around Mia as she continued to sleep. 

She would be fine. More than fine. While she recovered, she would be cared for and doted on almost too well. She would receive far better care than any hospital could offer.

Carlisle had taken a few days off from the hospital to be with her, but he knew it wasn’t truly warranted. Mia had more than enough volunteers ready to help nursing her back to health. 

“She should be up and moving soon,” Edward murmured as he looked over the papers. “Even if she doesn’t want to be.” 

Carlisle nodded.

“She did a little walking at the hospital before they released her.” 

“How did she do?” 

Carlisle answered through a glance and a small smirk that told Edward his sister had been full of complaints through every step she took.

“Your sister is a terrible patient.”

“And they’ll do nothing but enable her,” Edward said, nodding toward the others. 

“A little doting won’t hurt her,” Carlisle mused, knowing that he planned to dote a little himself. He glanced at Edward. “You were able to go hunting?” 

“Barely,” Edward answered, his gaze moving to Jasper who was still at the edge of the room and keeping a distance. “The others should head back out.”

“And you?” Carlisle asked. 

“I’ll be fine,” Edward answered. “I’ll stay.” 

Carlisle snorted softly. “Go hunt, son.” Carlisle took back the discharge papers. 

“I should—”

“Your sister is safe,” Carlisle interrupted. “And she'll be asleep for a few hours still. And your mother and I are here with her. Take your siblings back out to hunt.” 

Edward looked torn, his dark eyes settled on his sleeping sister. Carlisle’s gaze remained on his son as he watched his sister. 

You can have a turn doting on her after you’ve fed.

Edward glanced at Carlisle. He hadn’t said it aloud, but Edward heard it all the same.

The nourishment will help you better navigate the recovery. 

Carlisle hadn’t said it or even thought it, but Edward knew that what Carlisle truly meant was that feeding would give him a little more patience. Feeding would help Edward navigate his sister’s complaining about getting off the couch and completing her exercises and following the discharge instructions with the least amount of bickering. Feeding would lower the odds of Carlisle and Esme having to play referee. 

What Edward didn’t realize was that Carlisle also meant that before Edward could care for his sister, he needed to care for himself. 

What Edward didn’t realize was that Mia wasn’t the only Cullen Carlisle was doting on. 

Carlisle placed a hand on Edward’s shoulder, squeezing once before he crossed the room and began the process of ushering his other children from the room, communicating the plan to resume their hunting trip to the others while giving Edward the opportunity to approach Mia and Esme on his own. 

Esme gave a gentle smile as Edward approached, sitting on the edge of the coffee table in front of them. Edward took the hand Esme offered.

“She’ll be fine,” Esme said. “They all said the recovery should be simple.” 

Edward raised an eyebrow. Esme chuckled, a bit of light entering her eyes for the first time since this ordeal started. 

“Well, it should be simple when it comes to the medical piece, at least,” she amended. 

Edward snorted, barely a sound emitted as he did it, but Mia’s eyes fluttered open anyway, locking on him immediately. 

“Edward?” 

Some tension Edward hadn’t realized he was holding shifted at hearing her voice. Esme released his hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I got my appendix out,” Mia mumbled, the hint of a smile on her lips though it disappeared as she shifted position, her face suddenly scrunched up as she winced at a lash of pain. 

“Careful,” Edward said, his hands instinctively shooting forward to steady her. 

“I’m fine,” she hissed, though she was far from it, a small bead of sweat forming at her hairline and a bit of foggy exhaustion creeping in after just a few minutes awake, after just a few seconds of misguided movement. 

Edward gave his mother a knowing look and Esme schooled her features, but Mia had somehow caught it, even distracted as she was with her pain. 

“It’s not funny. I just had surgery and—”

“You’re awake,” Carlisle said gently and as if it was the best news in the world. He offered a smile to Mia as he approached, his sudden presence easily putting an end to a rant he knew would only rile her up. 

“Edward, the others are waiting for you,” he said, squeezing Edward’s shoulder. 

Edward nodded. “I’ll be back soon,” he offered to Mia and Esme before standing and moving slowly towards the front door. 

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” Carlisle asked as he took Edward’s place on the coffee table.

Edward slowed his steps as he waited to hear Mia’s answer, hoping she’d give their father a more honest and complete answer than she had given him. There was none of the sarcasm Edward had received—none of the bite in her voice either—as his sister answered Carlisle’s question with a question, her voice small and timid. 

“Can I have some ice cream?” 

Edward stopped by the front door. His instinct was to return to the livingroom and answer. To interject and relay the instructions he’d just read in the discharge summary—she was restricted to clear liquids only for 24 hours post- surgery—but Carlisle answered before he could get the words out. 

“How about a popsicle?” he offered instead, just as well-versed in his daughter's discharge papers as the son who still lingered by the front door. 

Edward didn’t hear his sister’s answer, but he heard Carlisle stand and cross the room, a doting sentiment sent his way as Carlisle walked toward the kitchen. 

Go ahead, son. She’ll be fine.

Twilight (Mia Cullen) Masterlist

[rainbowpopeworld]

Thing I learned from this fandom:

David Tennant has an appendectomy scar.

Thing I learned from watching Masters of Sex again:

So does Michael Sheen.

They are both adorable.

[newsiesimagines]

Newsies Imagines #55

[rubywingsracing]

POV: me pretending I’m not going absolutely feral for all the new F1 drama that keeps rolling in, totally 100% NOT kicking screaming giggling my feet over the pure silliness that is the 2024 season

Nico providing us with top tier meme able content fr, he’s out there doing gods work

[girlwithapinkhelmet]

News from the summer break of ‘24 (probably):

“During the summer break 17 drivers of the grid will undergo appendectomy. “🤷‍♀️

[ecgekg]

guy wears holter monitor. He has a visible appendectomy scar

[macgyvermedical]

I'm trying to write a fic where it's set in the middle of the forest on there own, no phone singal, no medicine or drugs to numb the pain or knock out the person and no way to call for help and there is the mc, one doctor, one surgeon, one ex-army medic, one nurse and one psychologist. Just so happens the mc gets appendicitis. Yay.... and now they have to do some field surgery. How would they go about this? How long would it take for symptoms to start progessing (note charcter keeps insiting that they are fine) and then to be noticed by the group. Then what happens? How to they do it? How does the person getting it done to them react? Im assuming they are going to need to restrain them somehow and comofrt them. How do I make it that none of them die? Also could you please do a post on how people react to pain? I think that could help a lot of us whump writers! I know some people scream and cry but when it gets real bad they fall silent... is that true?

Improvised Appendicitis Surgery (shockingly you're not the first person to ask this exact specific question)

Pain Pt 1

Pain Pt 2

Enjoy!

[whumpbug]

whumperless whump event day 16: say goodbye to filters @whumperless-whump-event

half-conscious / delirious / “you would never say that in your right mind…”

see this post for character information!

caretaker: Simon

whumpee: Archie

cw: drug mention in the sense of anesthesia post-op and also mention of vomit but it doesn't happen in the fic (let me know if i should tag anything)

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

The woman at the front desk smiled warmly as Simon approached. “Hello dear, how can I help you?”

Simon had his fingers wrapped around the edge of the counter in a white knuckle grip, feeling his breath hitch softly.

“I need to see a patient,” He said quickly.

“Patient’s name?” The woman asked, tapping away at her keyboard.

“Archie-- Archer. Archer Schultz.”

The woman didn’t say anything for a beat, and Simon felt all the breath leave him at once.

“Is he.. he’s fine, right? His work called me. I got here as fast as I could, so he’s okay, right?” He stammered, fingers drumming against the cool tile of the counter.

Simon isn’t even sure why he said it, the words just sort of tumbled out in an anxiety-induced frenzy. He felt like there was a vice around his lungs-- like he couldn’t take in enough air.

He had been in class when Archie’s work called him. Of course, he immediately dropped everything to step out and answer. Simon was Archie’s emergency contact, so the call only really meant one thing. An emergency.

And an emergency it was. 

Apparently, Archie had gone into work that day looking like death, and only lasted about an hour before his co-worker found him on the bathroom floor, covered in vomit, and screaming-- yes, screaming in pain. An ambulance was quickly called, and he was taken to the hospital. That was as far as Simon knew.

And it was killing him.

Usually, whenever Archie was hurt, Simon was right there by his side, doing everything he could to help him. He knew how to take care of Archie like it was breathing. He knew the difference between a “that hurts!” grimace and a “that tickles!” grimace. He knew what flavor of gatorade Archie liked best, and that he was allergic to latex. The fact that such a serious situation happened while Simon wasn’t there to pick up the pieces was sending him into a full-blown panic.

“Ah yes, here he is. He was admitted about an hour ago, yes?”

“Yes.” Simon’s voice came out breathless.

“Well it says here that he was admitted for an emergency appendectomy. But.. hold on a minute.”

Simon quite literally felt like he was going to pass out then and there. He was scrutinizing this poor woman’s face for some kind of information.

“It looks here that the procedure went well! He’s recovering in a post-op room right now, the whole thing only took about half an hour,” She said cheerfully.

The relief that crashed over Simon was dizzying. It almost felt like his knees would buckle then and there, but he steeled himself.

“Can I go see him?” He breathed, drumming his fingers once again.

“Im sorry dear, only immediate family are allowed in post-operative care--”

“I am his family.” Simon’s voice came out harsher than he expected, and he felt a blush creep up on his ears. “I just mean.. I’m his emergency contact. He doesn’t have anyone else nearby.”

The woman adjusted her glasses on her nose and tapped away on her keyboard. “Name?”

“Simon Guevara.”

After a few more clicks, she met Simon with a smile.

“That was my mistake. Your name checks out. He’s in Room 2043 to the left.”

Simon muttered a quick thank you before taking off down the hallway as fast as his legs would take him. His heart was thumping in his chest in time with every step.

Eventually, he stopped in front of the door and took a moment to breathe deeply. He needed to get himself together-- for Archie.

He gently pushed the door open, and his heart clenched at the sigh before him.

Archie was propped up in a hospital bed, tubes sticking out of his arms and he looked adorably out of it, no doubt from all the pain meds they had him on. His hair was an absolute mess-- sticking up in every direction and seemingly defying gravity. 

The most concerning thing, though, were the tear tracks down his face.

“Archie,” Simon breathed, finally closing the distance between them. “I’m here..”

He reached up and cradled Archie’s face, using his other hand to smooth his blond curls.

“S-Simon..” He slurred, before his breath hitched and his face scrunched up and he.. began to bawl. Loudly.

Simon froze. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting from Archie flying high as a kite, but this somehow wasn’t it.

“Hey, hey.. shh.. what’s the matter?” Simon murmured, running his thumb over Archie’s cheek. “It’s alright.. I’m right here..”

A nurse walked in with some folded blankets and greeted Simon politely.

“You must be Simon?” She asked, setting the bundle of fabric on the table beside Archie’s bed.

Simon nodded, absent-mindedly threading a hand through Archie’s locks.

“He’s been asking for you since he woke up. He’s a real mess.” She said, amusement lacing her voice. “Hasn’t stopped crying either. He’s not a big fan of hospitals, is he?”

Simon shook his head and turned back to Archie, who was blinking sleepily and jolting every few seconds with barely-contained sobs. His heart shattered into a million pieces.

Once the nurse left, he stepped closer to the bed and pulled Archie to his chest. He pressed a kiss to the top of his head, feeling protectiveness swirl in his chest.

“S’mon..” He hiccupped. “They took my stomach.. I’m.. n’ver gonna eat again!”

This sent Archie into another round of fitful sobs, and Simon into stifled laughter.

“They didn’t take your stomach, Archie. They took your appendix. You don’t need your appendix. You can still eat whatever you want,” He huffed, a smile playing on his lips.

Archie considered this.

“French fries…?” The words came out as a soft whimper.

“Yes, even french fries. I will treat you to all the french fries you want once you’re feeling better.”

This seemed to placate Archie for the time being. He simply nuzzled closer to Simon, clutching at his shirt and burying his face into his stomach. He let out a stuttering sigh and blinked against the drowsiness coursing through his veins.

“You’re so.. nice..” He whispered.

Simon felt his ears heat up as he continued rubbing wide circles on Archie bare back, courtesy of the scratchy hospital gown.

“M’so lucky..” Archie continued, lifting his groggy eyes up to meet Simon’s. “I was sc’red you weren’t gonna come..”

Simon frowned.

“I’ll always come, Archie. No matter what.”

At this, Archie's face crumpled once again and he pushed it back into the fabric of Simon’s sweater.

“L’ve you, Simon..” He mumbled, words muffled by the position.

Simon went beet-red. “..What?”

Archie lifted his face again and sniffled.

“I love you. You’re.. mmhg.. you’re so nice to me..” He slurred, blinking sleepily.

Simon wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or cry. All at once, he realized how deeply he cared about Archie. All the feelings he felt for him were compacted into just one, small word. Simon suddenly understood that he loved Archie too.

But he could say nothing.

“Archie, you’d never say that in your right mind… it’s the drugs talking.”

Archie hummed in disagreement, shaking his head, but it was clear that he had had quite enough of being awake. He stifled a yawn and leaned heavily into Simon’s arms.

Simon gently lowered him back onto the pillows, pulling the blanket up to his chin. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead before settling into the chair next to the bed. He took Archie’s hand in his own.

Now, with only Archie’s soft, even breathing to fill the silence, Simon had a lot of feelings to work through. He sighed.

༶•┈┈୨♡୧┈┈•༶

[josephbrassey]

Me when the same spot as my appendix hurts even though it’s already been taken out.

[and-then-the-trash]

Observation #1:

I have not needed to use my cane since my surprise!appendectomy 2 weeks ago.

Obsevation #2:

Hypermobility is still present in many of my joints, and my back and shoulder pain have remained unchanged.

Hypothesis #1:

My appendix was clearly what was causing my hip issues.

Hypothesis #2:

Each Problem Joint has a connection to an organ in close proximity to it. Remove the organ = remove the problem.

Will report back after further research has been conducted.

[sbpuppyboy]

guys, guys. are appendectomy scars sexy. asking for a friend

[wiiildflowerrr]

14 October 2014: Ashton and his appendix separate, due to irreconcilable differences.

(Have we ever seen his scar? My appendix scar is quite obvious. Need a good pic of shirtless Ash's righthand side. For science.)

[dreams-in-the-impala]

A bit of self projection. I had appendicitis in November and almost went septic as my appendix ruptured and had to wait from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m for surgery. Went to work feeling strange, like my stomach was in a knot but I just thought I was coming down with some kind of virus. Stayed from 8:30 a.m until 4 p.m and then went home early.

Spent the rest of the evening feeling like shit, feverish, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feeling hot and cold at the same time. Barely slept that night and then 3 a.m was most likely when my appendix decided it wanted to move out, the pain reached 10/10 and my belly was so swollen I looked second trimester pregnant but didn't actually go the hospital until after 5 a.m.

Luckily I live with my parents so they drove me and got confirmation that it was appendicitis but the doctors didn't have confirmation on whether my appendix burst until surgery. Thanks to laparoscopic surgery, I only have three small scars. Had a draining tube for the five days I was in the hospital and then on antibiotics for a week, my appetite didn't fully return until two weeks post op, not being able do my usual six day a week workout routine sucked and was off work for six weeks. That pain is something you never forget and I will also never forget the feeling of the draining tube being pulled out of my body.

Imagine a scenario in which Rain and Sky get appendicitis at different times and how Phayu and Prapai would dote on them even more than they already do after getting discharged from the hospital.

[fakesoniicfan]

Small life update the past 48 hours have been insane cuz I started getting abdominal pain and I swore it was really bad gas.. but then it got so much worse…. Nope…. It was my appendix 💀

Well now that’s outta me so yay! First surgery experience 10/10 everyone has been so kind and patient with me n my anxiety-ridden ass. Also REALLY GOOD SOUP

Edit: not trying to farm likes I’m literally just updating y’all since I will not be making art like normal for a bit. I haven’t dropped off!! Also this whole experience, while terrifying, was insanely interesting and I like posting about it.

[the-football-chick]

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy undergoing an appendectomy today ... expects to coach on Sunday 🤔

IG: nflonfox (12/6/23)