I sometimes have sharp pains in my incision site where my appendix was taken out, is it normal?

I had major surgery over 30 years ago that included removing my appendix and I occasionally get sharp stabbing pains still. If the area around the incision is red, swollen or warm to the touch I would contact the emergency room and get their advice about whether you should come in immediately or get an appointment with your PCP as soon as possible.

Hi L-R,

No, it isn't normal to have pain like you described a few months after an appendectomy. It's possible you have an infection or abscess. Usually an infection will show itself fairly soon after surgery but sometimes it takes longer, and occasionally the reason it takes longer is because we keep waiting for the pain to stop or just assume, wrongly, that lengthy post operative pain after an appendectomy can last a long while. If it were me, I'd see the surgeon asap, explain the problem and let him diagnose what's wrong. You may end up getting a scan and possibly corrective surgery and a drain tube for the infection. It's also likely you'll receive antibiotics. What you're experiencing could be something else too, especially since it's moving towards your gut. I recommend not waiting to make an appointment. because the last thing you want is for this to develop into a major problem in your digestive tract. Best wishes.

Liyah; unless it gets worse It really has not been that long and there are still nerves and sometime scar tissure moving around and mending but if the pain is all the time talk with the doctor. But I have a few areas cut around the same place and that was years ago and they still give me quick sharp pain..

Hi Liyah-robin, when they made the incision, they also cut into your nerves in that area. Your nerves are now trying to heal themselves, that's why you are getting sensation back in that area. Was the area numb at first? I am not a doc, but have had several surgeries. Of course, if you think it is abnormally intense pain, please contact your doc and have him confirm. It could be something more serious. This pain could last several months. Let me know if this helps, and how you are doing. Bless