Expert: Dr. Candice Davis, ScD - 10/25/2009

Question
Hello, thank you for your time.

I am a 53 year old male. 6'0, 205#, no meds, no DX, no allergy other then occ hayfever.

Dad had appendicitis at ? 45y/o.

Two days ago I developed some mild abdomen pain, rt lower quadrant, mcburneys point.  Kind of colicky, comes goes.
food seemed to exacerbate.  NO fever, no antalgia, not severe, just RLQ pain.  Fairly constant, feel  it awake or asleep, feel it worse upon extension, certain movements.  no radiation, pn stays at mcburney. no alteration urination/ defecation habits.

I cannot imagine it being other then an inflammed appendix.  No trauma, no lift/ not a hernia/ muscle pull.

It is the weekend, do not wish to visit E.R. and wait 8 hrs to be seen, to be told to 'go home unless it gets worse, see your own doctor'.

Tomorrow I will make appt, see MD if I can,,,,

What can I do in meantime to forestall development of full-blown appendicitis?

Fast?, vitamins?, Herbs?, acupuncture?, massage the abdomen?, NOT masage?

When I go to MD what can I expect?- CBC?, abdomen Ultrasound?, MR, CT ?

Will I be given RX?- antibiotics?

Again, fairly sure early appendix signs,,,,,,,,, What to do to prevent need for surgery?  What to do until fully evaluated?

Thank You.

Sal

Answer
Hello Sal,

I would definitely make an appointment with an acupuncturist come Monday.  If you don't already have one, find one that has a Masters in Oriental medicine. Not a chiro or doctor that has taken one or two courses to get licensed.  You need a good TCM practitioner that has knowledge and experience applying acupuncture and herbal medicine.  Appendicitis, especially in the early stages is very much treatable with TCM and acupuncture.  
Somethings you can do in the mean time, if you have access to a health food store:

Taro Root:
Externally used for infections like appendicitis.  Mix together peeled taro root, turmeric and ginger, mixed into a paste with some flour and water, and apply to the affected area.  Cover with a cloth.  During the winter time, heat up the paste and apply.  Change daily and always apply fresh.

Watermelon seed:
Make a tea from the seed by bowling a small handful of watermelon seed in cup of water. Let steep 3 or 4 min. and drink.  Also, watermelon in general is good to help ease inflammation internally.

Please let me know how you are doing with this.  I'd like to hear of your progress.

And to answer the rest of your questions.  A MD is always trained for the worse possible outcome.  They will be giving you RX antibiotic, usually very strong ones.  Plus try to push for emergency surgery.  Sometimes this is needed.  But often, it is just an over reaction.  A MD, (for insurance purposes) are trained to cover all their bases.

Another thing it could be, is what we call in TCM Food Stagnation or Liver Qi Stagnation.  That is why I suggest you see an Ms.OM LiAc as they will do a tongue and pulse diagnosis to know for sure.

Good luck,
Dr. C