Speaker: Erika Orellana
What advice would you give to people making treatment decisions about appendicitis?
Erika Orellana: I would suggest that you ask any and all questions you have. I think that although I decided on surgery, I would very likely pick surgery if I had to do it all over again. Some of my doubts and anxiety I felt before and after my surgery were from feeling rushed into my decision. So while we might not be able to put off treatment until we are 100% sure of our decision, I think asking questions, no matter how small they may seem can go a long way. I would ask who's performing my surgery? What can I expect during my recovery and what are the possible complications in surgery? Because for example, I personally didn't know surgery isn't a 100% guaranteed treatment for appendicitis. So no matter what your questions are, I would make sure to ask them.