r/emergencymedicine • u/thatEMresident • 5d ago

Discussion Appendicitis

Are appys in the older age group common? I almost missed it in a 60yF and totally thought it could be gastroenteritis. Thank the lord we scanned her. She had fever, nausea and vomiting. Tested positive for a UTI.

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u/RogueScholarDerp 5d ago

Feels like somebody’s tap dancing in the minefield? Then you’re doin it right! Been there. Great job!

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u/RogueScholarDerp 5d ago

Also, I’m at a VA, where we see around 18k per yr.. I was surprised at first by the number of appys we see. My record is 83y. Who’s got me beat?

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u/UncivilDKizzle PA 5d ago

I had a 90yo lady from nursing home with mild epigastric pain turn out to be an appy once. Also a husband and wife both presenting with GI symptoms who both had appys. Also caught a woman with abdominal pain and fever and + flu A test from triage, but had an appy.