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How to Advocate

Identify Symptoms

Recognize the early signs of appendicitis and document them accurately to ensure your medical history is clear.

Ask the Right Questions

Use our pre-written clinical checklist to ask your doctor about specific diagnostic criteria and potential misdiagnoses.

Compare Your Diagnosis

Compare your symptoms against common conditions to ensure your care team is fully aware of your unique medical history.

Common Appendicitis Misdiagnoses

Appendicitis is frequently mistaken for other gastrointestinal conditions. Selecting a similar diagnosis reveals the specific clinical questions you should ask your doctor to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Appendicitis vs. Gastroenteritis 
  • My pain is toward the lower right side of my abdomen - is that consistent with gastroenteritis?
     
  • How do my gastroenteritis symptoms differ from appendicitis symptoms? Why is appendicitis not taken into consideration?
     
  • Gastroenteritis typically improves within 24 to 48 hours - when should I be concerned enough to return if no improvement happens?
     
  • If I develop a fever or symptoms worsen, should I go to the ER or urgent care?
     
Appendicitis vs. Viral Illness
  • What makes you think this is a viral illness and not appendicitis?
     
  • Can we order a blood test? Was there anything significant about my white blood cell count?
     
  • Is rebound tenderness present? If so, what does that mean for my diagnosis?
     
  • Did you recommend an ultrasound or CT scan?
     
  • The pain is moving towards the right side of my abdomen - is that consistent with viral illness symptoms?
     
  • How does typical progression of viral illness differ from appendicitis progression?
     
  • If I develop a fever or symptoms worsen, should I go to the ER or what should I do?
Appendicitis vs Constipation
  • Has an abdominal examination been performed to check for tenderness, specifically in the lower right quadrant?
     
  • Could my symptoms indicate appendicitis? Or could my constipation pose a threat that could lead to appendicitis?
     
  • If laxatives or dietary changes don’t change my symptoms within 24 hours, should I return and what should I watch for in the meantime?
     
  • If I develop a fever or symptoms worsen, should I go to the ER or what should I do?
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