What recent research suggests is that the appendix was a reservoir of specialized digestion bacteria that evolved where populations had a very simple diet with only rare changes. The appendix stored the bacteria suitable for digesting those rare occasions. Now our diet is very generalized - so the appendix is no longer needed - we carry the full complement at all times.
Yes, I think a speedy recovery, and a short window of opportunity for 'papa betaler' to talk about future careers with an immobilized audience ;-) You can't be me, I'm taken