Incisional hernia

Hi John it is almost 11 months since I had my incisional hernia repair I have a bit of a bulge but nothing like the hernia, my scar is longer than yours, I also have no belly button and had abdominplasty at the same time as this was my fifth abdominal op and the whole of my abdomen needed repair.  the whole of my abdomen is numb, but this does not surprise me as have had so much surgery over the years.  It is getting better but very gradually, I really think that if you are worried about your bulge you should see a different surgeon.  Take care

What're you do? When you take a cold, cough or sneeze. I had hernia surgery and using 15 cm mesh two months ago. Was very concerned when coughing violently.

Hi Zoe I had pneumonia in February this year after my op last september, I took meds from the doctor and I hold my nose to prevent myself from sneezing it works.  Five months on from the pneumonia I dont think I have had any adverse effects on my incisional hernia repair but this year as a precaution I am going to get the pneumonia flu jab from my doc as a precaution.

 

Hi John it does appear that there is light at the end of the tunnel, although immediately after the op it is difficult to see and imagine.  I had a brilliant surgeon and I am just beginning to believe that he knew what he was doing and that I can trust his work.  He is head of the British and European Hernia Society and I have decided that I will donate £100 to the Society every year on the anniversary of my op.  I have taken this decision, as I believe it is a very low profile disease, and not much discussed in the media in relation to other diseases.  Further research is needed into improving repair surgery and to prevent hernia occurrence, especially incisional hernia. I do believe that hernia occurrence following other ops can be eliminated or greatly reduced by better wound closure.   It is good that I have got to the stage where I can now think about how I can help future patients.  Lets continue to get better

Hi John

May I ask where your hernia is and what type of surgeon you used? I've been going through this since 2010 and I am still very miserable. Usually if you have a bulge it isn't going to go down but could get bigger. I don't know you but the Dr saying it is fat is just ignorant. It is probably still the hernia. You might need a second or even a third opinion. Also you might want to consider a reconstructive plastic surgeon and not a general surgeon. They have more expertise with this kind of thing if you find a good one. I went to 5 surgeons until I found one who would 1. know what it was 2. work on it and 3. not charge me my life savings. Yes please wear the corset thing. Lifting is a NO also but you probably already knew that. I really could use the support of you fine people on here who has been through this. I am so depressed from it. My entire life changed and I am only 38 now. It is too much to bear sometimes. I have a 12 inch hernia and no left oblique muscle now. I have 2 types of mesh holding my guts in and it still doesn't completely help. I still have a bulge after all of this. I am told as I age it is going to get worse. I've had to quit my job as a massage therapist of 10 years because of the pain and having no strength.

Hello Stephanie

I saw a Mr De Beaux in edinburgh he is chair of the european hernia society, he is very good,and repaired my incisional hernia exactly one year ago tomorrow.  I do have a moan from time to time, but I am getting better.  I have 72sq inches of mesh in my abdomen, as I had abdominoplasty plus hernia repair.  I did not pay as went on the NHS, but the cost of hernia repair with Mr de Beaux in Edinburgh is £10,000.  I would hate to have to have another repair it is such a painful op, but if it was necessary I would go through it again.  I have had 5 major ops on my abdomen so I really feel for you Stephanie as you are so young to be going through this; at least I am 69 and for some of us being ill at this age goes with the territory.