1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Hernia

Diagnosed with inguinal hernia, Royal Free unwilling to operate

Posted , 2 users are following.

Freefaller
Freefaller

Hi, 

I've had left-sided groin pain for a number of years, brought on by heavy lifting in 2008. It was diagnosed as gilmore's groin and it has been managed by physiotherapy and I've been able to resume all my sporting activities, which are mainly cycling and swimming. 

After twinging the injury again last December, I went to my doctor and insisted I have a soft tissue scan to see if there was a hernia, which confirmed I did have one. 

Wanting it repaired, I was referred to the Royal Free, but the quality of care there has been appaling. They are totally reluctant to perform the operation and keep trying to dissuade me from going ahead. I saw the consultant himself and after examining me he said I didn't have a hernia, but a gilmore's groin. His manner was curt and I found him unprofessional. He said a gilmore's groin repair would only have a 50% chance of success. 

Though I feel I've managed the injury fairly well through core strengthening exercies, pilates and yoga, it still isn't 100% and I'm frustrated that I'm encountering such a wall of disconcern and deliberate delays. 

Has anyone had a similar experience in trying to get a hernia repaired at the Royal Free Hospital? Is this mentality of 'if it isn't completely crippling, then don't fix it' endemic in all NHS hospitals when it comes to hernia repairs? 

Any information would be great, thanks. 

 

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • nezra
    nezra Freefaller

    Posted

    I sadly can't comment on that particular hospital as I'm from the midlands area but it seems pretty much across the board that they seem reluctant to perform surgery. My mum had an inguinal hernia for 3 years, it wasn't until her stomach was the size of a 7 month pregnant woman that they finally got her in and performed the surgery. 

    It may be better to go privately if you can afford too. 

    Best of luck with it 

  • kingdom
    kingdom Freefaller

    Posted

    Ok mine was diagnosed as oesteoarthritis . Even after a clear x Ray , !  if you are over 60 they said the operation may be. Too much for you and prevaricated  I ended up with two inguinal and a femoral one after the physio made it worse I went private Oxford would do one for£900 but mine were too bad so had all at once locally  no after care or help from private hosp who didn't see me even after a scan on nhs Said there's a problem 9 weeks after it was worth doing and I would advise surgery  it's all downhill otherwise and the younger you are when its done the better a good investment at about 6 weeks wages it you are working I would not have had mine done til 2016 otherwise,! 
    • Freefaller
      Freefaller kingdom

      Posted

      Well I'm 25 and quite a keen sportsman so I'd like to get it fixed, sooner rather than later. One of the doctors actually said it's fine as it's not giving me much trouble atm and I should wait till it pops out then come back and get it repaired! Madness! 

      I will look into going privately as I can see myself waiting a very long time with the bloody NHS.

  • kingdom
    kingdom Freefaller

    Posted

    I might be twice age but I was active too My right hand one used to pop out doing front crawl so - lie on yr back and kick legs while you push it back! physio said it was a blinder the hole so big  would not strangulated

    get done asap !

     

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.