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Incisional hernia

Posted , 17 users are following.

TheToad
TheToad

Hi. Has anyone out there had an incisional hernia using mesh? I have mine in 3 weeks. It will be open surgery. I'm not over worried about it, just wondering about other people's experiences. Would it help to lose some weight? I am about 93kg and 171 cm tall. (About 14 1/2 stone and 5'8" I think!) Male, aged 68. The hernia followed an infection in the wound after bowel Cancer surgery 11 months ago. Thanks. 

0 likes, 111 replies

111 Replies

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  • nezra
    nezra TheToad

    Posted

    Hi john your story is similar to my mums, she had emergency appendix removal and the hernia developed after her surgery. It was nearly 3 years before they operated and it had grown very large so she too had open surgery. She had the mesh too. She's doing great had no major problems after apart from being very gassy and unable to eat as normal for a couple of weeks but I think that's pretty normal. She's doing great now, back to normal, p.s she was 60, was a little overweight too! 
    • TheToad
      TheToad nezra

      Posted

      Thanks Nezra. That was reassuring. Glad your Mum is doing well and hope I follow her example! I could lose a few pounds before surgery. I have a sweet tooth so just cut out the chocolate etc! Thanks again. 
    • nezra
      nezra TheToad

      Posted

      Easier said than done though isn't it lol! Losing a little before any surgery can only benefit I'm sure! Best of luck keep us updated 
  • kingdom
    kingdom TheToad

    Posted

    Well you may loose weight after I was 78kg and lost over 8 kg due to constipation ruined my appetite for8 weeks only suggestion is empty yr system as much as possible b4 op at 9 weeks I think I still feel the mesh when I bend over was very fit and healthy in50's  I feel 70  now and eat a lot more fruit and high fibre  I am getting better but I had 3 hernias so maybe I wil. Take 3 x as long to get better 
  • joan38443
    joan38443 TheToad

    Posted

    I would be interested to know how you came to the decision to have the repair operation and how you get on post op. Purely personal interest; have incisional hernia myself but unsure whether to have a repair.
    • lesley16931
      lesley16931 joan38443

      Posted

      I had a DIEP breast reconstruction April 2014 and I too have an incisional hernia.  I am 5' tall and the hernia is the size of a watermelon.  I am very unhappy about it and definitely want a repair.  I have been referred to general surgery but apparently it won't happen this side of christmas.  The hernia interferes with my life.  I now tend to fall over as my centre of gravity is affected and my clothes do not fit.  I would like the operation done as soon as possible (with mesh) but the NHS is so overloaded that I have to wait even though I have been referred for an urgent repair.
    • nezra
      nezra lesley16931

      Posted

      Sadly it's a common occurrence by the sounds of it, my mum waited almost 3 years for hers, they would book the appt then cancel it, due to emergencies 6 times this happened before it was finally done several months ago. Hers had grown so big she looked 7-8 months pregnant at the age of 60 and as it was so big she was in surgery longer than is usual. Thankfully she had no complications just the usual post surgery issues. Fingers crossed your health authority won't make you too much longer and it is sorted within a few months. Maybe contacting your general surgery dept regularly to as if there are any cancellations you may get in a little quicker. 

      All the best 

    • lesley16931
      lesley16931 nezra

      Posted

      Hi.  I I relate to your Mum.  I am a couple of years older than her, but yes I look several months pregnant.  Thank you for the advice about phoning the department and asking about cancellations.  It's a bit worrying about the NHS though.
    • nezra
      nezra lesley16931

      Posted

      I work for the Nhs in managerial admin for a gp. We are often told to tell the patients to call the department for cancellations as it sadly is so over wrought nowadays. Even if you have to pester them calling weekly some to most of the secretaries are very helpful and you may just get in sooner. I have added a link below, sadly in my mums case it didn't happen. If they have a viable reason to cancel a operation (emergency surgeries) they can get round the 18 week rule, which with my mum they did repeatedly. http://www.nhs.uk/choiceintheNHS/Rightsandpledges/Waitingtimes/Pages/Guide%20to%20waiting%20times.aspx
    • TheToad
      TheToad joan38443

      Posted

      Hi Joan. The hernia has gradually got bigger and I find it a nuisance and quite uncomfortable. I saw a specialist privately, (considered one of the top surgeons) and his advice was to get it fixed. He said he wouldn't use mesh, but the one at the public hospital said he would. He is also considered an expert in this area! It was actually going to be today (Monday,) but now 3 weeks away. I'll definitely keep you informed about my progress. 
  • joan38443
    joan38443 TheToad

    Posted

    Thanks, John. Wish you the best of luck. I have seen Consultant Surgeon today and agreed to a repair but not expecting it to be soon - and I could back out of it - I am told it can only get worse so probably won't. Do let me know how it goes, please? I hope it's as successful as Nezra's Mum's op. Good to hear a success story. 
  • lesley16931
    lesley16931 TheToad

    Posted

    Good luck with your surgery John, and keep us in touch with your progress.
    • TheToad
      TheToad lesley16931

      Posted

      Thanks all. The surgery for 3rd November has been postponed and no new date yet. Hopefully this year and 'shouldn't be long,' etc. Oh well, time for a chocolate perhaps. 😉
    • nezra
      nezra TheToad

      Posted

      Oh noo! That's a shame john I remember how disappointed my mum would be when they cancelled on her, numerous times! Fingers crossed it won't happen to you and the next date you get will be the one! 
  • joan38443
    joan38443 TheToad

    Posted

    Oh dear. That's poor. I hope your symptoms are not too severe. I shan't hold my breath regarding how soon I get the call and even then whether it is real or not. At least you can enjoy a philosophical chocolate. 
    • TheToad
      TheToad joan38443

      Posted

      Yes I did and carrot cake as well. A bit too self indulgent I think, probably the disappointment at the postponement, just when I was starting to prepare physically and mentally. It will happen and at least it's heading into Summer where I live, so there will be 'things to do, places to go,' etc. Hope you don't have to wait too long. 
    • jennifer39556
      jennifer39556 TheToad

      Posted

      I had a incisional hernia repair 2 days ago..this occured from having 2 c sections..ive had it 5 years but was refused until I lost 5st which I have now done. 

      It was a open repair..

      I wasnt prepared for this much pain its horrendous. .cant walk up the stairs..only comfortable position is to lay down.

      Hurts so much

    • TheToad
      TheToad jennifer39556

      Posted

      Hi. Well done for losing all that weight! I'm sure you'll feel more comfortable in time. Be careful! Sound like you have no choice with all that pain. 
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