Incisional hernia

Hello again Isobel. Good to read that you're home and on the mend. Quite a short stay in hospital. I'm not sure, but I think they put something down my throat, I'm sure someone will know. I deliberately tried to 'empty' my bowels before the op by eating a low residual diet, similar to the one I had before a recent colonoscophy. So I didn't really have a bowel movement for two to three days afterwards and yes they gave me laxatives. Even an enema - a young chirpy nurse arrived at my bed and said with a big smile on her face, 'I'm going to give you an enema!' Whatever they gave, it worked, much to my embarrassment one night when I soiled the bed and my pyjamas. But they took it all in their stride, as they do. 

Bed time here for me and it's far too hot. Kind regards, John.

Hi Isobel! I had incisional hernia repair surgery too on 7 January! Hernia was larger than expected and I ended up with a drain which was pretty revolting but nurse reassured me was prob a good thing I long term.  Not in much pain but rather uncomfortable. Not got much appetite but as I am overweight that's prob not a bad thing...finding it difficult to get comfortable in bed to sleep.  

how are you faring?

Hi Laineylou

I think that's a big co incidence isn't it?. I am doing fine but I keep coughing I hope that doesn't strain anything. I didn't have a drain. Maybe they didn't want to cause me more agro because that is where my biggest problem was from. This is very unusual though! I am eating o.k. I think I must be greedy! Perhaps not as much as usual. My side hurts the most at the moment. I do find it uncomfortable at night. How long were you in hospital? I hope all . Goes well for you.

Thanks for asking

Isobel

The nurses told me to hold a folded towel against my stomach when I cough but coughing hasn't been too much of a prob for me.  I was in for 2 nights - longer than expected because of having the drain which they removed before I was released.  

I'm not doing too badly at all but more aches and pains today poss due to anaesthetic wearing off? Am terrified of doing anything to ruin the repair (friend had it done years ago and has urged me to be really careful for first few weeks) so am not doing much at all yet...very bored and feeling sorry for husband who is having to do everything :-S he is exhausted!

Hi Laineylou

Thanks for reply. I was in a day . I am not going to do anything either it's not worth it. I have a lot of books to catch up on and hobbies lined up!

I will try the rolled up towel. I just hope I haven't strained anything already! But you said it is achy so it may just be the stuff wearing off.

Isobel xx

Hello ihad my op 8 weeks ago and now there is hardly any pain still some swelling and feel tired if i do too much..i can now sleep properly on my side and front. i think week 6 is the week you will feel the differance. i had to have my muscle wall and abdominal walls recontructed because the incisional hernia had spread so much... Dr said it was massive inside and the lump out side measured 11 inch by 11 inch.. i go back the gp tomorrow because my sick note runs out and have had been told by the consultant that i should stay off work for 3 months plus, take it easy and dont do too much

Hello Paula! Thanks so much for your reply - i guess I have to be patient as it's not even a week yet.  I am lucky because I am not in great pain just uncomfortable.  Have cut back on the heavy duty pain killers as I think they were making me feel worse!  

Goodness you sound like you've been through it! Glad to hear you are feeling better as time progresses.  Good luck with gp!

Hi Laineylou

How are you? I am wondering when to go out maybe just for a car journey and a coffee. I don't want to over do things. Have you thought about it? My husband would be driving. I don't drive.

Isobel xx

Hello Isobel, you beat me to it - I was going to post to ask how you are getting on :-)  

I'm doing really well - no pain at all but the thing that is bothering me is that I am very breathless and tired.  Am going to have my staples taken out tomorrow morning...I'm definitely NOT looking forward to that as I am very squeamish.  I plan to ask about the breathing then.  Do you have to have staples/stitches removed?

If you fancy an outing I'd go.  As you are with your hubby you won't feel you have to stay longer than you feel comfortable.  Don't know about you but I'm feeling a bit cabin crazy.  My prob is that I'm still wearing loose fitting clothes as I don't want anything to press on the dressing so I haven't been out yet, but I will soon...I've booked to go to the hairdresser next tues!!:-)

Glad that it seems to be going well for you! Xx

Even if you did drive you are not supposed to drive under any circumstances at all.  Were you not advised of that by your surgeon?

HILaineylou,

I am a bit tired too,  I get worn out more through the day.  I have not got more breathless  I

Hi Lainey Lou, 

Sorry I went wrong there.  I was going to say I already get breathless sometimes, normally.  My stitches are soluable.  I have got to go back to the doctor when he sends for me. Yes I am glad it is going well for you.  I think the removal of stitches is painless from what I remember..Good Luck tomorrow.  Isobel

Hi Richard,

I do not drive, so I am not really bothered when you should.  I was given a book with most instructions in,  I think it is in there. I was just wondering when Laineylou was going to venture out.  I dont think I am for a bit yet.

Hi  Laineylou,  How did the stitch removal go,  I have been thinking of you.Hope it went well.  Isobel xx

Oh that's nice of you to remember!  It was fine...i was fairly horrified when I asked how many staples and the nurse said 18 :-( but it was fine.  They were really pleased with my scar and I don't even have to wear a dressing any longer :-). It's very itchy.

i mentioned feeling breathless but they didn't say much.  I also asked how long I have to wear the horrible white stockings: 4 to 5 weeks...oh well.

It was lovely to get out of the house and I felt fine to go out again with my husband and daughter this afto!  Daughter had homework project so went to local museum - I just sat in coffee shop!  Feeling a bit tired now though but not too bad :-).  You should def go for a little outing if you feel up to it - has cheered me up immensely!

Chat soon xx

 

Nice to read a happy post. I'm doing ok ish. Celulitus clearing up, hole left in scar after infection healing too. Just an annoying twinge sometimes when I sit up etc, but you learn to avoid certain movements. I sort of roll over and sit up if you can visualise that. Keep it up. Hi Isobel. 😊

Hi John. Glad you are feeling better. My father in law had cellulitus in his leg after a new knee was put in. He is 86 and found it a bit of a bother but is recovering now.. Im feeling good now. Glad it is done. I do the roll over to sit up too! May venture out soon like Laineylou! If it doesn't snow that is!

Hi John!  You sound like you've had a terrible time of it, poor you!  I hope you continue to get better and better.  All the best, :-)

Hi to all. Good to hear from you, John and know that you are on the mend now. Have been wondering how you were. You have been through it. Rolling over and then sitting up is so familiar. I never knew my fat legs were so heavy! I am in my 7th week now and all going well, I think. It still hurts though. Guess this type of op has a slow recovery. Reading about the people who have repeated hernias after repair it makes me worried and makes me be extra careful. Hope paranoia hasn't set in. Anyone been told when exercising to stregthen abdominal muscles can be done (if ever) and if yes what sort?

Hi

How are you doing? I have been out a few times now. I still get little twitches. I find my back starts to ache after a bit. Maybe trying to walk straight. I hope you are doing well. Also how are you John01315?

I meant twitches not twitches!

Pains . I hate predictive text

Her.hee

Hi. I get twitches too! I'm ok. Saw the consultant on Friday about the cellulitus, seroma and infection (!) and he was happy. So I am. Also got a great CEA blood test result, which is a routine test following the bowel Cancer 14 months ago. Lovely Summer weather atm in NZ, almost toooooo hot! Cheers. 

Hello!  I'm ok but not progressing as quickly as I had hoped.  I quickly feel exhausted and my stomach (which is where my scar is) is still extremely uncomfortable.  I can't wear anything with a waistband which is tricky!  I am wearing rolled down leggings etc with long tops! My stomach feels really hard to touch and if I press I think I can feel the mesh...maybe I'm imagining it? Feels like I've got a concrete block in my stomach - hope it improves.

Having said that I am not in pain just really uncomfortable esp in bed.  I guess it's still early days...

my MIL has suggested I use bio oil on my scar does anyone know when appropriate to start to use?  Still feels a bit raw to start that.

sorry not to be so upbeat this time.  Think part of the prob is that I am on my own all day with not enough to take my mind off it!!!  Need to get out of the house and stretch my legs a bit I think!

Hoping that you are continuing to improve.  It's great to have made contact! Xxx

 

hello John!  That's great to hear your good news.  Wish it was warmer here! X

Hi,  I am sorry you are not feeling too happy,  I think I am a bit more sloppy than you!  i just keep wearing loose dresses,  I have never liked things round my waist!  I havent felt my tummy,  I am too much of a coward.  I keep having showers to keep the stitches clean. I only have pain now and then in my hip area,  iand my back aches after walking around.  My tummy does feel heavy but i think it will settle after a while.I think where I benefit my husband recently retired, so i always have back up! I am glad we have eather to talk our progress, seeing as our operations on the same day! I hope you feel better soon.

 Isobel xx

Hi.

How are you doing? Hope you are feeling better. I am still cautious but o.k.

Isobel xx

Hi Laineylou, 

how are you now?  Have you been back to the consultant for a check up?  I am still waitin to hear when I have got to go.  I have a feeling I have got forgotten!  I feel o.k. now with only the odd feeling now and then.  Does anyone know when you usually go back for check up? 

Isobel xx

Hi just wondering how your doing now. I have a massive hernia due to stomach operations and waiting for a date for surgery. I think I will need my stomach walls reconstructed as well.

Thanks hope is all well

My incision which became a hernia was following a nephroureterectomy (excuse spelling) - removal of ureter and kidney and an unwanted cancer. I had one large incision which healed well and one small one via an old appendectomy scar that went wrong. The hernia grew over two years and was due to intestines pushing through the gap in abdomen wall. It was ugly and painful especially she coughing. Fear of strangulation and to cure pain was reason for repair. I had it done with mesh inserted at local GW hospital in Swindon. It was painful and I had two days in hospital but it has improved over the last 12 months to the point that I forget I have it for the most part. I took things very slowly and made sure I didn't lift anything heavy or twist by body etc., in other words nursed myself better very slowly. I do get occasional twinges and tightness but no pain and I am more than glad I had it done. Hope this helps.

Hi Paula, I just came across your post. I have a large hernia and I'm currently looking for a surgeon for my operation. Can I ask, are you happy with your surgery? and where did you go and who did the repair for you? Hope you don't mind me asking, it's so difficult finding someone who is considered an expert - my local Consultant was awful when I went to see him so I definately won't be going back there! I hope you are now well and fully recovered. 😊