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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. 

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  • richard500
    richard500 TheToad

    Posted

    Yes, I have had this procedure and did so under Local anesthetic which was far better than "going under".  I ididn't fancy the woozy car journey home!  It took an hour plus or so and was OK - some slight twinges which they dealt with very fast and otherwise no problems.  I was not prepared for the MASSIVE bruising I had around my stomach and testicles (which grew to enormous size for a while) - I looked like I was wearing black speedos.  However, the awful pain I had leading up to the op. have gone but I do have to say that a year on I am feeling some discomfort a lot of the time.  This is probably after along period of sitting or if bending to pick up things or working in the garden. I am still very number in the groin and sometimes get testicular pain and some back ache.  I am not sure if this is hernia related as the numbness occured at the same time as the hernia but I had associated it with a "skid" across wet decking in the garden. 

    So, what can I say.  The pain of the hernia was definately worse than this discomfort and minor pain but I wish they had fixed it without any after pain at all really.

    Does anyone else who has had a repair more than a year ago suffer the same side effects?

  • richard500
    richard500 TheToad

    Posted

    One thing I forgot to mention was "straining" (on the toilet) - DON'T !!  I was prescribed Lactolose : Cut and paste this link.

    http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCMQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpatient.info%2Fmedicine%2Flactulose-for-constipation-lactugal&ei=0FW5VJziKIT0ULGlgbgD&usg=AFQjCNEIU4fedvyvkHHj996AonLKDdd8yw&bvm=bv.83829542,d.d24

    • TheToad
      TheToad richard500

      Posted

      Thanks Richard. You're right I think about the straining. In Nov 2014 I had emergency bowel Cancer surgery and in the weeks after surgery I was determined to have bowel movements. Probably panicking a little. So yes, I did strain and soon after that the incisional hernia appeared. There was an infection in the wound which probably weakened things as well. So the hernia has now been repaired and yet another infection which has just about healed. Still the odd twinge, mainly when I cough etc. Cheers.
  • isobel60223
    isobel60223 TheToad

    Posted

    Hi all.

    How are you all doing? It's a month now for me and I am not doing too badly. I just get back ache at the end of the day and a bit tummy pains Hope you are all doing well. I am still taking care. Don't want any nasty shocks!

    Isobel

    • TheToad
      TheToad isobel60223

      Posted

      Hi Idobel. I'm ok. Had another CEA blood test, ( every 3 months) and it was good, in fact better than the last one. I've been discharged by the District Nurse looking after the healing of the infection in the wound following the incisional hernia repair and the cellulitis is disappearing too. I sometimes have the feeling that it's all behind me now and am becoming more positive about things. 
    • TheToad
      TheToad

      Posted

      Sorry. Isobel, not Idobel. Ex teacher too, who always went on about proof reading your work! Take care, you sound as if you are well on the way now. 😊
  • isobel60223
    isobel60223 TheToad

    Posted

    Hi John.

    lovely bubbly. Glad you are well. My daughter is a teacher.it's o.k. when you are off duty.you are able to relax your rules!

    Isobel

  • TheToad
    TheToad

    Posted

    It's now 3 months or so from the surgery and I'm quite comfortable. Still wearing an elastic binder though as there is a bulge around part of the scar, which did have an infection at the top which has now healed. I don't think it's another hernia as it's quite soft and anyway, the mesh would stop it. The surgeon said there might be a bulge and seroma swelling. Just wondered if anyone else had the same? 
  • joan38443
    joan38443 TheToad

    Posted

    Just a quick update - 28th Nov to 28 Feb -  that's 3 months since incisional hernia surgery.  I get an occasional feeling of tightness and a pulling sensation internally around area of op and in groin, which reminds me to continue to take care, but it's not painful. Feel like it was all worth it now and all is well apart from excess weight - nothing to do with the op just eat too much and not enough exercise but story of my life. Hope everyone is doing well too.  Spring is round the corner.
    • TheToad
      TheToad joan38443

      Posted

      Sounds as if you are ok. I will see my surgeon tomorrow for the 3 month check and will ask him everything! Mainly how long before I can do all the things I used to, like lifting, gardening and what I should avoid. Everyone is different, but I'll let you know what happens. Autumn officially here now, I must admit I prefer the cooler weather. 
    • isobel60223
      isobel60223 joan38443

      Posted

      Hi John and Joan.

      Glad you are both fine. I hope your check up goes well John. I had a 2 month check up on Monday he said all looked fine. I am still taking care. Making sure all heals well! I hope everyone continues to do well, let us know how your

      check up goes John

    • TheToad
      TheToad isobel60223

      Posted

      All done and surgeon is happy. Which means I am too! The pink skin around the top of the scar is not now cellulitus and the swelling is not fluid or another hernia trying to get out. To use his words, 'it's what we surgeons call fat!' Huh. But he's right. Rather that than the other two though. I am allowed to resume normal activities and even return to my part time job, which is quite active for a pensioner. But I'll be careful and wear my corset most of the time. It helps the fat bulge too. 😉 Best wishes to all. 
    • isobel60223
      isobel60223 TheToad

      Posted

      Hi John

      Good news, I'm glad you are fine. Thanks for letting us know. We all are through it now!

      All the best Isobel

  • joan38443
    joan38443 TheToad

    Posted

    Great news, John. All's well that ends well as they say. Good luck to you and Isobel and to all!  Joan x
    • TheToad
      TheToad joan38443

      Posted

      Hi. Not quite over yet perhaps! I am now getting a sharp twinge, mostly at night when I turn over etc. It seems to depend on which muscles I use, i.e. sitting up muscles, so I am adapting and pushing with my arms etc. But it is a bit worrying as I am imagining a strain in some stitching or healing. I suppose the stitches would have dissolved by now? Coughing is a nuisance too. I'm seeing the Dr on Monday as I don't want to return to my part time job until all is well and there is some pressure from them about when/if I am starting again. It's been four months now since the surgery. Any similar symptoms anyone? It's ok during the day. 

       

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