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Incisional hernia repair - experiences

Posted , 6 users are following.

florabora
florabora

Hi all, I know people have probably posted about this but I've finally had a date for my incisional hernia repair 29th April and I'm bricking it. I hate operations and the general anaesthetic (basically terrified something awful will happen) I've become more anxious about things like this since I had my daughter (she's 3) I'm having an open repair with mesh. It's from an old wound from my gallbladder removal by the belly button. It's not huge but I feel it's the size of of tennis ball when I push and tighten my muscles. It doesn't cause pain but I know it's there and don't want it to get bigger.

Anyway just wondering if people have had similar and what recovery was like? I've been told it's day surgery and out in the same day?

Any words of wisdom greatly appreciated, thanks for listening to my ramble!!!

Amanda x

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • jo45172
    jo45172 florabora

    Posted

    I have not had this surgery, wondering why it has to be open.

    I have read a few negative things about mesh but don't recall what they were.

  • clarice34348
    clarice34348 florabora

    Posted

    I tried to post something earlier, but lost itcsomewhere. To try and help you in some way:

    I just had this done 3 weeks ago. The mesh to reinforce the valve and hiatal hernia repair and scar tissue removed. I am 70 years old and I am doing well.

    You will have to go thru a series of pre-op tests to make sure your body is ok for surgery, so this is great and Doctors need to have this info.

    I also believe in God, so I believe in prayer and I was in a hospital, that incourages people to pray. I am not in any preaching to you, but Just Trust in The Lord and ask for His Angels to guide the Doctors and Nurses hands. May God Bless and give you peace. I believe you are going to be fine. Just follow Doctors instructions after surgery: no lifting or bending over for 6 weeks. Walk a lot, that helps your body to heal. Thank you for listening

  • TheToad
    TheToad florabora

    Posted

    Hi.  I had a large incisional hernia repaired using a 'dinner sized plate' of mesh. Open surgery about 16 months ago. The original scar was after bowel cancer surgery. I was fine afterwards, a bit of vomiting which worried me because of the strain in the wound and I developed an infection in part of the scar which meant a longer stay in hospital. I was told there would be a bulge remaining and there is, but they say it is fat. Which it is, as it jiggles up and down and the hernia bulge was quite hard. I was 68 when it was done. No concerns, you'll be fine! 
  • carol05530
    carol05530 florabora

    Posted

    Hi I had a incsional hernia repair from a kidney donation. My mesh was 10x3 and it was a open procedure. Unfornately not trying to scare you. I had a hema toma and they had to reopen me back up to stop the bleed. It was suppose to be a out patient. I spent 5 days in the hospital. I am doing fine. Just not lifting and heavy exercising still. I am very cautious. Good luck you will be fine
  • shirley133
    shirley133 florabora

    Posted

    Hello Amanda I had a mesh incisional hernia repair just over 18 months ago, this was my 5th major abominal surgery and I am 70.  Regarding the anaesthetic, When I had my op the consultant anaethetist came to talk to me on the day of my op and I had choices about the anaesthetic, I asked to be put to sleep quickly for the staff to talk to me when I was on the op table and not to have a face mask.  They followed my requests to the letter they had me asleep so quickly no counting etc., it was really good, you do not need to worry, plus anaesthetics are very safe these days. 

    Regarding your mesh repair I hope that it all goes well,  as I said my repair was my fifth abdominal op and I also had abdominoplasty at the same time as the repair,  I have other health problems and I think that I rushed into the repair op.  Some of the surgeons I saw strongly advised against the op, but I went ahead anyway. to be honest it does cause me problems, but you are younger and no doubt in better health than me, and I have heard of other people where the op has been100% successful.  It is not an easy choice, but I wish you well whatever you decide to do.

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