Inguinal hernia - advice needed - what to do

Let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.  We are calling this a mesh issue and if it wasn't for the mesh this 20% of people would be just fine.  I don't know about them but I had a very large hole and needed a mesh.  There is nothing else.  If the intestines that poked through this hole got strangulated, it would have killed me.  Yes I am dealing with scar tissue right now, but prior to getting the mesh after my first hernia surgery I had an intestinal obstruction.  I went to the ER and spent 4 days in the hospital with an NG tube up my nose.  That first hernia surgery without mesh didn't work.  The mesh surgery did.  

The point is the mesh is trying to heal a previous issue.  Yes there is an alternative, death.  I prefer life and a mesh.  

The only one that really knows whether Norton needs a mesh or not is Norton and his doctor.

At this point, even though I’m nervous about it, I think I’ve now resolved that I will go ahead and have the surgery.     I do understand that there are various arguments in favor of the use mesh, but since I have a doctor who is experienced with a pure tissue approach and who is not hesitant to use it in my case, my plan is for a repair without mesh.    My understanding is that the possibility of recurrence will be slightly (?) higher, but I’m willing to accept this.

Again, thank you so again for the thoughts and wisdom on this.   There is certainly no substitute for contact with those who have been through it. 

I was pretty much in your place. A few years back while working outdoors, I had a combo coughing/sneezing attack from pollen and foolishly held it all in. Noticed a little lump later in the evening and doctor confirmed a small, left inguinal hernia. He advised wait and watch. While I was only bothered a bit when on my feet for long periods, a dull ache, I played tennis and did all other physical activities. But the hernia was always on my mind. I didn't care for it.

So nearing end of 2016 I was advised my health insurance wouldn't be available into 2017 and so was my motivation for surgery. I located a surgeon who specializes in laparoscopic with mesh and made appointment. He also said it was small and didn't need to be addressed, that I could do what I liked without any immediate concern. My feeling was better to get it over with sooner rather than later as healing would be easier at 56 than 66 or 76. The surgeon was able to squeeze me in before year end, but at hospital rather than surgical center as the center was booked solid through early 2017.

I was petrified as never had any sort of hospital experience, surgery, etc. All that worry was for naught as it really was nothing in the scheme of things. He does mesh, a large 4x6" patch so a greater area distributed as to pressure. Makes sense. No glue or staples and held in place simply by pressure. Three small incisions, two really tiny below belly button and one slightly larger just to right side of belly button.

So the worst part was the ride home after the surgery. Dehydration. Had to stop and get a gallon of water about half way home. Otherwise is was quite a non event in that I never needed to take anything for discomfort even though I had a script for oxy. I had a bit of trouble sleeping for a few days as am a side sleeper and incision area was sort of crunched. On my back there was no discomfort at all. It was also a little uncomfortable as to waistband of pants for about a week, also the incision area. But second day post surgery I did a lot of walking along with normal daily activity less exercise. I live alone and had no problem's at all. Within a week I was doing light exercise, upper body, incline squats, etc. I did wait the month as directed to heavy weight or pretty much anything I wanted to do and now almost 2 moths post surgery I almost forget it ever happened.

Forgot to mention that I was a little bloated for a few weeks after surgery as being inflated takes time to dissipate after. But no big deal. I also found the cost to be very reasonable as even though out of pocket, with insurance as to the negotiated price it came in at $3,400.00 total vs. claims for 15k.

So it's as if I never had the hernia, flat again as the right side, no sensations of any kind anywhere and as to incisions, only the larger is still visible, barely and likely not for long.

Can't imagine anyone being more scared in advance than I was and can honestly say I'm really glad I showed up for it as had my doubt's.

Surgeon was Dr. Robert Josloff and hospital was Abington. Dr. Josloff said there was nothing to worry about and he was right. Of course he does so many he could probably do it in his sleep.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Just an update.  It's been about four months since I originally posted here.  My dilemma was whether to have surgery or not for my inguinal hernia, and if surgery, what type.   Well, about nine weeks ago, after much deliberation,  I did have surgery.   The surgery was open, pure-tissue (non mesh).   Recovery has been reasonably good, with the usual discomfort and just minor pains - especially for the several weeks.   Currently, aside from some lingering surface (skin) sensitivity to clothes rubbing, and aside from the odd, infrequent and low-level twinge, things are pretty good.   I'm glad I did decide to proceed with surgery.

Thank you again, to everyone who responded to my original post.  Much appreciated.