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Post operative pain after 3 months epigastric hernua

Posted , 10 users are following.

trisha_01245
trisha_01245

I was operated mid December 2015 for an epigastric hernia and a mesh was inserted during open surgery. Not seeing a doctor in hospital following the surgery to be informed how the surgery went surgery I naturally presumed the pain that followed was obviously normal

3 weeks went by and the pain was not improving but getting worse. I visited my gp and was given tramadol for the pain. I developed a rash after the op inside my thighs, under my breasts and inside of elbows. The pain continued and I found it so unusual because it was in 3 locations around the scar, feel like it's pinching and I get stabbing pains when active. Touching the area lightly with my fingers causes pain even slightly rubbing below the scar area. Any form of movement is limited, sitting up and driving is impossible. The pain is debilitating I simply cannot do anything without being limited as to what I can do.

I had requested an appointment with the consultant and he suggested an ultrasound. The result was there was nothing wrong with the scan which shocked me. This followed by seeing the consultant to discuss the scan and he couldn't find anything wrong and when he examined me the examination was not even in the area where the pain was. Another doctor however then examined me and said it was the sutures and nerve damage however the consultant quickly dismissed this. After much discussion he reluctantly agreed to reoperate and remove the mesh which I'm due to have in 4 weeks.

I feel very disappointed with his attitude and it made me feel as if I was making the whole thing up. I've not been at work because I would not be able to work through the pain and limiting movement. This has caused me severe anxiety due to my time off work.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced this?

1 like, 16 replies

16 Replies

  • KazzyP
    KazzyP trisha_01245

    Posted

    I had a mesh repair on my diaphragm during a hernia op last May. I had a really bad pain, about two months after the op, which centred around an area the size on my little nail. It was just to the side of my scar and was really sensitive to touch and was very prohibitive to movement. I also had X-rays which came up clear but it was suggested there may be some scaring around a suture that was pressing on a nerve. I was told it may take up to six weeks to clear.  I was advised to apply gentle massage to the area, which I did. The pain took another week to start to ease,  My problem doesn't seem as bad as yours is but similar in type.  

    But you do expect your life to improve after a big op and, as you say, you can't tell which is a healing pain and which could be causing harm. I really feel for you.  I hope all goes well with the rest of your treatment.

    • trisha_01245
      trisha_01245 KazzyP

      Posted

      Thank you. I've had so much time off work that it's making me anxious although I have been able to do a bit of work at home from the sofa!

      I've had countless ops but with this one something is telling me that something isn't right. I'm just hoping that the op scheduled for April will alleviate what's happening now. This time I'll be insisting on seeing a doctor after the op to find out what they have done. Unfortunately with the cuts to our nhs service it meant that after surgery I was placed in a short stay ward and then sent home with a piece of paper detailing the mess and what surgery was performed. I saw no doctor at all but I'll insist this time.

  • colin95803
    colin95803 trisha_01245

    Posted

    I would be very wary of going for further surgery so soon after your operation in December.  In my experience it takes much longer to heal from surgery than we are told.  If you can stick with it for another six months you might find it settles down and you might be able to get back to work sooner than if you had another op which may or may not be successful.  Good luck!
    • trisha_01245
      trisha_01245 colin95803

      Posted

      Problem is returning to work as I need to get back and gave had long enough time off already. I cannot work in the current position I'm in which is very frustrating. I'm just hoping that the pain will be resolved. 🙏🏻
  • jo45172
    jo45172 trisha_01245

    Posted

    I have not experienced this but I would continue to peruse doctors until the find where this pain is coming from. I am praying for healing and that God give the doctors wisdom.
  • kimberly84056
    kimberly84056 trisha_01245

    Posted

    Amen Trisha!! Prayer has done the trick for me!! Cannot rely on these earthly doctors. Just the "big" doctor who heals all....
  • ruth57068
    ruth57068 trisha_01245

    Posted

    Although I don't have the pain that you are speaking of, I have anxiety for another reason- my appetite is still so very weak.   I  am frustrated.   This coming Monday I will go back and talk to the surgeon who did my operation to find out what, if anything, can be done to better my appetite.   I just ate a bit of tuna salad- am hoping that it stays down!     Don't blame you for being disappointed.
    • trisha_01245
      trisha_01245 ruth57068

      Posted

      We're u operated for an epigastric hernia because it doesn't sound normal being sick. You're doing the right thing by seeing your surgeon. How long ago was your op?
    • ruth57068
      ruth57068 trisha_01245

      Posted

      I did not have any mesh- so I know that is not causing me grief.   I have quite a bit of scarring around my stomach  area, which I think might be part of the problem.   I will ask my surgeon this coming Monday.   On a positive note, I have not thrown up since Monday--- but I haven't been eating a lot of food, either.   
    • trisha_01245
      trisha_01245 ruth57068

      Posted

      I hope that your appointment with the surgeon is positive. Fingers crossed. 
  • mary34933
    mary34933 trisha_01245

    Posted

    I think it's the mesh!!! Get it out ,it could make your life extra painful for years!!! I suffered with mesh use for almost twenty four years,and just recently had three more hernias repaired,and was blessed to find a surgeon willing and able to repair without more mesh,and took out the balled up hard old mesh!!!
  • mary34933
    mary34933 trisha_01245

    Posted

    Please look up the word melanoma,it will explain a lot about what mesh can do inside our bodies.
  • mary34933
    mary34933 trisha_01245

    Posted

    That was supposed to read meshoma not melanoma.also look

    Up hernia mesh injured people.it's the same mesh the law firms

    Are suing for in gynecology surgeries!!

    • trisha_01245
      trisha_01245 mary34933

      Posted

      Meshoma, Very very interesting because the symptoms are what I am having!! After the op if my symptoms change I will be contacting a law injury firm. 

      Thank you for giving me that information. 😀

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