Hernia

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

I have been having annoying discomfort in my left abdomen. I didn't think much about it. It bothers me only when sitting or bending, I see my doctor every three months and today was the day. I brought all of this to her attention. She has scheduled an ultrasound to rule out a hernia.

 

The good news is upon palpitation, she could feel no protrusion of anything through the wall of the muscle. She also said it is right on the borderline of where one might consider it to almost certainly be a hernia. She had me do the cough and the pressurre isn't forcing any intestine out.

 

So, this is likely minor and perhaps something I can live with.

 

This comes at a bad time. I am packing and lifting and getting ready to move next year. I have heard of three options and was wondering if anybody had any experience with any or all of the options, or anything else. She did tell to lose a little wait around my middle.

 

1. Due nothing

 

2. Laparoscopy

 

3. Open incision and mesh added

 

For now, I am trying to get by with option 1 as I am just too busy for any kind of recovery process, If I can live without. aMy situation will last through next spring. It's a bad time for anything requiring weeks or months of recovery. Emergencies the exception of course but I don't feel like this is all that bad. It only bothers me sitting and bending as I sort and pack, like I said at the beginning.

 

So appreciate your experience on this, especially how long recoveries were and if option one became options two or three.

 

edit: mods, I just realized that there is a more appropriate forum for this.

Edited August 17, 2018 by midlifecrisis

[short 215]

This is no big deal now with keyhole surgery. It was a big deal 20 years ago.

 

If you can push one of your bulls up into your stomach then it needs to be fixed. Don't worry, you will be able to push it right back down.

 

 

And just think of all those cute Thai nurses doting over you.

Edited August 17, 2018 by short

[jacko 8,814]

I would research the mesh option. It may be something to do with the quality of doctors working in the UK's NHS, but there are some reports of post operative problems.

[BigusDicus 9,878]

I did a double hernia about 10-12 years ago. I believe it was Laparoscopy, added the mesh on both sides. Also took care of a small tear I had next to my naval since birth allowing a small but at times irritating hernia. I did it 8 days before a planned trip to Thailand. Did not want to but had just returned from a Costa Rica adventure and was a painful mess. Had no choice but to proceed with the procedure. Everything went well.

 

The day before scheduled trip to Thailand decided to give it a try. Ultimately a mistake. Utter agony flying over, no empty seats. Coming back lucked out and had a center row to myself. Was able to lie flat. Getting around Pattaya was difficult. Walking any distance hard. Not easy to hop on a baht bus. Within 2-3 days I hooked up with some young babe from the Carousel off Walking Street. Very cute, smoked okay...Spoke very little English. She took care of me for a few days. She realized I had gone through surgery. She was fascinated by the series of 1" incisions/scars around my pelvic area and naval. I kept trying to explain the concept of Laparoscopy surgery - small incision, hollow tubes inserted and surgical instruments inserted through the tubes, etc.. Her limited English kept her from understanding the concept. At one point in frustration pointing at the incision I said something like "Tube you know, like a snake". Eyes opened wide, hand over mouth she recoiled away from me to the other side of the bed. "Snake?" she said. I kept trying to explain "Not snake" making serpentine movement on the mattress with my hand. She slept on the other side of the bed that night!

 

The next afternoon she returned with a cute little friend. Friend spoke decent English and began to explain that Mai's (cannot remember her real name) mother is sick and Mai must go home to care for her. We talked for a while, I eventually explained my surgery. She suddenly burst out laughing. Laughed so hard she wet her pants and my bed. Apparently Mai thought I had hundreds of small snakes in my stomach and bowels and the doctors had just begun to cut them out of me. Suddenly mama was well and not in need of Mai's care. And for two nights I enjoyed the care of a second nurse in addition to Mai. But it was tough. I cut a planned 3 week trip down to 10 days or so.

 

Mai continued to work at the Carousal for 2-3 years. Whenever I would go in she would smile from the stage and make a serpentine wave towards the ceiling and laugh.

 

It realistically was 5-6 weeks before I was back in good shape. I was 50 ish at the time. In very good shape, tight workout regimen, etc. I had to be careful with lifting for a while. I would think you would be fine by spring MLC. Just do not go lifting a bunch of heavy things. Do not be cheap, hire a moving company. Old dogs like us should not be doing heavy lifting. If you screw up your back, that can be with you rest of your life.

[nkped 1,208]

Thirty years ago, recovery from inguinal hernia repair was a bitch. One night the phone rang and I jerked because I was almost asleep. Thought I had split myself open, it hurt so bad. It was a wrong number.

[redwood13 56]

Had bilateral inguinal hernia repair done in the late 70’s in California. By 1981 I was having severe pain on the right and had to have repeat bilateral repair done in Saudi Arabia. And by 1984 the right side again needed repair while I was in Saudi.

And it is still out!

No mesh was used for any of these surgeries as at that time I believe it was standard practice not to use mesh unless absolutely necessary to achieve a proper repair. The introduction of a foreign body (mesh) was felt to increase the likelihood of infection. But it seems all that has changed.

“Hernias have a high rate of recurrence, and surgeons often use surgical mesh to strengthen the hernia repair and reduce the rate of recurrence. Since the 1980s, there has been an increase in mesh-based hernia repairs—by 2000, non-mesh repairs represented less than 10% of groin hernia repair techniques.

The use of surgical mesh may also improve patient outcomes through decreased operative time and minimized recovery time. However, recovery time depends on the type of hernia, the surgical approach, and the patient’s condition both before and after surgery.”

https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/productsandmedicalprocedures/implantsandprosthetics/herniasurgicalmesh/default.htm

All of these were done per open surgery. And so long ago I can’t remember what the recovery timeline was like, but it was very painful, hence my reluctance to have any further work done.

As an aside I do have experience with laparoscopy as I had surgery here in Sacramento in 2012 for colon cancer and that went really well. If I had a choice between the lap technique vs open surgery it would be laparoscopy every time. And they can use mesh with the lap technique.

In any case, if it does come to needing surgery, be sure to check the level of experience of the doctor.

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

I can see from all the replies that this is no small matter. I am keeping all of this in my memory banks with the hope that the ultrasound either shows nothing or a problem not requiring surgery in the near future, if ever.

 

I would lean toward laparoscopy but I read it is not as sure a thing as open incisions. So the former would mean a shorter recovery. However, the things I read may be outdated as has been suggested by personal experience.

 

I would avoid lifting if I could and do plan to hire movers but I am particular in my packing and alreaddy have half of my stuff packed. We just had a strett pickup. I dragged a lot to the street including a large two drawer filing cabinet. Nobody is here to help me and at 67 I have to get things done regardless. Fortunately, whatever this annoying injury is, it does not bother me except when sitting and bending over.

 

I am taking up north soon, on a visit to my son, my tools and garden tools and other things and I have to do the work. Fortunately, I have time to take it slowly.

 

I will be sure never to mention snakes in my gut to a Thai girl with limited english skills. Very funny!

Edited August 18, 2018 by midlifecrisis

[Big_Brian 179]

Had a para-umbilical hernia fixed 3-4 years back, now have an 8 inch scar just above the navel. Np mesh. Was back at work in 10 days - it was a desk job and I was bored - probably 3-4 weeks before I could move normally without risking messing up the surgery.

 

Thank god I had a bum gun fitted at home as I didn't dare reach for my ass for a few days.

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

I have had six surgeries. Two on my right shoulder. A double fusion in my neck and three on my left knee. I need that joint replaced. I need back surgery but instead gave up golf to postpone it. I understand post surgical pain and recovery. Abdominal surgical recovery does not sound too fun based on the comments here. I am hopeful that it is just a slow healing abdominal strain and not a hernia and if it is a hernia that I can postpone or avoid surgery in the future.

 

I am up against a clock, which I admit is somewhat of my own making. I am pushing to move to the Pacific NW in the spring. I really don't want even a 3 to 4 week downtime.

 

But, I will just stay busy for now. First the imaging group has to call me for an appointment. There is always a gap there. Then they get a report to my GP. If there is a problem she will send me to a specialist. More wait time to schedulle and go to an appointment.

 

One day at a time. It isn't bothering quite as much as it was but it is still there. I try to be careful but I have to get things done.

 

Brian, I can't imagine not being able to even wipe my ass but understand from back injuries how our core is tied into eveything we do.

[Bazle 1,485]

I had an inguinal hernia repaired in London in July 2011. It was done privately (i.e. not NHS) and as a day case. The hospital would not discharge me unless I had someone pick me up and stay with me for the night. An ex-girlfriend volunteered, but I thought her new boyfriend would not appreciate her spending the night with me, so I took her for a meal to thank her, and then sent her home.

I mention that to point out that I was feeling well enough after just about 4 hours to go to a restaurant, and to not be concerned about being alone.

The surgeon concerned offered me open surgery or a laparoscopy. He pushed me towards open surgery saying that it took half the time, and he had done hundreds of both procedures but the only one to prove problematic was a laparoscopy. In retrospect, my cynical nature wonders if he had a better profit margin from the medical insurance company on open procedures. Whatever, I accepted his recommendation.

By pure co-incidence, two English guys I knew who lived in Patts had hernia operations within a few weeks of my having mine. One (R ) had open surgery at BHP, the other (C ) a laparoscopy at (I think) Sri Racha. Our post-operative experiences are as follows.

I had no more problems than you would reasonably expect from a 4-inch gash at the base of the abdomen. That gash left a nasty scar which only recently has become not particularly visible. The incision had been stitched.

I had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon a month after the operation. In the waiting room, there was only one other patient - a girl aged about 30 (not the usual profile for a hernia patient!) - and we got chatting. It transpired that she had had the same operation by the same surgeon on the same day as I had. However, she had been in intense pain and had been back to see the surgeon twice in the interim. She couldn't believe how easy I had had it.

In Patts, R had intense pain in his testicles which had necessitated an emergency visit to BPH not long after the operation. However, after that had been dealt with, everything was good, and he said his scar disappeared after about 6 months. The incision had been glued.

I did not see C after his op but I heard via R (a mutual friend) that everything had gone smoothly, and he was able to move around without pain much more quickly than R.

All of the operations involved the insertion of mesh.

So, FWIW, my advice would be to

* satisfy yourself about the competency/experience of the surgeon;

* go for the laparoscopy;

* if laparoscopy is not an option, make sure the surgeon glues the wound, not stitches it.

P.S. I thought I'd spare you the pics!

Edited August 20, 2018 by Bazle

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

 

I had an inguinal hernia repaired in London in July 2011. It was done privately (i.e. not NHS) and as a day case. The hospital would not discharge me unless I had someone pick me up and stay with me for the night. An ex-girlfriend volunteered, but I thought her new boyfriend would not appreciate her spending the night with me, so I took her for a meal to thank her, and then sent her home.

I mention that to point out that I was feeling well enough after just about 4 hours to go to a restaurant, and to not be concerned about being alone.

The surgeon concerned offered me open surgery or a laparoscopy. He pushed me towards open surgery saying that it took half the time, and he had done hundreds of both procedures but the only one to prove problematic was a laparoscopy. In retrospect, my cynical nature wonders if he had a better profit margin from the medical insurance company on open procedures. Whatever, I accepted his recommendation.

By pure co-incidence, two English guys I knew who lived in Patts had hernia operations within a few weeks of my having mine. One (R ) had open surgery at BHP, the other (C ) a laparoscopy at (I think) Sri Racha. Our post-operative experiences are as follows.

I had no more problems than you would reasonably expect from a 4-inch gash at the base of the abdomen. That gash left a nasty scar which only recently has become not particularly visible. The incision had been stitched.

I had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon a month after the operation. In the waiting room, there was only one other patient - a girl aged about 30 (not the usual profile for a hernia patient!) - and we got chatting. It transpired that she had had the same operation by the same surgeon on the same day as I had. However, she had been in intense pain and had been back to see the surgeon twice in the interim. She couldn't believe how easy I had had it.

In Patts, R had intense pain in his testicles which had necessitated an emergency visit to BPH not long after the operation. However, after that had been dealt with, everything was good, and he said his scar disappeared after about 6 months. The incision had been glued.

I did not see C after his op but I heard via R (a mutual friend) that everything had gone smoothly, and he was able to move around without pain much more quickly than R.

All of the operations involved the insertion of mesh.

So, FWIW, my advice would be to

* satisfy yourself about the competency/experience of the surgeon;

* go for the laparoscopy;

* if laparoscopy is not an option, make sure the surgeon glues the wound, not stitches it.

P.S. I thought I'd spare you the pics!

 

 

In the second half of my military career I was a corpsman. I coulda handled it hehe but agree many might not like it.

 

I think I still have the VHS tape of my ACL reconstruction. Nothing to play it on any more though. If I come across it while going through all my stuff, I may just s' can it. I know my daughter would never like to have it and my son is a surgical tech and no doubt has seen it all.

[nkped 1,208]

I had forgotten (almost) how unpleasant recovery from a spinal block for the surgery was. It was fully effective for stopping any pain from the cutting but then I had to lay there on my back like a sack of potatoes for several hours. Later, a friend with a lot more experience with lower body surgery, shot up in Vietnam, said always opt for a general--either you wake up or you don't.

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

I had forgotten (almost) how unpleasant recovery from a spinal block for the surgery was. It was fully effective for stopping any pain from the cutting but then I had to lay there on my back like a sack of potatoes for several hours. Later, a friend with a lot more experience with lower body surgery, shot up in Vietnam, said always opt for a general--either you wake up or you don't.

 

I have had two spinals in my life without issue but I have heard scary tales and would prefer general also. Go to sleep and wake up or not.

[BigusDicus 9,878]

 

Go to sleep and wake up or not.

 

Remember that movie 30 plus years ago, Coma?

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

 

Remember that movie 30 plus years ago, Coma?

 

Yes. That was scary.

 

I had a bunch of great days with no symptoms until last night. Still waiting for the damn referal for the ultrasound.

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

Got my ultrasound today and the tech told me she didn't see a hernia. Still need it official from the radiologist.

 

Symptoms seem a lot like IBS/diverticulitis. At least I won't have to think about a hernia repair.

[short 215]

OMG, I just remembered that I have my last hernia surgery on video tape. I will try to find it and figure out how to convert it.

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

OMG, I just remembered that I have my last hernia surgery on video tape. I will try to find it and figure out how to convert it.

 

We wait breathlessly.

 

[Irish boy 67]

Had a hiatus hernia op last year.

 

Great success, i love spicy food, so was murder with the reflux, even waking me up at night.

 

Keyhole.

 

Understand the OP is talking about a different hernia, though I would still say get it repaired.

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

Had a hiatus hernia op last year.

 

Great success, i love spicy food, so was murder with the reflux, even waking me up at night.

 

Keyhole.

 

Understand the OP is talking about a different hernia, though I would still say get it repaired.

 

I have had acid reflux for years. Take medication and I am careful to eat mid afternoon because it can be quite bad when lying down to have acid reflux.

[Irish boy 67]

 

I have had acid reflux for years. Take medication and I am careful to eat mid afternoon because it can be quite bad when lying down to have acid reflux.

 

Yea, i was on the medication for years, but it got worse, as in waking me up at night with reflux, so went ahead with the OP.

 

Very glad i did, a spicy beef krapow just ate half an hour ago, it's 7pm in the UK, no way could I have did that before.

[short 215]

 

We wait breathlessly.

 

 

I'm still looking for it. I'm thinking I might have buried it with the acorns.

Edited September 3, 2018 by short

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

 

I'm still looking for it. I'm thinking I might have buried it with the acorns.

 

If my squirrel is there, please send him home!

[Firepole 181]

If nothing comes back to indicate hernia put psoas and iliopsoas in the back of your mind. More factors involved but if hernia is ruled out look for musculoskeletal issues. It's a possibility.

[midlifecrisis 4,048]

If nothing comes back to indicate hernia put psoas and iliopsoas in the back of your mind. More factors involved but if hernia is ruled out look for musculoskeletal issues. It's a possibility.

 

I doubt the latter but the former is similar to what I first thought of.

 

I do not have a hernia per the ultrasound. I have been less symptomatic since the ultrasound and I just got back from overseas where I walked a lot and screwed a little and had almost no symptoms.