-
Pain that is gone after surgery but comes back that is similar as before makes me concerned about hernia recurrence (can happen even with no bulge, etc).
You need an evaluation by a surgeon that deals with recurrent hernias.
They will need your op notes, any imaging you have on CD w/reports.
They will get a history, physical and do an exam.
If they feel it’s nerve related they can do dermatome map testing in the office in a few minutes.