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4 weeks after umbilical hernia mesh repair. Have debilitating cramping. Normal?
Hi everyone,
I had mesh repair for a small umbilical hernia 4 weeks ago. The first two weeks after surgery, I felt fine with no issues. Then at about the 2 week mark, just after having stitches removed, I started experiencing bloating, severe cramping and electrical pains on a daily basis. The pain can get so bad that I can’t focus on anything but pain. It is not possible to sleep when it kicks in. The only thing that gives temporary relief is ibuprofen but I don’t want to be taking this every day for obvious reasons.
If this continues, and becomes my new normal, it is going to ruin my life completely. I am obviously concerned about mesh complications at this point. Did anybody else experience a similar situation as it doesn’t appear that my case is typical? Could this be a case of the nerves settling? I’d appreciate any input you might have as I am dealing with this alone and I am unsure how to proceed. Thank you.
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3 Replies
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What did your surgeon say when you described the problem to him or her?
Having stitches is kind of odd for today’s surgery methods. Most use absorbable sutures for the fascia and muscle, under the outer skin layer, and glue on the surface. Could you describe the stitches? How many and where were they placed? Might be a clue.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by Good intentions.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 2 months ago by
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Obviously, follow your surgeon’s lead as it is too early to worry yet about long term problems. But, since you are better with ibuprofen, then you have inflammatory pain. So, that should reduce over time in most patients.
Sometimes a binder helps take pressure off the area, in the short term. Massaging the area can also help reduce scarring and improve blood flow to the area in the short term.
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Thank you for replying. Had a consultation with my surgeon yesterday. The surgical site looks good; he believes I have got a case of gastritis as a result of the surgery. Have been prescribed PPIs and spasmolytics. Hope this is indeed the case and that my symptoms clear in two weeks…
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