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Chronic Hernia Pain – Where to turn now?
I had an open surgery hernia repair with mesh done 6 months ago by the chief of surgery at a large HMO-affiliated hospital here in Los Angeles. I have been suffering from chronic pain ever since. I have since been referred to the pain management team of the hospital, but I was not impressed by the first visit to the head of the team (an anesthesiologist). Although he’s clearly dealt with hernia issues before, I didn’t get the sense that this was his specialty. I didn’t feel there was any attempt at a systematic evaluation of my case. When I mentioned doing an ablation, I was told this isn’t something he liked doing due to the risks. I got no sense that he had game plan, but rather that he was going to throw a few darts at the board and hope for the best. He did start me on Prednisone (one-week course) and low-dose Nortripyline, which I understand to be reasonable next-steps for a pharmacological treatment.
I’m at the point where I want the best medical care regardless of insurance coverage.
My question is: Should I be looking at somewhere like the Hernia Clinic at UCLA, where they appear to have pain management services, or should I be looking to speak to a hernia surgeon like Dr. Towfigh? Do practices such as Dr. Towfigh specialize in treating chronic pain, and if not, who is best qualified for that? Most of the pain management clinics seem to focus on back issues (no doubt much more common), but I want someone or somewhere that knows this issue inside and out. I mention UCLA since I’ve seen a few publications by one of their doctors on treatment of chronic pain for hernia patients.
Thank you!
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6 Replies
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So sorry to hear of your troubles and pain, may I ask what were your symptoms after surgery? Did you ever fully recover and have no pain or was is constantly pain right out of the gate? What kind of symptoms were you presentation and what various levels of pain were you experiencing? Any information would be helpful please feel better.
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It has taken a very looooong time for me to get back to this forum, and my apologies for doing so.
I was put on a couple of different medications in the past two years which have, after a fashion, alleviated most of the pain (including Venlafaxine). But I am not 100%, and still hesitant to engage in any kind of serious physical activity.
I am about to start some resistance training. If the pain isn’t tolerable, I will look at booking an appt. with Dr. Chen.
I appreciate the guidance and information provided on this forum.
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Chronic Hernia Pain – Where to turn now?
Hi
Were you able to get the care you needed? Please provide an update so we can all learn from your experience.
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Chronic Hernia Pain – Where to turn now?
Many thanks to both of you! I deeply appreciate your generosity in sharing your insights with me. Truly amazing to get responses from such qualified people, and so quickly!
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Chronic Hernia Pain – Where to turn now?
At the Lichtenstein Hernia Institute at UCLA, Dr David Chen is the main surgeon who can evaluate you. Dr Andrea Nicol is the main pain management specialist and she has a lot of experience with patients who have chronic pain after hernia repair.
Of course, I am also at your disposal. Similar to Dr Chen, a large proportion of my patients (unfortunately) suffer from chronic pain. I have system to help determine the cause of pain (mesh, nerve, recurrence, infection) and an excellent team to tailor a treatment plan of care.
Besides us two, there are few other choices available on the Wedt Coast.
Also,, if you are a patient in the Kaiser Permanente system, Dr Talar Tejirian at the Hollywood campus is focusing on developing a similar program in the KP system to better care for patients with chronic pain after hernia repair. My current fellow in training will be joining her in July, so that should add to their expertise in the field.
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Chronic Hernia Pain – Where to turn now?
I would say your best bet is the Lichtenstein Clinic at UCLA. They have by far the most experience in the world dealing with post-op hernia pain.
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