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I believe I have an occult hernia
Hello, I had an laparoscopic excision of endometriosis on September 1, 2017. Immediately after I was suffering from right sided pain that was persisting. My doctor (Jim Robinson of Washington, DC) thought he snagged the ilioinguinal and genitofemoral nerve in the trocar device during surgery. My pain is in my hip, lower back, pelvis, groin, and out to my right thigh. It becomes worse with my periods. This pain is aggravated by any activity other than lying down. It’s a constant dull ache with intermittent sharp pain. I’ve been seeing pain management and they were able to give me a successful nerve block that lasted 14 days. After that they never worked again. I’ve tried neurontin, Lyrica, nerve blocks, pelvic floor physical therapy, and painkillers. My pain management doc would like to implant a peripheral nerve stimulator in my back.
Instead I held off and went to see another endo expert in the dc area (Dr. Gaby Moawad). He thinks I still have endo and saw some evidence of endometriomas on an MRI. He thinks he can help the pain by removing my uterus but isn’t sure what could be causing pain on the right. I suggested an occult hernia after learning about it on Nancy’s Nook. He dismissed this immediately saying its visible on an MRI. I don’t believe he is well versed in what they are and therefore can’t help me explore this theory.
I would like to see a hernia specialist that treats occult hernias. I’ve called the two NYC Docs I know of (Mark zoland and Brian Jacob) but I would love to be able to see someone closer to where I live (Washington, DC/Virginia/ Maryland) but I don’t know where to even start looking. There are so few published articles and information about occult hernias in women.
Can you help me find some closer than NYC? Even Philadelphia would be easier.
Thank ypu!
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5 Replies
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I am so sorry for your pain.
I am curious about the nerve blocks. I have terrible pelvic/groin pain that sounds SO much like the hernia stories I read about. (But I also had pelvic mesh slings removed, and the pain persists.) I had many nerve blocks, but the results were inconsistent. A few times they seemed to work, but usually a few hours later I was in agony, as if the nerves were “triggered” somehow. I, too, have tried PT and any number of treatments. I am revisiting a local surgeon (recommended by this page) to try to completely rule out the hernia theory.
Like so many people I read about, the pain is most severe during my period. Is there an explanation for why that might be?
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All the surgeons noted are excellent options for you. Dr.Eric Pauli in Hershey PA also an option.
Your story is complex. Occult hernias do not improve with local nerve blocks. Endometriomas would have cyclical pain and bulging.
The MRI should show a hernia or endometrioma.
Soonds like hysterectomy is not the right plan.
I’m happy to review your story and images if you’d like to request an online consultation via my office. 310-358-5020. Alternatively, travel to see one of the great surgeons noted that are closer to you.
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Oh my gosh, Momof4, you’re a lifesaver! I appreciate so much your help!
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bbrown2060,
I am always sorry to hear of someone dealing with this scenario. I had occult hernias that weren’t seen on I’m aging. Dr. Towfigh says 3 out of 4 times the imaging is read as false negative for hernias. I have seen Dr. Igor Belyansky in Annapolis, MD at Anne Arundel Medical Center. He reads his own imaging and is an excellent hernia surgeon. There is also Dr. Sharon Bachman in Fairfax, VA. She is a hernia expert. I haven’t seen her but she comes highly recommended, as well. Dr. Gina Adrales is another hernia expert, she practices at Johns Hopkins. One of these physicians should be a good place to start. I hope you can find the cause of your pain soon and if it is a hernia, that you can get the repair that you need! Hope this helps. Best wishes. -
Have you contacted Dr. Towfigh directly? A link to her practice is at the bottom of the Hernia Surgeons’ page. She might even take a look at your images.
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