Just found hernia number 12 ..I am Swiss cheese!

[LD50]

I had surgery to repair a swiss cheese hernia in 2023. I’m curious how you are and if you are able to share any updates about your hernia situation.

[mamadunlop]

Just thought I would post an update….. I am still waiting for the surgery. I have a date of June 25th…. the hospital has just been slammed and there has not been any opening sooner. I have been waiting since march and just pushing through the pain and limited movement.

[Ben999]

I’m not in the double digit gang, I thought my 3 hernias at age 19 were impressive but I guess not.

[mamadunlop]

Thanks! Just watched his talk from Tuesday and it made me feel even better about having him as my surgeon, not that I was doubting that… he is amazing and I am so lucky to have found him after my initial 3 surgeries by a different surgeon failed.

Haven’t heard from him yet so now we wait over the weekend and hope for a call on Monday. The waiting for appts, for phone calls, for surgery… that is the hardest part. I am worried about the fact that there are bowels in one of the hernia, but it must not be that urgent if I haven’t heard yet.

[Momof4]

The not getting upset part is hard!! When I am in so much pain and don’t have a plan, it’s a struggle to keep going. I try to be positive and move forward and am fortunate to have a good support system! Dr. Martindale sounds like he will do his best to get you as healthy as possible! Best wishes and keep us up to date! Maybe someone can benefit from hearing your plan of care.

[mamadunlop]

Thanks for the suggestions! We have talked about connective tissue disorders but I don’t have any other symptoms and it wouldn’t change our treatment.

I got a CT immediately and it shows a mess. I have not one but 3 new hernias, the old pig mesh is mallee up in one spot and my abdominal muscles have detached again (I had abdominal wall reconstruction 5 years ago for the same reason) plus for the first time there are loops of small and large bowl in one of the hernias. I knew I had random other pain but I am so used to having some pain I didn’t notice. It does explain why I look 6 months pregnant the last two months even though I have only gained 10 pounds. Waiting for a phone call from Martindale today to discuss the plan. In the meantime trying to not get too upset.

[Momof4]

Mamadunlop,
Oh no, I was hoping no news is good news. Hate to hear this. Dr. Martindale was a guest on HerniaTalk Live this week. It was a great session and he seems very dedicated to helping patients with comples hernia issues, like yours. Why are all the good doctors on the West Coast?!? Ajm asks a good question about whether you have been tested for connective tissue disorder. The only testing available is genetic testing which I’ve been told can be quite expensive and I’ve also been told that even if you test positive, there is nothing you can do to improve that situation. You will just know that you have a connective tissue disorder! Dr. Towfigh says she knows I have one from symptoms and also failure of multiple tissue repairs. I think it does matter what type of repair and mesh your body does best with if connective tissue disorder is known. None ever asked me about that before Dr. Towfigh. After going through my history, it was the first question she asked me! Have you tried seeing a plastic surgeon? Sometimes they deal with abdominal wall reconstruction and may have different ideas on ways to approach your problem. Dr. Martindale may be able to help with that. I am in the double digits with surgeries and I may need another mesh removal and new repair which would include a plastic surgeon along with a top hernia specialist! I’m going to see a plastic surgeon, who was a guest on HerniaTalk Live a couple of weeks ago. He is in VA only 4 hours away, which is nice. Hoping he can offer good advice on next step for me! Please message me if you’d like to talk. You are in my thoughts and prayers!!

[ajm222]

Have you ever been tested for my sort of connective tissue disorder?