Post Hernia Repair Nerve Pain

[andrew1982]

Hi everyone – I saw a pain specialist yesterday who suggested a low dose of pregabalin (lyrica) for a few weeks to try to settle things. I also spoke with my surgeon again who insists the pain will pass spontaneously any up to 4 weeks post cooperatively. Does anyone have any views on either? Thanks, Andrew

[andrew1982]

Thanks Dr Towfigh.

Is allodyna permanent or can the nerve settle as my surgeon suggests? I am terrified this is now permanent.

[drtowfigh]

Agree with Dr Brown.
no need to wait to get the nerve blocks.
do not contemplate any surgical intervention for at least 3 months

[andrew1982]

[USER=”2580″]DrBrown[/USER]

thanks for coming back to mr Dr. In your experience, how long will this take to resolve if it is going to resolve spontaneously? To put in another way, how much longer should I wait before seeing a specialist?

[DrBrown]

[USER=”3024″]andrew1982[/USER]
Dear Andrew.
From your description, you allodynia related to an injury to the ilioinguinal nerve.
A nerve block can be very beneficial.
Neurontin can occasionally help.
Capsaicin cream can occasionally help.
Nerve ablation can occasionally help.
There is a chance that this will improve with time.
You may need a neurectomy of the ilioinguinal and the iliohypogastric nerve.
Regards.
Bill Brown MD

[andrew1982]

Thanks Dill. If anyone else has a view that would be much appreciated. The pain is terrible and I am feeling pretty despondent – if I’d known this was a risk I wouldn’t have had the surgery.

[USER=”2580″]DrBrown[/USER] [USER=”935″]drtowfigh[/USER] – if either of you could comment that would be much appreciated.

[Dill]

Hi, I’m female and did not have any nerves cut during my no mesh inguinal hernia not the same but 2 weeks after surgery I did get similar symptoms to what you are describing in the same general areas–that did go away but two months I still have some stinging and itching the area. I’m assuming it will go away but that’s just an assumption.