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Four months ago, I had laproscopic repair of an occult indirect inguinal hernia after it began to cause chronic constipation and pain. My surgeon used a self-adhering mesh but currently I do not have more specifics. I am experiencing point specific pain over the implant area, plus abdominal heaviness, and discomfort sitting. Sometimes the pain is sharp and up to an eight or nine. It worsens with activity and my job requires much activity. My surgeon has prescribed 800 mg. Motrin every 8 hours which helps. I had a CT scan which we have not yet reviewed. As I read other people’s experiences, I feel my symptoms are being described in some cases exactly by people who ultimately have had their mesh removed. My surgeon mentioned pain clinic referral. However, if my pain seems to be mesh related, is best to wait a year and try pain mgt. or to get it out sooner rather than later?
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8 Replies
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clbear,
I’m not surprised at the CT report. I can’t tell you how many of my reports have read exactly the same, expected post-surgical changes. They proceed to tell me that my uterus is likely surgically absent, duh!! What they don’t tell you is that there is a problem with your mesh or a recurrent hernia. I recently had a MRI for recurrent hernia that has an obvious bulge this time, so I wondered if it would be seen on imaging. I took Dr. Towfigh’s protocol for MRI with valsalva to the test and the MRI was performed this way. Well guess what, they actually noted a hernia recurrence. Only one though, the bulging one! On review, Dr. Towfigh found several others which I could have told you were there due to pain! It is very frustrating to have these expensive, for the patient and insurance company, tests and then have them interpreted incorrectly! It also leaves us patients wondering if we really have a problem or not. There needs to be education on imaging for hernias. I know Dr. Towfigh is leading the way on that front. In the meantime, a physiatrist may offer good suggestions until you can get this figured out. Glad you made an appointment with another surgeon for second opinion, it can’t hurt. Don’t give up and keep searching for the cause of lyour pain. It’s not in your head!! -
As expected the CT showed “expected” post surgical changes and my surgeon has referred me to a physiatrist for pain management strategies. My first appt. is in 2 weeks. I also made an appt, with Dr. Yunis of Sarasota, FL for a second opinion since he is only 1.5 hours from me. Thanks for the support and information.
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quote clbear:My replies on my other thread are unapproved ?
This happens on the site occasionally. If you send a message to Dr. Towfigh she might have time to fix it. It has happened to me several times. It’s a problem with the site’s anti-spam software, apparently.
The SAGES conference is coming up in two days, so she might not be as responsive as usual. Professionals often meet up before the actual meetings to conduct business. Hopefully some progress will be made on this mesh travesty.
Good luck. Keep posting here. Don’t forget that there are many people who probably see what is written but don’t participate n the conversation. It is still useful to share your experiences.
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My surgeon listens to me but I have not yet asked him what evidence would point to this mesh being a problem in My body. I plan to this week. My replies on my other thread are unapproved ?
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Thank you.
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I just posted in your other thread. But forgot to say that one advantage to talking to a doctor who has removed mesh for a while is that they will recognize your symptoms and might also have experience with your specific type of mesh, maybe even your surgeon.
I wasted a lot of time working with a surgeon who did not remove mesh. He was trying learn as he went, on a topic he really wanted to avoid since he had implanted the mesh. I got an MRI, and saw a urologist, and did some blood testing. Even though it was obvious that the mesh was the problem.
A surgeon with experience removing mesh will have seen all of the signs before.
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clbear,
Sorry to hear of your problems. Hopefully your new CT scan will give some answers but it will most likely be negative. Some surgeons here have said that tests are misinterpreted 3/4 times. To consider mesh removal, which comes with risks, you need to find out if the mesh is the cause of your pain. It will take a hernia expert to find that out. If it is your mesh causing the problem and it needs to be removed, I think there is no reason to delay. I had a large piece of mesh in for 2 years that was causing several systemic problems. The mesh caused lots of inflammation which I am having trouble recovering from. A true mesh reaction is rare, but if it is a true mesh reaction the damage can be devastating, mentally and physically. I hope you can see a hernia specialist to help you figure this out. BTW, I’m a female, 52 y/o and I was fit and happy as well. Currently I am trying to get back to that place! Dr. Towfigh has been a great help to me! -
Perhaps I should add that I am female, 61 years old, typically very fit and happy.
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