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Washington DC Semi-Pro Soccer – Bilaterial laparoscopic surgery 5mm inguinal hernia?
I am a USL (semi-professional league) soccer player in my 30’s. I live in the Washington DC area when not traveling. During a game about four months ago I felt a dull pain in my lower left groin. Immediately after the game I was unable to put any substantial weight on my left leg and walking was difficult. Thinking it was a pulled muscle, I rested and managed the pain. I had three false starts returning to play after a month rest each time, where upon running the pain would immediately come back.
When taking ibuprofen, I was able to run with very little pain, but immediately after and the next few days I was again unable to walk normally.
I now have developed daily pain in my lower abdomen (even when resting). When attempting to use my core to do a sit-up type movement or leg adduction (e.g. squeezing a pillow in between your legs) I can feel pain.
After reading about “sports hernias”, I visited a hernia doctor in Washington, D.C. to see if this was a possibility. No lump/hernia was detectable with a physical exam, but with an ultrasound they found what they said is an actual 5mm inguinal hernia on my left side. The surgeon has recommended immediate bilateral laparoscopic surgery with mesh.
After conducting significant research, I am left with some key questions that don’t appear to have been fully answered here before?
1. I have read that hernias most often have no or limited abdominal pain. However, my doctor has informed me that my hernia is most likely the cause of my abdominal pain. This includes the current daily pain even if I am just resting because smaller hernias “tend to be more painful”. Is this accurate?
2. I was told by my surgeon that because he is doing laparoscopic surgery it is highly recommended that the surgery be bi-lateral with mesh placed on both sides (even though I currently have only a hernia on the left side) as this will be the one time that we will have this type of access to the right side and the right side could be effected? Is this accurate and is bilateral surgery recommended with a hernia only on one side?
3. I requested an MRI to confirm the inguinal hernia diagnosis (versus sports hernia or any other cause) but was denied by insurance indicating that the ultrasound is sufficient to confirm my issue is the inguinal hernia. Is this accurate?
4. I have read a lot about the mesh versus no mesh issue. I am thin and very active with the hope to return to professional soccer. Is mesh my best chance of retuning to playing as quickly as possible with limited chance of hernia complications while playing?
Appreciate your feedback. Obviously this is a potential life/career changing decision and want to make sure I do it with the most accurate input.
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