Alan

Left side was large direct, right side was smaller direct but he found a small indirect hernia sack. Dr Kang must have small fingers as both incisions are the same size.

He told me no nerves are cut, also confirmed in his reply here:

Dr. Grischkan Experiences

I have full sensitivity in the areas affected, I had direct and indirect repaired at the same time.

Yes, no pain at all now, just a bit sore after walking more than a few miles.

He’s only turned down one patient I believe, I think they had leukaemia.

Excellent write up – I agree with your words on Stephen, a really nice guy and without him it would have been very difficult.

He injects locally in addition to the sedatives – I woke up during the last part but couldn’t feel anything.

The pain was across and between the incisions, right side above scrotum has felt tight (reducing daily), I assume that’s due to the inguinal ring on that side being closed up?

The nurses were great, two could speak a bit of English and the others used an app to translate. Dr Kang came to check on me, he didn’t seem too bothered about the pain, he…[Read more]

I did 14 hours tofrom Korea with two direct hernias, only issue was swollen ankles. Being constipated probably puts more pressure on the hernias, I don’t think the pressure variance is great enough when they pressurise the cabin. I guess if it was large you could manipulate it back into your abdomen while reclined to reduce chances of strangulation?

I’m doing great now, the pain faded quite fast once I got back, it’s very slightly numb around the incisions and a slight tightness on the right side (After walking several miles) but improves each day. I just wish someone warned me about coughing or sneezing, that was an unexpected pain!

I don’t think my pain was typical, the nurses seemed…[Read more]

Hi Chuck,

All good so far, the pain died down quite fast once I got home and rested, the only issue left is a tight feeling right side but that’s fading every day. I’ve been out walking quite a bit which I think has helped. (Mike said he had the same sensation for a while).

I knew I had two – they were direct and quite obvious (left was larger).…[Read more]

It was $3k (bilateral) for the surgery, flight was £800 and the hotel was about the same (2 weeks).

Once the local wore off I was in a lot of pain, I’ve never had any surgery before so can’t compare but it was an 810 for me the first night (I refused a pain killer injection shortly after thinking I was ok), second daynight there was no pain at all when in bed.

My pain is significantly better now, I’ve been moving about the house fairly easily…[Read more]

Some people do not need any repairs after the mesh removal. If required then a meshless repair can be done after removal.

He uses both, depending on patient preference.

That’s interesting about the ice, the nurses gave me two packs, one for each side and then a pair under each arm (my temp shot up on the first night). I found it did help with the pain but obviously only while applied.

I was stuck in the middle seat on the plane and didn’t want to disturb the chap sleeping in the isle seat 😂, will be changing to…[Read more]

They gave me a load of ice packs shortly after surgery which helped a lot.

I’ll ask for a wheelchair at the airport, did you have any issues on the plane with pain? I might ask if I can have a isle seat so I can get up frequently. (My ankles were like balloons after arriving!)

Dr Kang said a direct hernia needs quite a lot more repair than…[Read more]

I just got back to the hotel, I had to stay over another night as I had bad pain when standing. Had to get a wheelchair to the lobby and borrowed some crutches to get from the taxi to the hotel room (Stephen managed to get some from another department).

I guess I have a low pain threshold as every other patient was fully mobile the day after and…[Read more]

Yes, I was asleep minutes after they injected my IV so didn’t see/feel a thing, woke up towards the end as he was finishing up. Pain is not great at the moment, trying to sleep through it (Will be staying overnight as it as a double hernia).

Dr Kang came round to check up, he said no issues at all during surgery.

I’ve got Acupan 0.9% on an auto…[Read more]

Just out of surgery, slept through most of it. The staff are amazing here, very friendly and a few speak English.

Just had a consultation with Dr Kang after meeting Stephen and going through tests (Blood, chest x-ray, urine and ultrasound). All extremely efficient and quick. Surgery booked early tomorrow, covid test first will be staying overnight.

Hotel is 20 min walk, so the taxi ride back should be quick.

Dr Kang gave me a signed copy of his book so…[Read more]

Thanks Mike, I’m taking my partner (who’s a traveler and desperate to see Korea), we are staying at Peyto hotel, which is 400m away from the hospital.

Thanks for the app recommendation – I love Korean food so looking forward to that part of the trip.