[William Bryant]

It sound too good to be true. And like you, I thought if bandages work, hernia belts should do the same thing.

[William Bryant]

One of the hospitals Martin Kurzer I believe is associated with has some poor reviews. It put me off contacting them about hernia repairs. Maybe not the man himself’s fault. But terminating a call from a patient isn’t good. That it’s a paid for discussion makes it worse!

The cost of a private (telephone) consultation is quite horrific. I’ve been quoted as high as £290!

[William Bryant]

Thanks Eu. I think the mesh can get it in the way but not sure if non mesh similarly makes prostate surgery difficult…

The problem that can arise if hernia is done before prostate surgery is that the patient can retain urine and can have problems urinating due to anaesthetic effects.

[William Bryant]

Thanks Pinto, I get (slight) urge to urinate before 2 hours is up…but I know its not urgent so can hold it for longer. 3 to 5 hours.

I did have 2 DRE’s, 1 dr said “slightly enlarged, but not more than I’d expect at your age”. The other Dr said “enlarged, do you want pills”. I declined saying if he is sending me for ultrasound, let’s see what that shows.

I think you’re right, having a hernia concentrates the mind on health (or lack of it) more.

I am wondering if the hernia could be pressing on bladder, hence the frequent urge.

It’s just getting me down a bit.

[William Bryant]

Hello Scarletville,

Good to hear you are mending well. Hope it continues.

Do know …

Which surgeon did the mesh repair and which type of mesh was it?

Was it NHS or private?

Good Intentions has a “good” mesh successes thread – maybe if you have time post details there as they may be of use to others.

Once again glad it’s working out well for you.

[William Bryant]

Although not aimed at me these posts are very useful… And if possible I’d like to avoid surgery but like Spinoza there must come a time when surgery is needed. Unlike Spinoza im not young, I am a couple of months off 60, I’m not in particularly good health… So would an operation be better, from a coping and recovery point, sooner or can I still leave it?

I guess it’s a trade off/compromise. I have read today on the NHS site that the “risks can sometimes outweight the benefits of surgery”. Which is not very encouraging. They are most likely meaning mesh surgery in the main which again maybe something for Spinoza to think about. If the NHS states that it does mean there must be a significant risk with surgery. Either that or they are trying to save money and/or free hospital space.

[William Bryant]

I dont have any answers but hope you get some relief and resolution.

All I can think of is, it may take time to settle down. Has it improvred at all?

[William Bryant]

Pinto, hopefully there will be some resolution as Dr Kang is following this up now which is good, but a shame it took a time as it must have affected you badly in the interim. Hope all goes well and if you can, could let us know the outcome.

Hoping it all works out for you

[William Bryant]

Hello Pinto,
I am in UK yes… So far I have only seen a gp doctor and he has organised an ultrasound which I am waiting on. All he said so far is “nothing serious”.

I believe you are right though and watch wait is a standard NHS practice.. I’ll probably find out after I get the ultrasound.

[William Bryant]

Could it be a lipoma, Pinto?

[William Bryant]

Hello Jack, another useful answer, thanks very much. My ultrasound is due mid November so I’ll share the result when I get it, most likely end of November. I asked my gp if he was going to arrange ultrasound and he said yes once I asked him.

You’re absolutely right, all the names and information whirl round in my head and I end up confusing the information.

So yes I think I must start writing it all down.

I take your point about reviews on the internet. In a similar vein I do sometimes wonder if the UK consultants who say they do non mesh, try to talk you into mesh when you see them. I may be being too sceptical but I have yet to see or find a review or post on here from anyone in the UK who has had a natural tissue, non mesh in the UK by a UK surgeon.

Have you come across any comments from anyone who has?

[William Bryant]

Thanks again Jack and Alephy. I have self imposed limits on what I do through fear of aggravating it. I do have to exceed these as it’s impractical to avoid everything but I am more careful…
The worry has caused a slight reduction in weight. But now I’m comfort eating so I’ll try and rein that in.

I do get slight twangs every now and again but usually worse towards end of the day and I think that is usual?

[William Bryant]

Thanks Herniahelper, I am self limiting what I do through choice as you say I do have to carry as it’s difficult to avoid but I am doing smaller loads.
Very good replies and very helpful. I think I have some time to make a choice and to see what I am like in a few months time. I have stopped exercises also but carry on walking as worried about lack of condition. Maybe I can do some gentler ones.

And the bit about your colleague who is a hernia doctor is the other side of the mesh coin really, I’ve posted to the effect they don’t really care but he obviously does. It’s a sad state of affairs that mesh affects both patient and (albeit to a lesser degree and not physically) doctor in some cases. I hadn’t thought of that.

[William Bryant]

Which is the surgeon in the UK that dies the desarda repair Jack? I’d it the Leicester doctor or the younger surgeon in Northumberland (I’ve lost track of names).

Yes Jack, desarda is another option and thanks for reminding me.

So, of the 3 ( Desarda, Shouldice or Kang). Which would be forums members first choice if there were no limiting factors such as time, distance, etc.

[William Bryant]

Thanks Pinto. It sounds as though that went well. One thing that does bother me is Dr M has one or two bad reviews and I believe she is within biohernia umbrella. Anyway I note one of the replies mentions UK patient got in touch with PALS to ask which is UK surgeons may do mesh free – so might try that. Thanks again, more food for thought for me.

[William Bryant]

Thanks Pinto. It sounds as though that went well. One thing that does bother me is Dr M has one or two bad reviews and I believe she is within biohernia umbrella.

[William Bryant]

Herniahelper, would that apply to non mesh as well or just mesh repairs?

I am thinking I need to do something even though I can do most things but once my doctor said you have a hernia, I have avoided lifting etc to prevent it worsening. It’s a bit psychological I suspect. For example, my dad has had his hernia for about 5 years and until I had one he was saying his didn’t bother him and he more or less carried on as usual. Once I had one and started saying I can’t lift or carry as it can make it worse, he has started saying his has got bigger because he carries.

To give you some idea of what he did when he had a hernia but before I had one, me and him lifted a concrete fence base above head hight and slotted it in to place, then put the wooden fence panel in. Not once did he say it hurt or aggravated his hernia.

[William Bryant]

Not sure I have Pinto, thanks for mentioning it. What thread was it on? I am from the UK, you’re right, and by sounds of it, it sounds like the German repair was very successful. Was it Dr Koch? Thanks for thinking of it for me. Anymore info greatly appreciated.

[William Bryant]

I’m a bit ashamed of posting the link now but anyway it did strike me at the time that her views on non mesh would be clouded by the fact she does mesh.. a case of well she would say that wouldn’t she, to paraphrase that UK legal case quote from years back.

Getting back to shouldice or Kang… That’s the nub of it for me at present and I can’t quite decide which would be best for me. I’m not good at decisions and this is a big one which makes it harder still.

[William Bryant]

Not as erudite as your good self but I’ll have a go….

I have seen similar comments in relation to prostate surgery, in as much as the operation considered ‘the gold standard’ is not thought of so highly by patients. It achieves it’s purpose but with many patients experiencing side effects way in excess of what they were told would happen. One even said he felt violated and butchered after. Another saying if doctors had the procedure done to them they’d be not so keen to recommend it.

Again you can see how that mirrors what some have said about hernia repairs.