[Heather]

I had to convince my husband to reject the local robotic mesh board-certified surgeon and instead, drive 2 states away to Ohio and spend a lot more money to see Dr. David Grishkan who has had his own hernia surgery center there in eastern Cleveland since 1983. We had a wonderful experience there just last week. This surgeon has removed lots of mesh, has immense experience having performed over 27,000 hernia repairs. He explains things well, answered our questions with care. I felt my husband was in the best hands in the world.

You have to go with your gut instincts which is why you backed out. In my case, I decided that Grishkan was the best surgeon I could get my husband to see after scouring the internet for information, reading many articles and studies and talking with some friends. This surgeon has a team of professionals who work together well. I went back to see my husband still a bit groggy post-op and thought 2 nurses were hanging out nearby. No, one was the anaesthesiologist who was monitoring my husband. This was a rarity to me because in big hospitals, the aneasthesiologists seem to just disappear once the patient is wheeled off to surgery.

My husband had an umbilical and an inguinal hernia repaired. The inguinal was not simple…there were two hernias in there with the older one’s hernia sac having been pressed and stuck to the spermatic cord. Thank God I got my husband to the most experienced and talented surgeon I could find. I hate to think how the robotic approach might have turned out.

After all the reading about inguinal hernia surgeries, I finally concluded that what I needed was not the seamstress at the local dry cleaners who can repair a torn sleeve or sew on a button. What I needed was the master tailor who could custom design the most remarkable custom-made suit or stunning one-of-a-kind dress. Because once the cut is made, a surgeon has to make important decisions like knowing just how much tension to use in each suture or whether the tissue quality is ideal for the plan. It took me a lot of time to realize this because the local surgeon sure had a good sales pitch including how a 3×5 inch piece of mesh will stop all sorts of future hernias too! Just cut a flap in ther peritoneum, stick it in there, sew the flap up and voila! Turns out our local robotic gungho mesh surgeon is also a scientific advisor for a mesh company out of state too.

My husband is doing well post-op! The surgery was this past Thursday, (March 19, 2026). He has not had to resort to a prescription pain med but just alternating Advil andTylenol. He’s been icing regularly and walking 30-60 minutes 4 times a day on Days 3&4.

The Hernia Center of Ohio is in an eastern Cleveland suburb surrounded by hotels with the full kitchen suites if you wanted to stay a few days, eat in comfortably. Dr. Grishkan’s office entryway has many letters and cards from patients just gushing with thanks. If I needed mesh removed from a past hernia repair, I would definitely go to him. We filled out a medical history form, submitted it and then the doctor himself called us back. This doctor really looks out for his patients with a 24-hour live answering service too. (What a nice change from the long holds or voicemail mazes these days.) He also performs all surgeries himself, does not pass any of it off.

Check his website out, The Hernia Center of Ohio. He is board certified and does laproscopic work when the situation calls for it. I had read that he was an expert witness in some mesh lawsuits. I’m a doctor’s daughter and wish there were more old school doctors like this guy who is so professional, thorough and charming. I am just amazed how well my husband is doing. I think Dr. Grishkan is magnificent. A rarity. I highly recommend him.

ChessieGirl

[Heather]

I misspelled the surgeon’s name. It’s:

Dr. David Grischkan

[Heather]

It is really hard to lose a cat or dog because thry can be so loving for do little. They don’t judge, they just accept and live in the moment, a really beautiful thing to see, really. I’m so sorry for your loss. Please give yourself time to grieve for your sweet companion before considering the drastic step of ending your own life. There are many cats out there who need a loving home and would give you a lot of laughs and tender moments.

I saw how fit you were as a professional dancer and can understand your deep disappointment. But you can take all that terrific knowledge and experience you have and funnel it into a new avenue of activity even if it is to just start a website where you offer fledgling dancers good advice. I was impressed with your website and thought if you can create that, you could easily create another that is on a positive topic.

As for your health, I would try acupuncture to at least reduce some of the pain you’re experiencing. I was a former competive swimmer from age 8-19, completely toned and limber. In my 40’s, I suddenly had severe low back pain trying everything…2 chiropractors, normal MRI, spine surgeon spent 10 minutes with me and said Sorry, there’s nothing I can do. I couldn’t drive easily, couldnit just sit long to even eat. It is frustrating to have pain and no solution, no answers. But just keep trying Peter.

For me, acupuncture reduced the severe pain by about 1/3. Then I went to a very experienced massage therapist who gave me stretching exercises to do which at least made driving better. Then I got back in the pool after 20 years of no workouts and slowly got myself into better shape with far less pain. (Hey, I recommend swimming to anyone too, even if it’s with the assistance of a kickboard or just wading).

I researched inguinal hernia surgeries over the past 3 months because my husband needs one and will soon go to The Hernia Center of Ohio. In my reading online, I discovered a retired hernia surgeon who offers free consultations by email – Dr. Kevin C. Petersen, M.D.

This retired surgeon has a lot to say about mesh and mesh pain. He removed mesh back when there was not a lot in medical literature on how to do it. He seems to understand the full spectrum of pain and could possibly steer you toward some help to at least reduce your pain. I would try him. His website is noinsurancesurgery.com

Again, I sympathize with you saying good bye to your cat. I’m crazy about Chesapeake Bay Retrievers…have planted trees for my Chessies who had to leave me. For me, the grief never leaves, it just lessens and evolves. Do think about getting another cat.. There’s a sweet one out there who’d love a life with you.

ChessieGirl