[GaleW]

Thanks to everyone…just to update…
I have had the modified Shouldice repair done by Dr Conze in Munich on both sides
He also checked the nerves during the surgery and then did a triple neurectomy on both sides.
it has now been exactly a month since surgery but unfortunately I am still very weak, feel pulling on both sides and even a small effort puts me out for a few hours.
I also feel pressure on both sides which Dr Conze suggests could be due to problems in lymphatic drainage (it is my third surgery in the area)
Is it normal? I find it extremely frustrating!
I recovered much faster from the previous surgeries (a caesarian and a laparoscopic mesh repair)
Would appreciate your advice

[GaleW]

I have contacted Dr Conze and he responded the following:

it seems that reinforcing the posterior wall with a synthetic mesh (15×12 cm) brought peace into the groin… at least for more than years. But if you recall the history of your primary complaints and diagnostic measurements…. there was no real hernia defect detectable in fist place… just like it seems now… no clear hernia defect but a slight protrusion of the mesh-reinforced posterior wall of the inguinal canal.

From what you describe I can only hypothesize that the mesh reinforced posterior wall is now pushing onto the inguinal canal…. something I call a “pseudo”-recurrence! … missing a real direct defect and hernia sac with a bulge.

Did any of you hear about it? know more info?
I’ve tried googling it but didnt get anywhere
Would love to find someone that had a similar problem
Can anyone help me?

[GaleW]

Thank you Good intentions and Jack for your responses! I really appreciate it
I will contact Dr Conze and see what happens

[GaleW]

I would really appreciate if someone can help me shed light into my case. I’m suffering on a daily basis and have nowhere to turn to
Thank you

[GaleW]

I have just come back from my surgeon, after having both a dynamic ultrasound and an MRI, nothing more than “weakness” can be seen, as such, the surgeon suggests it wouldn’t be prudent to operate as it could make things worse. Instead, he wants to refer me to pain clinic.
I wish I could know if there really is a recurrence. This surgeon (recommended by Professor Sheen dur to him being out of action) is not a hernia specialist.
I dont know if to trust him or to get a second opinion. I could relatively easily hop on a plane to germany if necessary, otherwise to someone in England but I wish I could get more clarity on what I have.
Is there a definitive scan to see the hernia?
Where do I go from here?
It is extremely frustrating and the pain really disables me. Is there any explanation why I should get excruciating pain from it?

[GaleW]

Is it normal that it doesn’t show up on the dynamic US, neither then nor now?

[GaleW]

Thank you Dr. Towfigh.
I have just read through the notes again to be certain
This is the first US report

“With a background generalised weakness of the posterior inguinal wall, there are
small focal areas which are slightly more prominent on cough/straining/Valsalva
manoeuvre medial to the deep inferior epigastric vessels on both sides. These
spontaneously reduce at rest.
No inguinal lymphadenopathy seen.
No significant hip joint effusion seen.
Patent femoral vessels.”

However in the report of the operation he wrote

“Diagnosis: Bilateral sports hernia — posterior wall weakness
Operation performed: Bilateral inguinal disruption repair (TEP with glue fixation) 22 June 2018
Main findings: No tears, No indirect defects. direct defect, weakened wall
Planned management: Follow-up in 4-6 Weeks (rehab to commence in first week)”

also in the detailed surgical report he wrote

“Access: Open laparoscopy via insertion of a 10mm blunt port at a horizontal
cut-down incision at the umbilical raphe in sub rectus plane. Balloon
used to create extraperitoneal space, noted coppers ligament during
balloon insufflation. Camera port inserted after balloon deflated and
satisfactory CO2 pneumoperitoneum achieved under vision (preset
maximum pressure 12 mm Hg). Two further ports inserted under
direct vision (5 mm, 3 and 5 cm above symphysis pubis).

Inspection:

? Indirect with small direct components both sides R>L
? No Obturator tears

Procedure: Hernial sacs reduced, L>R. Noted inferior Epigastric vessels
superiorly round ligament of uterus, which was divided. Posterior
wall weakness noted. Created space laterally to accommodate the
mesh. Once hernia reduced, Parietex 15 by 12 cm mesh was place via
the camera port and fixated with Tisseel Glue Spray applicator on
both sides. Small breech of peritoneum on right clipped Sac placed
over mesh prior to deflation under vision.
1 Maxon to 10 mm port site, 3/0 monocryl and glue to skin.”
So after all that, I am unsure as to what I actually had. Maybe you could help me.
The current US read the older US and said he sees the same. I have not yet got the report (it was friday evening)
Thank you again

• This reply was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by  GaleW.

[GaleW]

Thanks for your reply. I dont know of a specific action that caused it (I did carry a heavy item but the pain only started a day or two later). Last time, it was basically any minimal activity that caused pain and extreme weakness and its the same now. I am not particularly sporty but I am an active person and it drives me crazy to have to basically rest the entire time (and have everyone tell me they cant see anything wrong with me

[GaleW]

does it make sense that hernia would cause so much pain? should i be looking out for other problems?

[GaleW]

Thank you very much,
I’ve made a private appointment with Dr Sheen.

[GaleW]

Thank you for your concern.
The sonographer wrote ? borderline and the CT couldn’t see anything so the consultant decided that I don’t have hernia and sent me home.
I am 95% certain that I do and I am trying to find a consultant with experience in women’s hidden hernias who will diagnose me.
I have had no intervention as yet but I have been having serious pain for about 6 months on and off, usually triggered by lifting or running.