[groundfaller]

Triple neurectomy

Well frankly, I haven’t even seen a pain specialist yet so I haven’t discussed any kind of neuropathy. Last week I saw my surgeon and her feedback was “this might be the new you” which was very difficult to hear. It has been 9 months since the surgery and the pain I experience now is worse than before the operation and it is getting more frequent and more painful and more disruptive.

If I lie down when I’m in pain or in the morning after a night lying in bed the pain is usually seriously reduced. Some mornings I feel pretty good actually. My job requires a reasonable amount of heavy lifting which can bring on a sharp pain directly at the hernia site. Walking for 20-30 min will also induce pain but the onset is more gradual and it occurs lower in the groin and there is swelling associated with it. In fact, just to left of the top of the scrotum and then extending to the thigh, I will develop a thick ropey feeling that can be felt to the touch. I think it is important to note that it took weeks after the surgery to move without significant pain. I hear accounts of people walking well within the first week. That wasn’t me.

There were two events in the last 3 months that brought on worse pain. One was a business trip in the end of Sept and it took several weeks to improve. The second was over Thanksgiving where, after a slow increase in time riding my bicycle through Nov, I did some mountain biking. Both of these events left me nearly immobile for several days with sharp shooting pains that would radiate from my low groin to my hip bone protrusion. The later occurrence over Thanksgiving has never seen a great reduction in pain.

According to the original surgical report obtained from the doctor’s office I had a “large direct inguinal hernia” which was repaired with an “extra-large mesh plug” and a “mesh overlay cut to size.” There is no mention of the type of mesh used but a site sponsored by Davol has her listed as a hernia surgeon if that means anything. In several places in the report there is mention of 2-0 Prolene sutures as well as the mention of a 2-0 vicryl suture (among a lot of other medical jargon).

I am currently seeking a new doctor for another opinion since it seemed liked the surgeon who performed the operation does not want much else to do with me given her response. She did arrange for physical therapy at my request which I started this week.

[groundfaller]

Health Services

This is just food for thought from my own circumstance. I was extremely active for all of my 40 yrs when ~ 4 yrs ago a small hernia was detected. The surgeon at the time advocated for watchful waiting which I did. Last year I had the surgery when I developed some achiness in my testicle after standing/walking for long periods. Since then I have mostly had problems and my active lifestyle has ground to a halt. I can’t help but wonder if the hernia was repaired when it was smaller and possibly more manageable if the outcome hadn’t been better. It’s not exactly good mental health to speculate on things I can’t now change but I know there is a group of surgeons who suggest watchful waiting and there are those that suggest fixing it sooner before bigger problems develop. The bottom line is if you choose to have surgery, take the time to find the best, most experienced surgeon you can possibly access.

Sorry that had nothing to do with yoga and I am curious if anyone has feedback regarding that.

[groundfaller]

Triple neurectomy

I’m hoping since this was originally posted, someone might now have some feedback to this question. It seems like this is often cited as a possible treatment for chronic pain but I find very little anecdotal confirmation of its success and the literature that I have previewed is not very convincing either.

[groundfaller]

Mesh removal after hernia repair

If there is a chronic inflammatory reaction, how is that determined and what are the possible treatments?

[groundfaller]

Pain after mesh repair

Wow, I really do appreciate both responses. I have been feeling very depressed with the prospect of no improvement but it is nice to hear that there may yet still be help. That matters a lot. Your website and these forums and your quick reply shows real dedication to this problem and I am very impressed. Thank you.

It sounds like finding a doctor with a special interest in hernia repairs who will perform an MRI is important. Considering the prevelance of hernia repairs, I assumed they would be more widespread but it is surprisingly difficult.

Again, thank you and I will definitely continue to use this site as a resource. Receiving direct responses and being able to understand what others are experiencing is so valuable.

Troy.

[groundfaller]

What ?s should surgeons be asking their patients?

Thanks for asking this question. I think this a great way for doctors and patients to connect better with each other.

I wish my doctor would have asked questions about what, if any, activities my hernia is causing problems with. It seems like that would establish a baseline for the severity of the problem and, given that pain is relative, it might be a good indicator of my tolerance as well (albeit a subjective measure still).

I also would have liked it if my doctor had asked questions about what I expect to do after the surgery in terms of activities. I realize it is impossible to say if one can return to their normal activities but I might have taken more time to consider whether or not I would have gone through with the surgery had I known that I might be considering selling all of my bicycles like I am now because I am not sure I can ride them again. At least before the surgery I could ride.

I also would have liked the doctor to ask me during my initial exam if I wanted to know about the surgery which would have initiated more Q&A on my behalf and made my decision more informed, especially since I could go home and research with some knowledge.

Right now given all of my complications I feel like I didn’t seize on enough questions. Dialogue is so important.

Thank you for being thoughtful enough to seek out this information.

[groundfaller]

Pain after mesh repair

Hello everyone and thank you Dr Towfigh for providing this forum.

I’m a 41yo male and I had a left inguinal, open repair done 9 months ago. I have never been truly pain free since the surgery although I have had periods of manageable, mild pain during that time. Unfortunately, I have had two incidents where the pain became much more disruptive in life and I am now very concerned. At the end of September, following a business trip, I came home to significant pain which left me in bed for several days and took nearly a full month to become manageable again. Then, again at the end of November I experienced the same significant pain and it is now six weeks later and it is not improving at this time. I cannot walk for more than 1/2 hour before I start to hurt. Lying down generally relieves the pain. I saw my surgeon yesterday and she arranged for some PT for me but finished the conversation saying, “this may be your new life.” I don’t go out anymore because of the pain and I struggle through work on a daily basis.

There was an ultrasound performed in Sept which showed nothing significant and the surgeon performed a physical exam yesterday with nothing remarkable noted. She doesn’t seem to be offering anything more. I need help with my next step. Where do people go when their surgeon is no longer helpful? Should I return to my general practitioner? Does anyone know of a doctor in Utah that specializes in post surgery pain like this? I am not resigned to a life of pain like this at 41. Before the surgery I would mtn bike and rock climb daily. Does anyone have advice on my next step? Anything would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Troy