[jj]

4 weeks post op inguinal hernia surgery

Hi Dr Towfigh,
I am 55 yrs old, 6’2″ and 185lbs. I work out regularly ( used to pre-op), running and lifting weights. I would consider myself to be in good shape. I think the problem I have with not being able to sit without considerable post op pain has now caused a back issue…possibly sciatica. Because of the pain I was sitting slouched (butt scooted out) and I now have bad back pain and numbness in my right lower leg/foot. On the post-op front, I made a little progress this past week with sitting with a little less groin/lower abdomen pain…scrotum pain still comes for periods of time. I am thinking I should take periods of rest (lie down) until my back gets better. Although I am still in post op pain I will view any progress as positive….still very frustrated with recovery, which has weighed heavily on me emotionally and is probably not helpful. Thanks for responding.

Brad

[jj]

4 weeks post op inguinal hernia surgery

Thanks to both of you…it’s really great to get your advice. Some questions:

Dr Earle – What do you mean by this: ‘Reiterating at 3 weeks would be very difficult, and possibly dangerous”.
And to answer your questions:
1.) Do you know what type repair you had? I had an Open repair
2.) Mesh vs no mesh. Mesh was used
3.) What type of mesh? I was told a “synthetic, self adhering mesh”. Also note I received a CT scan 3 weeks post op after I started to complain about this pain – the surgeon wanted to see if the mesh had moved somehow. This came back negative (Mesh had not moved).

Dr Goldstein – thanks, I will try the stationary bike first

For both of you – Again thank you for helping. To note, I continue to have numbness in my lower legs/feet and fairly severe pain when sitting…more pronounced when sitting erect vice slouched position (butt scooted out from seat). BTW – I had “NO” pain pre-op with the exception of some pain in my scrotum after I ran. But besides that, again I had NO pain in everyday activities. Very frustrating! I have been so frustrated that I have set up an appt with another doctor for a second opinion (Dr. Igor Belyansky, MD – Annapolis). Am I rushing into a second opinion too fast? I am just feeling like I need some answers….but maybe the answer is “time”?

Thanks
Brad

[jj]

4 weeks post op inguinal hernia surgery

Thanks for the reply Dr Goldstein. I struggle taking medication I don’t understand and gabapentin fits that bill but I can give it a shot. I am concerned about side effects and whether there are any long term implications with gabapentin.

Also, Interesting that you indicate activity as something that my body may respond better to but at this point I am only walking around, primarily at work. I am a jogger and miss it but I cant see myself running right now when walking still gives me some pain…should I try to jog?

Thanks
brad