ldavis
Forum Replies Created
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Laparoscopic or Open Approach
Dear Dr. Towfigh,
I went to see Dr. Goodyear on your recommendation. He bases his opinion solely on physical exam and the REPORT (he REFUSED to look at any of my films, as he says he is not a radiologist) . Because the CT and MRI reports did not say I had a hernia, and because he said he could not feel one when I pressed my groin area, he told me that I do NOT have a hernia, so there is nothing he can do. He suggested that I see an orthopedic surgeon, that it is probably a hip issue, but I’ve seen 4 orthopedic surgeons who all say it is NOT my hip. I’ve had nerve conduction studies, MRI, CT and ultrasound (the ultrasound reported “a small cystic lesion” – which doesn’t make much sense) but nothing showed on the other tests.
I was previously teaching full-time at a community college, and in my free time hiking, bicycling and kayaking…very active for my age (55). It will be one year in a few weeks that I’ve been disabled by pain in my right groin…it is an every day pain…it doesn’t come and go. Usually lowest in the morning, and worsens as the day goes on (with activity..which is limited to short walks). I also have odd sensations in my right outer thigh when I put weight on that leg as I bend…it feels like the muscle is quivering.
Did you say there would be an option for me to send my films out to you to review, before I consider buying a plane ticket and hotel room in Beverly Hills? I realize I would have to pay out of pocket. I’ve been to all the specialists in my home town (neurosurgeon, orthopedic, gynecologist, gastroenterologist, etc.). If Dr. Goodyear is right that this is not a hernia, I don’t know what else to do, as all the above mentioned specialists have not figured out the cause of this very localized pain.
I appreciate your helping so many with hernias (and was encouraged to read the good report from lkpittman). Thank you for taking the time to read this.
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Possible femoral hernia
I’ll be praying for your surgery on July 2nd, and I hope that it takes care of all of your pain! You had said earlier that the MRI did NOT show a hernia, so I am wondering what test Dr. Towfigh did to FIND your hernia? Or was she able to tell from examining you?
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Laparoscopic or Open Approach
I am so sorry to hear all that you have been through and am praying that Dr. Belyansky will be able to help you. I am confused about hernia repair at this point. You said you had severe pain “from the hernia” to begin with , but that AFTER the initial surgery you were NOT better. In one of Dr. Towfigh’s replies to me I think she said IF you have a hernia and it is repaired, the hernia-related pain should be gone. Do you know WHY your initial repair did NOT help your pain? Do you think it was because of the mesh, and that open tissue repair is a better way to go? I know you are a patient, not a doctor, but you’ve had a lot of experience by now! I thought “once I get hernia surgery, I’ll be back to normal, but now I’m rather afraid I could be worse.
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Laparoscopic or Open Approach
Eller642,
Thank you very much for the recommendation of surgeons in Annapolis. I will go check it out…has Dr. Belyansky corrected your hernia? If so, did he do it laparoscopically? I’m trying to remember which type of hernia you had…was it inguinal or femoral? Again, thank you for taking the time to write to me. Constant pain is hard to deal with, isn’t it?!
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Laparoscopic or Open Approach
Thank you for clarifying the mesh issue, I really appreciate you! From what I’ve read, Dr. Goodyear uses the Prolene Mesh System and open repair. However, when I see him on July 2nd, I will make sure to ask what he plans to use in me – a very thin female. I know the pain I have now, but I would hate to have even more pain (from mesh or nerve damage?) after hernia surgery. Don’t suppose you have any surgeons in the Northeast to recommend?
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Possible femoral hernia
Hi LKPittman,
Did you find out if your pain was due to the labral tear in your hip or a hernia, or both? I hope you have gotten help and are in less pain now. I’m in a similar situation. The MRI of my hip shows torn labrum, so I was given shot of cortisone into hip but it did not help. I was then sent to a total of 3 orthopedic surgeons who told me the type of pain I had could not be from the torn labrum. They did NOT suggest what it could be. It’s just been from reading Dr Towfigh and others online that I’ve gotten the idea to check for a hidden hernia. Just finding it hard to get a doctor who knows about it. I’m happy for you that you live near enough to see Dr. Towfigh…if I lived on the west coast, that’s who I’d be seeing. If you are willing to write, I’d like to hear how you are faring.
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Laparoscopic or Open Approach
Dr. Towfigh,
Thank you for your reply. if you have time, could you please clarify your last statement, where you say, “I would shy away from any mesh, unless it is a lightweight mesh or you are a heavy built person.” I thought mesh was the main method used to repair hernias…what would be the better option? Please help me understand. I am not ‘heavy built’, but am a very small person, and since this pain began, I’ve lost considerable weight…I’m under 100 pounds now.
I did look at the AHS website, and see many surgeons listed in my state; it doesn’t give much info about them, so I suppose I would just need to start making phone calls and ask the questions you suggested. When I called the doctor’s office I had asked if he dealt with occult, or hidden, hernias in women, and the staff member did not know what I was talking about. But, he is listed on the AHS site and is less than 2 hours away, so I’ve got an appointment scheduled. He prefers open repair, but I was under the impression he uses mesh. What would be a good question to ask him about that? THANKS again for the time you devote to this site and all of us who are suffering.
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Laparoscopic or Open Approach
Dr Towfigh,
Thank you for your helpful reply. I’m wondering how I would go about finding a surgeon who has “done at least 250 (and some say 500-750) laparoscopic inguinal hernias.” The hernia surgeon I saw at Johns Hopkins said he had a 60-70% success rate (his nurse told me that meant 30-40% recur)…that does not sound good to me. The other surgeon, who uses the open approach said he has less than 1% recur. From what you wrote, it seems perhaps this second option is better.
I would LIKE to find a surgeon who HAS the experience (250 or more) and can do it laparoscopically, but don’t have any idea how to find such a person (in PA, NJ, MD or DE). What are the main drawbacks to open surgery…longer healing time, more post-op pain, etc? (Neither Dr. is even SURE that I have a hernia, and if so if it is femoral or inguinal). The laparoscopic surgeon should see both areas easily…is the same true for open?
The groin pain makes it difficult to sit straight up (can recline); the other movement that is almost impossible, is to rotate my thigh (as when trying to look at sole of foot, or cross legs)…that sends pain off the chart. Is this consistent with hernia, or not?
I’m attaching 1 view from my Ultrasound (I was lying down); it was described by the radiologist as a “small inguinal cystic lesion” whatever that might mean.
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Femoral Hernia
I’m so glad you were able to find a surgeon who repaired your femoral hernia. Are you continuing to feel much better? In which part of the country did you have this done? I’m trying to find a skilled hernia surgeon near me (eastern PA).
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Trying to Get A Hernia Diagnosis
Andyellen,
I am suffering with pain similar to what you daughter had, and I live less than 2 hours from Philly, so am very interested to know WHICH surgeon (and radiologist) you saw at Jefferson. If you are willing to share those names, I am very anxious to see if I can get an appointment to see them as soon as possible, as my life is ‘on hold’ because of this pain. Thank you so much!