[mela414]

NEW! HerniaTalk site coming soon…

All great ideas. Private messaging is utilized on other support forums and works well. Date and time on posts definitely helps! How about an area for members to post hernia images such as MRIs , CT scans , surgical images just as references for others to scroll through. You already have a surgeon database so that helps.

[mela414]

Re: mesh or no mesh surgery

Hi sue
I am sorry you are having a difficult time with this and your daughters health. I pray both will be better soon.

Please don’t doubt the decision that you made as I know you spent a lot of time investigating and researching. Dr Towfigh had stayed in this board that laporoscopic and mesh was the gold standard.

I had the same surgery plus and incisional ventral hernia under the belly button along with removing abdominal and pelvic adhesions. It has taken its toll on me but am still hopeful it will heal correctly. I had mine done a week before yours and I guess we both have to give it more time.

I also have a considerable sized seroma that developed by my belly button causing pan and swelling. I know that will
Take even longer to resolve.

Neither one of us needed or wanted these incarcerated femoral Hernias but had to take care of them the only way that made sense…..surgery. They don’t get better on their own.

In my case I had debilitating pain all summer and once I finally got a diagnosis I couldn’t wait to have surgery. I still don’t regret doing it I am just drained by the recovery if it.

I wish you well. Please keep us updated and stay positive. It will get better. I hope your daughter is doing better.

All the best
Mel

[mela414]

3 weeks post op

Hi Chaunce
Thank you for responding. Yes, I can finally say that the original hernia pain has subsided. I no longer have that terrible pain in that right area where the femoral hernia was. Bowel movements are better with respect to the pain I used to have afterwards. I still have some pain in that area and a little swelling. It feels different than the other side that didn’t have surgery and doesn’t have a mesh. I wonder if it will ever feel the same.

My abdomen is still painful where the seroma is. I feel
That a visit to the surgeon is in order. I’m scheduled to be seen in about 2 weeks which would be at the 6 week post op check but might go in sooner. I’ve called the office once with concerns last week and was told I could
Go in if I feel I needed to. I just didn’t want to be an alarmist.

I’ve been experiencing some awful IBS spasms and I think in part it’s anxiety but also diet. So you are right in saying to eat healthy but even some healthy foods are triggering IBS. I’m sure that once all the internal swelling settles down then things will get back to my normal.

I’ve been keeping busy and walking and actuallyndisn5 minutes in the elliptical unit but am feeling some pain. I’m not sure if I am ready for that. I think the seroma is really contributing to my pain and discomfort.

I guess i need more time.

I hope that you are well.
Mel

[mela414]

Developing bumps after lap. hernia surgery

Hi sue
Glad things are progressing well. I know the seroma a will take a while to subside and am glad they are not interfering. Are you still doing your walks? Good luck with exercising. Still no heavy lifting though.
Mel

[mela414]

Feeling post surgical anxiety

Hi Sue
I’m glad that you are doing more. Walking 2 miles is impressive. Just don’t over do it. Even when you are doing some chores around the house make sure not to lift anything heavy. It sounds like you bare not experiencing much pain which is great.

I was able to get out a little more today and did a lot of walking at an outdoor outlet mall. I had to stop and sit a few times because of pain but am glad I pushed and did it anyway.

The seroma I have by my belly button is painful so I’m still
Wearing stretchy leggings that sit beneath it. I have tenderness in the groin area where they placed the mesh. I can’t press or touch there and it is still swollen. I was pretty bruised on my inner thigh right after the surgery and it is finally going away. I guess everything just takes time.

I’m still having moments of anxiety when the pain hits and I’m not healing as fast as I thought I would. I just try to remind myself that I had a lot done during my surgery. It was 3 parts and the femoral hernia was a substantial size and incarcerated. I’m sure pulling that fat out of the canal was a job in itself which is why my inner thigh was so bruised. I even had pain on my Pubic bone which is finally subsiding.

My brother just stopped by to visit and reminded me that it took him 2 weeks to feel better from his umbilical hernia surgery this past summer. It took him a few more weeks to feel good. His hernia was small and not incarcerated.

I’m hoping for better days for all of us here and patience in dealing with the not so good ones.

Mel

[mela414]

Feeling post surgical anxiety

Hi Sue

I responded in another post. My seroma is tender and painful. I’m sure with time it will subside.

I am still having surgical pain and it often wakes me during the night. I also have sciatica pain that I had a short lived reprieve from a few days after surgery. I suspect it was from the IV steroid they gave me during surgery. I feel that once all this pelvic and abdominal inflammation subsides so will the leg pain.

I am no where near I thought I would be in terms of healing but then again I never had hernia surgery. Anxiety still kicks in but am trying to manage it the best that I can.

I have started driving short distances and am making sure I get out even if it’s for an hour a day. Shopping is always a good distraction! I just get frustrated that I tire easily and am not at 100% with my walking. I just take it slower and rest if I can when I need to.

I know it’s only about 9 days for you. Are you able drive? How is your pain? I read your other post about your seroma. Unfortunately, there’s nothing much you can do. It takes time to heal.

I hope you have a better weekend. Please update on how you are feeling.

All the best,
Mel

[mela414]

Developing bumps after lap. hernia surgery

Not only is my seroma painful and tender but I have numbness on the skin. My belly button near the seroma is still healing and very tender. I feel like I have surface pain. If my T-shirt brushes against it I feel like a nerve pain.
I’m sure the pain you are feeling is from the seroma and with time will resolve itself.
I hope you are doing better overall and are continuing to heal.
Coincidentally I spoke with 2 aquaintances yesterday who both had hernia surgeries. Both said they took about 8 weeks to heal. Hang in there.
Mel

[mela414]

Developing bumps after lap. hernia surgery

It sounds like a seroma. I have larger one near my belly button and it is uncomfortable and tender. It’s hard when I touch it and it sounds like you have the same thing. I was told they take time to go away. Your body needs to reabsorb it and could take months. My surgeon said these sometimes form at incision sites as a collection of fluids. If they are able to drain it then it relieves some pain but once they harden then your body has to reabsorb it.
Hoping you are feeling better each day.
Mel

[mela414]

Mesh sandwich / sandwiched fascia

I don’t have the answers for you but hope the dr can chime in. I just wanted to say I’m sorry you are going through this and hope that you will get the correct surgery to help resolve your issues. It seems very involved and I’m sure you are gathering all the information you need to make an informed decision regarding your health. Best of luck to you. Have you considered consulting with any of the top
Hernia doctors mentioned on this site before? You might have to travel but am sure it would be worth it.

[mela414]

Feeling post surgical anxiety

Hi Sue,

Thank you for the thoughtful response. It really helped to read it. I did take a break yesterday from the internet and was actually able to get out a little. I just did things at my own pace and when I got back home I rested.

Dr Towfigh had suggested Dr. Jacobs as well but it was after the scheduling of my surgery. I will definitely keep him in mind should I need a consult down the road. I pray it does not come to that.

Today is 2 weeks post-op for me and one week for you. How are you feeling? Are you getting around? Is your chest feeling better? How is that marble sized lump that you felt? Do you think it’s a seroma?

I still have abdominal and pelvic surgical pain. I am having more regular bowel movements with some tenderness afterwards but nothing like before surgery. The pain I used to have after a bowel movement was debilitating landing me on the couch for hours waiting for it to subside. There are days I would not eat because I feared a painful bowel movement that would interfere with plans that I had already made. I was in pain all the time. Perhaps the reason why I am feeling such a lengthy recovery period is that fact that I was in such pain before surgery.

I am staying positive and taking anxiety medication when needed. I finally started warm baths in the evening and find that relaxes me. I appreciate all your kinds words and support and pray that your recovery is swift as well.

I do take comfort in the fact, that like you, I investigated and educated myself prior to surgery. I am sure that I was in the hands of a competent surgeon. The rest is just taking time to heal. It doesn’t happen overnight. Slowly we will get better.

All the best,
Mel

[mela414]

Feeling post surgical anxiety

Dear momof4 thank you for taking the time to respond especially with such words of encouragement. It really helped to read that tonight before bed.
Yes it does take time to heal and I must allow myself sufficient time. Positive thinking. No more reading hernia horror stories online. Now is not the time. Emotionally I can’t handle it. I appreciate your kindness and hope you are doing well.
Mel

[mela414]

Femoral hernia

I definatley felt pressure in that area along with swelling and pain. It’s finally starting to subside today. I still feel
Pressure and pain when when I sneeze or cough and have to hold and protect my belly. It feels sore for a few minutes even after the episode. I’m sure it will feel better as the days go on. It’s only been 4 days since your surgery. Give it some time. If things don’t feel right I would call the doctor in a few days. Hang in there. Hoping today is better do you.
Mel

[mela414]

Femoral hernia

Hi Sue
The breathing excercises I did were easy. I mimicked what it would have been like with the spirometer so i basically breathed in slowly through my mouth and filled my lungs as much as I could. then very slowly exhaled it out through my mouth. I did this 10 times several times a day. It really helped to loosen eveything up. It actually got globs of anesthesia gook out. I even had some dried up blood from the tube. They totally scratched up my throat and palate.

It sounds like you are doing better already. That’s great! Just don’t over do it. you are doing all the right things for your cough. It will slowly get better too. I made sure to brace myself when I coughed or sneezed. I used a pillow in front of my abdomen and still felt it.

I was able to get out again today but had to stop
And rest. My abdomen is still very sore and the seroma I’ve developed near my belly button hurts. I guess each day will get better. I just never thought it would be this involved.

My rash is better. Thanks for asking.

I hope tomorrow brings you a day closer to a speedy recovery. Hang in there.

Mel

[mela414]

Do I Have a Hidden/Occult Hernia?

Glad you are feeling better and healing ok. I hope your immunologist is able to give you some concrete answers. Sometimes it gets too confusing but hang in there.
All the best to you. Mel

[mela414]

Femoral hernia

Hi Sue,
All things considered it sounds like you are having a good recovery. I had the junk in my chest too and found it was from the anesthesia. I did deep breathing excercises and was able to break it up and gently cough it up. When I went to the ER the day after surgery they gave me a spirometer which helped a lot. I made sure unused it several
Times a day to clear things out of my lungs.

Glad you are moving about. There were days I was so wiped and in so much pain that I spent the majority of the day resting. I would push myself to get up and walk around the house. It was so funny because I would walk around my dining room table numerous times and my little yorkie would follow me around in circles. Very cute.

What side was your hernia on? Have you been able to move your bowels? It’s important to make sure things move along. It took me 6 days!

I’m glad that your pain is not too bad. Hopefully this is a good indication of a quick recovery.

I actually stopped at the mall with my husband yesterday after I left the surgeon, at his insistence. I’m slowly getting back out. My sister is taking me out later for a little shopping. I’m still very guarded and don’t want anyone banging into my abdomen as it is still sore and swollen but I’m walking a lot better.

I want to stay positive that this surgery will give me the pain relief I needed. My surgeon feels it will.
He said the hernia was substantial in size and was incarcerated. He also took care of the other hernia and adhesions. He said I should feel a lot better once healed. I told him I wasnt blaming anyone but it was ridiculous that it took so long to get a diagnosis and it basically only happened because I insisted on MRIs and constantly cried an complained. I started to call doctors and make other appointments because I knew something was wrong.
At least he gave me some validation and said that my pain was absolutely justified and that he saw the hernia the minute he went it! Oh well….just rambling here. I’m glad I found this site. When I did my first post Dr Towfigh was quick to respond and gave me the confidence in myself to continue along my path. I knew there was something wrong.

Today is a beautiful day out. Perhaps you can sit outside for a bit. Wishing you all the best and continued speedy recovery.
Mel

[mela414]

Femoral hernia

Thank you for the reassurance Dr Towfigh. It helps with the anxiety. 🙂

I think the name of the mesh is Marlax.

The other issue I’m having is an allergic reaction on my torso. First it was just up and down my sides where they placed some adhesive tape. Now I noticed it spread to my breasts and torso
And going to my back. Took Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream and will monitor tomorrow.its all these little things with surgery that creep up.
Have a great weekend.
Mel

[mela414]

Femoral hernia

Hi Sue,

No, they didn’t give me anything to wear for support.
I guess everything just takes time to heal. We’ll get there slowly.

I wasn’t able to eat for at least 2 days after surgery. I had tea, jello and chicken soup. I also had pain up to my shoulder blades from the gas. I sort of expected that because of a history with previous surgeries.

I saw my surgeon this afternoon for a post op check. He said healing will take a while. It might take 3 weeks before I feel better and even up to 8’weeks before i feel right.
I showed him the hard lump that started to appear on the right of my belly button that was causing me pain. He said it was a seroma and he tried to drain it by injecting me. Unfortunately, he couldn’t aspirate anything as it had hardened already. He said it could take up to 6 months to reabsorb.

He told me to get out and walk and try to be more active. I told him I felt very fatigued and he said it was common with surgery. I’m doing the best that I can with activity.

One thing that surprised me was the size of the mesh. I didn’t expect it to be so large. I thought it was only like 2-3 inches in size. He said it was about 5.5 x 6 inches. Ughhhh
We talked abut mesh problems and said that shouldn’t be a problem for me. He told me the name of the mesh which I just started to look up online but don’t want to make myself crazy. I already had anxiety after he told me the size of it and before he injected me.

I hope today is better for you. Give it time. Eat or drink what you can today and don’t force yourself. Believe me when your body can handle more food your appetite will return. Sip on some soothing teas.

Originally I was having my surgery done at Lenox Hill before i decided to do it locally. Although the NY surgeon was impressive Im really pleased with surgeon I used here in NJ.

All the best. Please keep us posted on your recovery.
Mel

[mela414]

Femoral hernia

Hi Sue
I’m so glad that everything went well. I too had facial
swelling for a few days. Eventually it subsided. I remember getting a lot of IV fluids in recovery and was also told I received IV steroids for the nausea. I also had carbon dioxide for the second part of my surgery when they went into the abdomen to remove bowel adhesions. I guess the anesthesia alone could do that too. Just rest as much as you can and give it time to heal. It’s good that you are walking.
I’m just starting to be able to stand up straight. It has been a little rough for me. I am going for my post op today.

I understand your apprehension with the mesh. I had the same concerns but in the end I trusted my surgeon to make the best decision for me. Dr Towfighs input also helped as she expressed the gold standard was laporoscopic with mesh.

I also had another hernia under it belly button which was repaired. I’m not sure if he used a mesh though. I’ll have to ask today. I think he sutures that one. It feels swollen, hard and painful. I’ll have him check it today.

I wish you a speedy recovery and am happy you put your fears aside and had the surgery done. These hernias do not go away on their own and it is better to have a scheduled surgery. Mine went on for months without a proper diagnosis and I suffered all summer with pain.

Please keep us updated on your progress. I wish you all the best. Did you have your surgery in NYC? I wound up having mine done in NJ because of insurance reasons. The specialist in NYC did not take insurance and I felt I found someone competent close to home that accepted my insurance.

All the best to you.
Mel

[mela414]

Do I Have a Hidden/Occult Hernia?

Thanks for the information dr Towfigh. Today is 8 days post-op and am going to my surgeon for a check. I am still in significant pain and am somewhat concerned but I guess it’s still part of the surgical healing process.

[mela414]

Femoral hernias

When is your surgery scheduled?