Forum Replies Created

  • meshagony

    Member
    November 8, 2020 at 1:50 pm in reply to: Multiple hernias repair – success stories please

    I’m not sure what kind of biomesh they used and I really didn’t have a choice, since it was done as part of an emergency surgery. I do recall them telling me that it was similar to a pig skin if that helps. I may be able to find out by reading my operative report. I will get back to you if I can find specifically what it is.

  • meshagony

    Member
    November 8, 2020 at 8:20 am in reply to: Multiple hernias repair – success stories please

    Hello Eva, I’m a 46 year old male who suffered from chronic pain caused by hernia mesh for 16 years. My experience was challenging but it does have a happy ending. It reminds me of your husband’s situation except my hernia issues were in my right inguinal side. The mesh was hard and it prevented me from doing anything. All basic activities (like doing house chores, taking the trash out, etc) were very difficult. I finally decided to have my mesh removed because of the hell it was causing me. Finding a surgeon willing to remove it was a challenge. The surgery was a high risk but worth it and I would recommend him to anyone.

    These were my old symptoms exactly as I had logged them on this site in 07/2019; (Today, all of these symptoms are gone)
    lots of flank pain, groin pain, hip/leg pain. left leg goes numb, knee goes cold especially when I wear elastic or heavier clothing such as jeans or winter wear.
    difficulty sleeping at night due to groin pain and/or numbness in leg and knee (more comfortable when I sleep nude or on my right side)
    frequent urination when I’m having pain
    Testicles turn purple especially when I first wake up in the morning but color comes back after hot bath.
    Occasional Abdominal pain and swelling (hardening of the stomach)
    Occasional Constipation

    This is how I dealt with the discomfort exactly as I logged it 07/2019;
    I take an extremely hot bath every morning to reduce flank and groin pain
    I take anti-inflammatory medication and kratom every morning to reduce inflammation. The more I can reduce the inflammation, the better I feel.
    I Sleep with a pillow between the legs applying pressure to my scrotum
    I Wear very loose clothing, usually one or two sizes too large.

    I had my surgery to remove mesh with Dr. Brown in Fremont, CA. He opened me up and was stunned to find, not one, not two, but three individual meshes in me! Two of the products were mesh plugs, which are now rarely used because of the complications associated with them. The plugs were stuck to everything. Dr. Brown spent six hours carefully removing my mesh. The man is a saint!

    Despite his careful operation, his sutures could not hold due to the amount of damage the prior mesh had caused, so the very next day, I ended up with a bowel obstruction (this is why you stay in a hotel near him – I regretted that I didn’t). My wife called him at 2:00 am and after determining that I was too far to get to Fremont, he instructed her to take me to the nearest emergency room. I had an emergency surgery where they put in a single piece of biological mesh. I am now on my one year of recovery and I feel amazing!
    So here I am, 16 years of suffering from chronic pain and age 46. I have no more chronic pain, I need no more hot baths, I have no more problems wearing jeans or slacks! Last March, (right before coronavirus required their closing) I was at Universal Studios Florida for 5 straight days. I had no problems walking all day (except for the blisters from my shoes). It feels like a fresh start. The only challenge now is rediscovering my career which was shattered because of my health complications.

    My surgery was on October 11th, 2019

    My story is very rare especially since I recovered. I can remember many days, weeks, and months crying fearful I would never get better.

    This is my advice although I realize not every situation is like me.

    1. The first thing I’d do is try simple remedies to make the pain less of a burden. Try anti-inflammatory medication (but be cautious of blood thinners). I took Kratom for pain as an example. Look at his wardrobe and see if there is anything that can reduce his discomfort. I remember not being able to handle even my underwear briefs because the elastic made everything worst. I literally had to cut my elastic off. I wore sweats that had a light elastic waist and they were normally one or two sizes too large.

    2. Next, I’d think outside the box when it comes to finding a good specialist and doctor. I went through hundreds of doctor visits and most of them were pointless. It wasn’t until I started considering a permanent solution (in my case removing the mesh and having it done right) that I made real progress. Many doctors are business owners first and doctors second. They are running businesses and they don’t have time or the skills to try to figure out something that isn’t within the scope of what they’re used to. I watched a youtube video on the mesh packets and they’re actually sold with installation instructions for the surgeon. This is why many doctors are comfortable putting them in but they don’t know what to do if there’s an issue. The issues are not within their understanding. Not all doctors are like this though. Many have a passion for their trade but many don’t.

    I wish you and your husband the very best and I hope this helps a little. You are not alone in your journey.

  • meshagony

    Member
    March 29, 2020 at 1:20 pm in reply to: Remove Mesh – autoimmune problem solution

    I had my mesh removed 5 months ago. I still have mild autoimmune issues but they have improved. I am a Celiac and I still can’t eat wheat without experiencing some mild symptoms.

  • meshagony

    Member
    October 4, 2019 at 10:24 pm in reply to: Consult with Dr Brown Oct 10!!!!

    That’s funny, I’m meeting with him the same day. My surgery is on October 11th. Maybe I’ll see you there!

  • meshagony

    Member
    September 9, 2019 at 12:50 am in reply to: 3 months post-op and VERY concerned

    My original hernia mesh complications began after 3 years, not 10 days, however, be very careful who you choose to do any corrective surgery. Stay away from mesh surgeons and just seek getting it all out. When my complications began, a 2nd surgeon added more mesh on top of the mesh that was giving me complications. This has only added to my issues. Mesh sucks, just find someone to get it out.

  • meshagony

    Member
    September 3, 2019 at 6:37 pm in reply to: Mission act and Tri-West approved me to see Doc Brown!!!

    Thank you for your info and sharing. I’m posting my response here publicly so we can help others. Best wishes to you.

    You’re not alone. Every doctor has thought I’m nuts too but I’m going to be reaching out to your surgeon. Please update the board to talk about the challenges you face after surgery. We’re rooting for you and the unfair journey you’ve been on is now part of your life purpose. Truthfully speaking, my wife and eight year old son have only been getting a small part of who I can be. This hernia mesh has ruined me since 2003, but I haven’t given up completely and still fully intend on having a full recovery.

  • meshagony

    Member
    September 2, 2019 at 7:06 pm in reply to: Mission act and Tri-West approved me to see Doc Brown!!!

    [USER=”2967″]MeshMangledMerritt[/USER] I’ve been having mesh issues and chronic pain for 15 years as well and am now into my mid 40’s. What tests, if any, did you have done in order to get the VA to approve your surgery? Did you have any specific tests that showed the mesh was related to your health issues? I’m having difficulty getting any doctor to look at me seriously and have been slowly losing hope that I’ll ever feel better, despite my symptoms matching typical problems for hernia mesh complications. Any help is much appreciated. Thank you.

  • meshagony

    Member
    April 16, 2020 at 1:40 pm in reply to: Remove Mesh – autoimmune problem solution

    My removal surgery was open. I’m sure there is some damage from the amount of mesh removed and all of the stuff attached to it, but I feel great! I do not think I have nerve pain. If there is any, I don’t really notice it because the discomfort is much less than what it was prior to surgery.