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Femoral hernia

Dr Towfigh,

Thank you for your insightful reply.

If mesh is used, are there risks if further surgery needs to be done in this area – say – for prolapses and such. How do surgeons deal with working around mesh in the future if surgery is necessary? Would suture repair be better for this reason?

Thank you.

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Femoral hernia

Mel,

It is good to hear that all went well! Even better that your sciatica pain is gone! Thanks for taking the time to let us know.

Sue

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Femoral hernia

Hi Mel,

I wanted to check in and let you know that I have spoken to several people and been relieved of my concerns about the hernia surgery and mesh. Mel, the odds are so very much with you that all will go well. Your biggest concern is taking care of this extreme pain and it seems like you are on the right track in doing it.

I will be thinking of you until you report back that all is well.

I wish you the best,
Sue

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Femoral hernia

As I haven’t gotten any replies (except this strange one above….) I would like to add more questions to my first post. Being aware of my age (56), and that I have a femoral hernia- would a progrip mesh be necessary? Have there been problems associated with their use? Dr Towfigh recommended a light weight mesh for woman of lower weight – also acknowldging there are other variables that may not make light weight always the best choice. Since I am 115-120 lbs, I am concerned about using the progrip, but it is a choice my surgeon will have to make after he knows what he is dealing with during the operation. He wants to use a mesh that will do what it is suppose to do and not risk further hernia reoccurrences.

Can anyone give their advise as a surgeon or as a person who has had progrip used in their surgery? Or who has had light weight used with long term success?

Thank you.

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Inguinal hernia got big quickly

Mel,

I have the same concerns that you have been expressing over getting the mesh to repair the hernia. I have to believe that there is a reason that they continue to use mesh in repairs for as long as they have because there is no better alternative and that it must be worth the risks to use it for a more reliable repair. It has been repeated many times throughout these posts that as long as you have an experienced hernia surgeon, your odds are much better at having a more successful outcome with the mesh implant.

It is hard to read about the pain you have been experiencing with your hernia. It is my hope that your surgery finally offers you complete relief and that you can lead a normal, pain free life once you recover from your surgery. Right now, except for little pains and aches reminding me that my hernia is there – I am doing very good. I can still walk 2-4 miles a day.

My surgery is scheduled for this Thursday – but because I had difficulty getting my preop tests done – I may have to wait a week.

Hope this finds you feeling better.

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Abdominal swelling?

Hi Mel,

I am sorry that I haven’t responded sooner. I have my daughter visiting this weekend.

I also have a bikini scar from an open (invasive!) surgery 4 years ago. My NYC surgeon explained that he would go in from behind laparoscopically and pull the hernia back in, suture and lay mesh. If the bulge (which he feels is fat – mind you, I am 120 pounds) does not come in all the way, he will have to make an incision in front to excise fat. Anyway, I hope I am explaining it properly.

My hernia hurts only intermittently – the most has been for 1/2 a day. The times before that were 3-4 hours. I’m thinking that it a good thing that you are getting it done as soon as possible. I can’t imagine dealing with the pain I had on a long term basis. I am being careful with what I eat. I try to eat more blended food and certainly nothing fried or gassy or anything difficult to digest.

I am not aware of a TEP type surgery. But I am going to try and look it up to learn about it.

I hope you are doing better today.

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Abdominal swelling?

Mel,

I am so glad that you had a productive afternoon. Seems like you are in good hands. Please let us know how your surgery goes.

Thanks for updating us on everything.

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Abdominal swelling?

Mel,

Not glad to know you’re in pain, but glad Dr T replied about your symptoms bring common. Hopefully this gives you the space of time to decide on a reputable surgeon, which I feel is your most crucial decision. Have you tried Dr Goodyear in PA? He is highly recommended and is within driving distance for you and your insurance may be covered by him. Go to North Penn Hernia Institute web site, print up forms, fill out and fax to him ASAP to set up an appointment. Make sure to request Dr Goodyear.

Even though you are experiencing the pain, your hernia is small and has a better chance of being fixed properly. Because I have been putting mine off for well over a year due to a family member being extremely sick, mine has gotten much larger.

I wonder if we were both seeing the same NYC surgeon. I felt his expert opinion was helpful and that he was compassionate, but I am also having difficulty finding the money for the surgery. Unfortunately, I feel surgeons are not paid what the are deserved by the insurance companies – so surgeons must make tough decisions regarding patient insurance coverage.

Please keep us updated to how you are doing. Hope your afternoon appointment goes well.

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Abdominal swelling?

Hi Mela,

I am in the same situation as you – also have a femoral hernia and I need to make decisions quickly due to size. I am presently trying to decide on a surgeon. I am really concerned about getting the mesh. I am only 120 lbs, and would like a no mesh operation. But I don’t want repeated surgeries either and the mesh done laparoscopically has been recommended by a top hernia surgeon.

Have you found a surgeon yet?

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Inguinal hernia got big quickly

Thank you wasintn for your reply. Sorry for the delay.

Just to let everyone know how things are going:

I saw my surgeon on Tuesday and he said that I have a femoral hernia that is best treated laparoscopically and with mesh. As I am certain I have one on right and left side, I am extremely anxious about getting so much mesh. I feel I do not have any recourse at this point and must trust the experience of the surgeon and so I am going through with it. Ironically, 4 years ago I went through extensive surgery to fix prolapses without mesh and the incisions from this invasive open surgery is what caused these incisional hernias. Now I must finally get the dreaded mesh.

I am thanking my blessings to have an experienced surgeon and that there is a corrective surgery for this condition. But it would be great to hear from anyone who has had surgery (especially femoral hernia) with mesh and who are doing well years after. And it would be great if any surgeons could offer their confidence in the outcomes of this type surgery in an experienced hernia surgeons hands. My surgery is scheduled for next Thursday.

Thank you for all who participate on this forum.