[Stacey]

Pain after mesh repair

I wanted to update my personal experience with chronic disabling pelvic pain after bilateral ( not at the same time) laparoscopic mesh hernia repairs. Several months ago I had exploratory surgery in which a small lower abdominal wall hernia was found and repaired and in addition the mesh was essentially entirely removed from both groins. I still have pain and limitations but the pain is not constant and is far easier to manage and deal with.

in case someone else is suffering like I did and pain management injections don’t provide adequate relief I think it so important it is to be evaluated by a hernia specialist who treats patients with pain after hernia surgery. Hopefully, like Dr Towfigh and others, they will also have a better idea of what you’re going through and not minimize your complaints or the effect its having on your life .

I also have a question. I looked at the JAMA article @ imaging occult inguinal hernias. Do you think results would be similar for other occult or incisional hernias ? I always wondered because I’ve had so many laparoscopic procedures and worried that they only were looking for inguinal hernias on the studies. Also, have the upright MRI machines where you can sit or stand been used to look for occult hernia’s? And, is there anywhere you could suggest getting an MRI reread in the event something may have been missed?

Thank you Dr Towfigh for starting this site.

[Stacey]

Pain after mesh repair

How do you know if your imaging is read properly?

[Stacey]

Pain after mesh repair

Hi,
I’m 55 and had a laparoscopic left femoral hernia repair with mesh 2 years ago and felt totally fine. Then one year agp I developed daily distention, generalized abdominal discomfort, persistent left pelvic discomfort and several episodes of vomiting. I felt better with lying down and worse as day went on especially if I ate. I was sure it was the hernia but an MRI of the pelvis (to evaluate fibroids) and CT scan did not reveal this. Eventually had laparoscopic mesh repair of a hernia in the other groin with no relief and robotic surgery to remove a large uterine fibroid. I thought this helped but then all of the symptoms returned and over time the pain became severe. I had a pelvic CT,more ultrasounds, GI studies, saw a gynecologist, urologist, 6 surgeons and was in the ER twice. I was thankfully sent to a pain specialist who did nerve injections which gave immediate relief of the pain but the symptoms returned. Taking low dose gabapentin ( all I can tolerate), tons of advil and doing physical therapy. Every aspect of my life has been effected.

I am pursuing surgical treatments. How does one decide between neurectomy or mesh removal with preservation of the nerves?
Dr Towfigh has mentioned that MRI of the pelvis is the best way to look for a recurrent groin hernia if there is mesh. Should that be repeated if it was last done 1 year ago? I also suspect I have small incisional hernias at some of the trocar sites especially @ the umbilicus where I have felt pain and small protrusions , but other areas concern me as well. What is the best way to look for them?
And is it necessary to do more imaging if the surgeon is going to be looking inside anyway?

Hoping to get some insight and really just hoping to get better.