I had hernia repair friday and still in alot of pain and im having calf pain as well. Im really worried.
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Hernia repaired friday - by: Rose1211
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Possible Hernia; Ultrasound Normal - by: Carolyn
My doc thinks I could have a hernia on my right abdominal even though my ultrasound was normal. (Ultrasound technician didn't have me standing, coughing, or doing anything that would cause my pain.) I think it seems like I could have a Spigelian hernia. Between the ab muscles. Have had for 6 months & I've been told my primary that it's the tendon that is taking a while to heal. I can't exercise except to walk. Bending over is the most aggravating. What should I do? Surgeon won't see me without a positive image.
Thanks,
Carolyn
Thanks,
Carolyn
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hernia specialists/surgeons in the southwest - by: natalieplee
i am looking for a hernia specialist to repair the inguinal hernia. I live in the southwest area (NM, AZ, TX) but I do not know where is the good place to have the inguinal hernia repair. I do not mind traveling to see a good surgeon (even in the west or east coast). I am scared of the complications. Your help is very much appreciated.
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Post-Op Recovery: What to Expect - by: rosesnrubies
Hi All! I am hoping to gather some anecdata that will better help me understand the range of post-op experiences for hernias.
Quick back story: In groin pain for long time, imaging all comes back negative, symptoms all match hernia, see Dr. Ramshaw, surgery scheduled for January 2017.
I will be technically having a 'diagnostic laparoscopy with possible inguinal hernia repair', using mesh if applicable.
I have done some research on what the recovery times look like, what the advice is post-surgery re: activity level, return-to-work, etc, and it seems like the advice is all over the board. I understand that each patient's recovery path will be different and unique to that person, but I found myself surprised that there's so much variance in the information.
I was wondering if any surgeons might weigh in with their opinions (I read Dr. Towfigh's recovery info on the website![:)]( ":)")
) or any patients might share their recovery stories; I want to be as well-prepared as I can and this forum has already been so amazingly helpful.
A few specific questions I had:
Thanks in advance for any information, I know this is a lot of exposition and text-spam![:)]( ":)")
I'm just in data-gathering mode, and this seemed a good place to ask ![:)]( ":)")
Quick back story: In groin pain for long time, imaging all comes back negative, symptoms all match hernia, see Dr. Ramshaw, surgery scheduled for January 2017.
I will be technically having a 'diagnostic laparoscopy with possible inguinal hernia repair', using mesh if applicable.
I have done some research on what the recovery times look like, what the advice is post-surgery re: activity level, return-to-work, etc, and it seems like the advice is all over the board. I understand that each patient's recovery path will be different and unique to that person, but I found myself surprised that there's so much variance in the information.
I was wondering if any surgeons might weigh in with their opinions (I read Dr. Towfigh's recovery info on the website
) or any patients might share their recovery stories; I want to be as well-prepared as I can and this forum has already been so amazingly helpful.A few specific questions I had:
- 1. Many surgeons/medical facilities recommend returning to work in around 1-2 weeks if there is no heavy lifting involved. However, I've been told as well that desk jobs are inherently worse on recovery due to sitting with pressure on the repaired area all day, and thus returning to work before 3 weeks is ill-advised. Is there a right answer here?
- 2. How soon post-surgery would you think it would be ok to do something like 30 minutes of gentle yoga? Much of what I've read says "light exercise" in those first few days but - and I'm very literal - I don't know if that means "only walk to the bathroom and back" or "it's ok to take a walk in the park as long as you don't stress yourself and stop if it hurts".
- 3. Because I live 4 hours from UT Knoxville, I will be staying in a hotel prior to and after my surgery (until my post-op checkup at 5 days after surgery). Has anyone else done this? Can you recommend anything to make the stay more comfortable (believe me, I'd prefer to be home but the doc's office strongly recommended I stay in town until that appointment)? I will obviously bring linens and pillows from home, books and movies, and my best friend will be with me the entire stay, but I would love any words of wisdom from others who have experienced this.
- 4. This one is almost out of scope, but because I know I am susceptible I figured I'd put it out there: Has anyone had any experience with post-op depression? And if so, do you have ideas for anything that can be done pre-op or post-op to head off the depression. I am currently managing my depression and anxiety very well with meds, counseling, CBT, and various other tools, but after the broken leg, it became acutely obvious that I am prone to that sort of episodic worsening of the depression. I am already working with my psychiatrist and counselor, but would love to hear if anyone else has lived through it.
Thanks in advance for any information, I know this is a lot of exposition and text-spam
I'm just in data-gathering mode, and this seemed a good place to ask
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ejaculation pain after surgery - by: lebanonbe8
I just had a laparoscopic ( left ) inguinal hernia repair 17 days ago, I don't have pain during Erection, but I get some pain during ejaculation & after orgazm, is that normal ? perhaps should I wait a little longer until the tissue heals before sex etc. Also, would there be a risk for a recurring hernia during masturbation or sex ? How much time is to be safe ? ....
thank u !
thank u !
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Preferred type of surgery? - by: Dave Graham
I am researching for an inguinal hernia repair, and wondering which type of surgery is preferred. I've seen some evidence that 'open' seems to be slightly preferred by surgeons and patients. Is that the majority opinion at this point? Personally, I will probably have the open procedure, for a couple of reasons, including the avoidance of general anesthesia. I'm aware that general anesthesia is "perfectly safe"- so was sailing on the Titanic. Anybody here have any info on this point? Thanks.
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Pain Diary - by: 21tomlinson
I'm a 33 year old male. In January of 2015, I begin suffering chronic testicular pain as a result of a previous epididymal infection. In April of 2015, I underwent a spermatic cord stripping surgery in an attempt to treat the problem. This surgery diminished the testicular pain, but left me with something far worse: chronic burning pain on my scrotal skin. I have suffered with this everyday for the past year, and it has taken my entire life away. I underwent a laparoscopic genitofemoral neurectomy in February and an orchiectomy in March of this year to year to try and stop the pain, but for some reason I continue to suffer. I have decided to begin writing a pain diary in this thread. It may help me to get my thoughts out and reduce how lonely I feel everyday. Here goes. Hope everyone doesn't mind.
Thursday, March 31
Woke up 9:00am this morning. Today was an off-day from work, thankfully. I have somehow managed to keep my job as a financial counselor so far, due to my employer being extremely lenient and understanding while I have been going through this. I am not sure how much longer this will last, though. I felt OK upon waking up, and decided to sit in a hot bath. Within a few minutes, the burning on my scrotal skin started, as it does every single day. I took 800mg Gabapentin and had some coffee. The Gabapentin doesn't help much, but I take 2400mg daily anyway.
Went to the gym around 1pm. In spite of the pain, i try and remain somewhat active. Unfortunately i didnt get much working out done, as the scrotal skin pain was particularly overwhelming today. I took 10mg of percocet upon leaving the gym. Within about 20 minutes, the pain had lessened to a bearable level.
Went to Mcdonalds around 9:00pm. I used to love eating healthy, but I don't care much about that these days. Took another 10mg of percocet prior to eating. This controlled the pain and I was able to have a nice meal.
Heading home now, will take a shower and try to relax and watch some TV. These days I'm able to sleep pretty well as long as I take another 10mg of percocet prior to bed. Yes, I know it seems I am hooked on pain killers. I promise I am not. I could stop at any time, if I could just get whatever is causing this horrible pain fixed.
Hopefully I can relax a bit tonight. Tomorrow will be another struggle. Will write more then.
Goodnight, diary.
Thursday, March 31
Woke up 9:00am this morning. Today was an off-day from work, thankfully. I have somehow managed to keep my job as a financial counselor so far, due to my employer being extremely lenient and understanding while I have been going through this. I am not sure how much longer this will last, though. I felt OK upon waking up, and decided to sit in a hot bath. Within a few minutes, the burning on my scrotal skin started, as it does every single day. I took 800mg Gabapentin and had some coffee. The Gabapentin doesn't help much, but I take 2400mg daily anyway.
Went to the gym around 1pm. In spite of the pain, i try and remain somewhat active. Unfortunately i didnt get much working out done, as the scrotal skin pain was particularly overwhelming today. I took 10mg of percocet upon leaving the gym. Within about 20 minutes, the pain had lessened to a bearable level.
Went to Mcdonalds around 9:00pm. I used to love eating healthy, but I don't care much about that these days. Took another 10mg of percocet prior to eating. This controlled the pain and I was able to have a nice meal.
Heading home now, will take a shower and try to relax and watch some TV. These days I'm able to sleep pretty well as long as I take another 10mg of percocet prior to bed. Yes, I know it seems I am hooked on pain killers. I promise I am not. I could stop at any time, if I could just get whatever is causing this horrible pain fixed.
Hopefully I can relax a bit tonight. Tomorrow will be another struggle. Will write more then.
Goodnight, diary.
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Do I Have a Hidden/Occult Hernia? - by: hconcept
I am a 56 year old female suffering from abdominal pain, pressure, swelling, and bloating for the past 16 months. I have seen over a dozen doctors, had almost 20 procedures, and numerous labs. And I have no answers. I was perfectly healthy before this. I ate well, slept well, exercised 5-6 days a week, took no medications. Then on 3/23/15-out of the blue-I felt a sharp burning pain go across my abdomen right above my belly button. It only lasted for 15-20 seconds but it took my breath away. About 30 minutes later, my abdomen starting swelling. After another 30 minutes I could feel my abdomen swelling even more and I had to unbutton and unzip my pants. Since then I have had a terrible, gnawing feeling in the abdomen. I can only describe the pain as pieces of glass floating around in there or as someone touching my insides. It makes my skin crawl. The swelling on my abdomen has never gone done. My pain level ranges between 2-8. I never know from day to day how I will feel. Sometimes I have the pain and other times I have pressure that pushes down to the pelvic area. I have seen 3 gynecologists, 6 gastroenterologists, 1 endocrinologist, 1 infectious disease doctor, 1 orthopedist, 1 urologist and have been to the ER. I have had 5 ultrasounds, 1 ct scan, 1 mri, 1 thoracic mri, 2 hyda scans, 1 small bowel series, 1 colonoscopy, 1 endoscopy, 1 endoscopic ultrasound, 1 hysteroscopy, 1 cystoscopy, and a scan for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The procedures show everything is normal. But I am not normal. I cannot stand for more than 40 minutes at a time. I cannot sit for more than 40 minutes. The only time I have relief is when I am lying down. Thank goodness I can sleep at night. I do have trouble bending over and also squatting down. When I do my pain level goes up and also I can feel some type of mass in there at the area where I am bending and it is very uncomfortable. I have asked 3 of my doctors if I might have a hernia. They all said no it would have shown up on the scans. Interestingly, any time I am examined or have a procedure, I am always lying down. Therefore, it's not surprising that they find nothing. The conclusion is that my abdominal issues are not female related, they are not food or bowel movement related. There seems to be nothing wrong with my body structurally. But after reading articles about hidden/occult hernias, I am wondering if that is what I have? I asked 2 of my doctors and they had never heard of that type of hernia; only hiatal hernias. I would appreciate any insight into my symptoms and also any doctors here in the Houston area who might be able to help. Thanks!
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Large Incisional Hernia & Ehlers Danlos Syndrome - by: gelf
Almost two years ago, I underwent an emergency appendectomy, which ruptured between seeing the surgeon and the operating table. He had started it laparoscopic and converted to a full cut along my midline. That was a Tuesday night. By Sunday, my belly was swollen with an infection, so they scheduled another surgery (on Labor Day) to do a wash out and install a wound-vac. I spent 12 days in that hospital before I was transfered to a long term acute care hospital (diabetes, 3 IV antibiotics, wound care and general weakness). I was there antoehr 3 weeks before I was discharged home to a home health care nurse and weekly wound care clinic visits. this went on for until after Thanksgiving for the wound to close. the original hole was 18cm x 8cm, so I consider that quite lucky. a few months later my belly was still not pulling in as quick as I'd like. I was diagnosed with a Diastalsis Recti . I started the exercises under the blessings of my surgeon and got a hernia ace bandage. About two months later I noticed the right side was bulging from the incision. I didn't think it was a hernia at first, until a visit to my oncologist radiologist (I had breast cancer and thyroid cancer in 2013). I kept trying to get my surgeon to do something about the hernia. after a 2nd visit to him and the urging of that radiologist he admitted that my hernia was more complicated than he was comfortable with, but there was a new surgeon joining the group in 6 weeks that specialized in laporascopic robot assisted hernia repairs. I was gungho to get with this surgeon. my hernia is uncomfortable and I can't reach the floor properly.
well i met with this surgeon (Dr. Cook) the 2nd week of July. He scheduled a CT scan. in our discussion, he mentioned the possibility of a component surgery to repair it depending on how big it was. I met back with him this morning. My hernia is one of hte largest he has seen. It goes all along that initial scar of 18cm and past it to the pubis area. He does not want to it laparascopically.
So now, I'm to work on loosing some weight and getting my A1C lower. (current weight 272, 5'3", and A1C last reading was 8.2) he wants me down to at least a 7.2 A1C. the last time I was at a 7.3 was a year ago in Sept.
My surgeon has expressed concerns about my Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and doing a component surgery on it., the type of mesh to use etc. Any suggestions?
well i met with this surgeon (Dr. Cook) the 2nd week of July. He scheduled a CT scan. in our discussion, he mentioned the possibility of a component surgery to repair it depending on how big it was. I met back with him this morning. My hernia is one of hte largest he has seen. It goes all along that initial scar of 18cm and past it to the pubis area. He does not want to it laparascopically.
So now, I'm to work on loosing some weight and getting my A1C lower. (current weight 272, 5'3", and A1C last reading was 8.2) he wants me down to at least a 7.2 A1C. the last time I was at a 7.3 was a year ago in Sept.
My surgeon has expressed concerns about my Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and doing a component surgery on it., the type of mesh to use etc. Any suggestions?
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Inguinal hernia mesh removal - by: Darby
I’m wondering if anyone has experience with successfully removing inguinal hernia mesh. Last year I was told I had inguinal hernia and needed surgery. I had the surgery in January 2016. The surgeon said she was surprised to discover that I did not have a hernia but rather a cord lipoma. The cord lipoma was removed and for reasons I can’t understand mesh inserted. I was in unbearable pain right after the surgery and until early June. The pain improved in June but I still have daily pain, stabbing burning sensation and constant dull ache and pressure. Exercise makes the pain much worse. A CT scan in July showed edema but no hernia. I’m considering having the mesh removed.
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Umbilical Hernia question - by: Gecko1nyc
Hi. 43 y.o. male. Slightly overweight (6'1 230lbs). Recently started working out again after 6 yrs of relative inactivity. Probably was too aggressive and began lifting heavy weight rather than starting slow. I then noticed a strange pulling sensation when urinating sometimes. Found out I have a small umbilical hernia. The Dr. advised to wait as it is rather tiny, and wasn't causing allot of discomfort. Now I'm beginning to notice what seems like more bloating/gas than usual, and some minor to moderate abdominal discomfort. Are those symptoms common, or should I get a second opinion. Thank you.
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Choosing Method of Repair - by: Tilbis
- In deciding between open or laparoscopic surgery, how much consideration is given to the risks/negative effects of general anaesthetic vs local - particularly on the brain?
- Do any of the surgeons here perform or recommend the “open preperitoneal” or Kugel technique? From what I understand, the mesh is placed in the back of the muscle (as with laparoscopic repair) but that it can be performed with a keyhole incision and local anaesthetic. According to Dr. Reinhorn of Boston, the recovery time is shorter than with either laparoscopic or traditional inguinal surgery.
- I’ve heard that in female patients, the round ligament is sometimes cut - what determines this and can it cause problems down the road?
- is laparoscopic repair possible without mesh?
Thank you!
- Do any of the surgeons here perform or recommend the “open preperitoneal” or Kugel technique? From what I understand, the mesh is placed in the back of the muscle (as with laparoscopic repair) but that it can be performed with a keyhole incision and local anaesthetic. According to Dr. Reinhorn of Boston, the recovery time is shorter than with either laparoscopic or traditional inguinal surgery.
- I’ve heard that in female patients, the round ligament is sometimes cut - what determines this and can it cause problems down the road?
- is laparoscopic repair possible without mesh?
Thank you!
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Chronic Pain After Inguinal Hernia Repair (Boston) - by: Michael
Hi Dr. Towfigh and Dr. Earle. My name is Michael and I live in Massachusetts. I'm 5'6" and weigh about 140 pounds and am 34 years old. I had Open Right Inguinal Hernia Surgery at the Mass General Hospital in Boston on October 16th, 2015, and I have been in pain ever since.
I have been to so many doctors here in Boston the last 10 months, and I have gotten no where with them. More then half I don't think believe me. I just know something it wrong. I have been trying my best to find out what is wrong and if I can be helped in any way, or if I just have to live with the pain for the rest of my life.
It took me this long to find you Dr. Towfigh. I called your office twice last week, since I decided to fly out there to see you. Obviously having a possible solution to the pain easing up would be a dream come true, but at this point......I would just be really happy to finally know what is causing it.
I asked a lot of questions, and learned that you would probably order some scans. I was pretty surprised because pretty much almost every time I've seen a doctor here, I have asked "Is there any sort of scan that might show something, anything at all?" And they have all said no. I asked is there any way to get an idea of what scan(s) you would possibly order. For the main reason my insurance would only over 80% of the costs for them out there, and they would be free here. Plus already having them ready for you would be more convenient for us both I would think. I learned about this forum and got really happy to learn that you are nice enough to check it when you have time. I got even more happy when I actually noticed that there is a doctor that is in Massachusetts, Dr Earle checks this forum sometimes too. I am not sure if he treats/sees patients for pain after Hernia surgery's or not though, (If not, do you know of anyone in Massachusetts that does?) I am actually planning on calling his office tomorrow and asking them, and if so, making an appointment with him first to see if he has any idea what is going on with me. (*Edit*: The only number I can find for Dr. Earle is Bayside in Springfield, MA, called today and he is no longer there anymore and no one knew where he is now, does anyone reading this know, and would be so kind to post the infos?") Maybe he also would know some possible scans to order? I don't know. I know it probably would be hard for you to even say what scans might show something without seeing me in person. I have only had one type of scan, and it was a Ultrasound of my scrotum, when I went to the Emergency room back in Jan because it was so bad. They thought it was a blood flow problem. (Test came out normal)
I am going to post a Facts/List of my symptoms and pain. Followed by some of my story after. Which I'll kind of start to ramble and most of it probably won't help you figure out what is wrong with me. But I don't know what else to do. Ever since this has started, I remember my mother used to sometimes say (she suffered from chronic pain) "When people are in pain, they don't know what to do"
Facts/Symptoms:
Open Right Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery on 10/16/15 with a Johnson & Johnson Proline Hernia System - Incision 2 inches (The op report says they thought it was a direct hernia, but it ended up being a indirect one)
Severe pain at the incision site, starting as soon as I woke up. (A "Soreness" type of pain) I really couldn't do anything for the first 3-4 months. Going to the supermarket was a big deal for me.
Starting from the top of the incision about 1/3rd down (little over 1/2 inch) You can see and feel the Mesh Screen sticking out of me, and this is the main spot for the incision pain but I can feel it above.
3 weeks after surgery, my right testicle started to hurt "Soreness" pain, all of the time. and also started to get larger. Also at random times during the day, get a "shooting" pain from the incision, down to where my testicle is.
Have seen many doctors.Out of them, 2 different Urologist say my spermatic chord is "slightly" inflamed. And also my epididymis is 4-5 millimeters larger (I thought and feel like it is some sort of lump, but they said no) and in this enlarged area of the epididymisi s sore to to touch.
My right pelvic bone and hip sometimes gets a feeling like a "banged" feeling. Like if I ran as fast as I could toward a brick wall and slammed the bone into it...is the best way I can describe it.
Both where the screen is, and testicle always hurt, but things that make them worse (besides touching them, which does) that I have noticed that can't be a coincidence are:
Testicle: If I get excited (erection) and it goes away right away by itself 1-2 minutes later, and about 10-15 minutes after that the testicle pain will get a lot worse. And if I were to ejaculate, it will get A LOT worse then if I did not.
Incision/Screen: If I eat (not even overeat, but the more the worse) It starts bothering me a lot more, especially when I am sitting up, in a driving type of position.
Things that make it better:
Testicle: Nothing makes it better that I have discovered so far
Incision: Lidocaine ointment actually helps a little bit. and I have had 1 shot of lidocaine and that helped a bit too. But didn't help with the testicle.
Weeks/months would go by and I'd start to feel a little better. But all of a sudden it is like someone hits a "rewind" button, and im back how I felt months ago. Overall I am definitely a lot better then I was. It started calming down in the begining of June I am lucky enough to say. But from October to May were a so awful. I still have pain just not as bad as then . Im afraid something is wrong with the mesh that will cause me problems later on down the road. I wish there was a way to know. But then:
NEW PAINS THAT JUST STARTED 1 MONTH AGO!!!::::::
About a month ago, this new pains started that I have never had before. It is a "Burning" pain. It feels like I'm on fire. And its not just where the incision is. Its on the side of my thigh, lower back, butt, front of my leg. It doesn't go down too too far though. Maybe like 1 foot or so, but its all around.
I have no idea if this is nerve pain, something is wrong with my spermatic cord, something is wrong with the mesh (I feel like it is just ....in wrong, but how could i know![:(]( ":(")
(maybe all of the above) This whole epididymis thing is weird. I have been reading for hours about peoples problems and no one has mentioned a swollen/enlarged epididymis that is sore and hurts to the touch.(I swear it gets bigger when the pain starts after I get excited)
Sorry I am making this way too long. A wise man once told me, "Doctors just want to hear the facts!, dont start telling them a story, or you'll start to lose them" I don't want to lose you!!! Ahhh
So from what I explained, do you think any sort of scan would show anything that is wrong? Also I read that scans can shrink the mesh itself, and my mesh is the kind that can shrink from the heat? I don't know...I'm sure you do.
I read something recently on another forum about this Ultrasound, which I'll quote:
"The test was called a “Musculo-skeletal ultrasound” which was not of the testicles but focused on the landmark anatomy of the inguinal ligament, femoral canal, inguinal canal with content of spermatic cord or round ligament, inferior epigastric vessels, conjoint tendon, deep and superficial inguinal rings. Under billing, it shows as Code # 76705 and is called “Ultrasound of Abdomen” for some reason. However, I would make sure that your physician uses the terminology “Musculo-skeletal ultrasound of the inguinal area with Valsalva.” This will ensure that even a retracted hernia will be discovered due to the straining and the way that makes a hernia “pop out” or show other issues. In your case it would help at revealing any recurrence."
Or is that only good for detecting a Hernia?
I'll start some of the long story, and I will being a lot of details out (Yes I am leaving out details and it is still this long) If you have any questions about anything please ask. I might of left something out that I didn't think was important, but it would be important to you to know.
Around June 2015, I started getting "a strange feeling" on the right side of my groin and my right testicle. It was just that, it wasn't even a painful feeling at all. When I felt it, was more like "What the heck is that" At first it didn't happen often at all. A few weeks went by and it started happening 2-3 times a day so I figured it was time to make a appointment with my Primary Care Doctor.
He examined me and didn't catch it at first (I didn't know what he was checking for at a time was a Hernia) On the 2nd or 3rd attempt he said "I think you might have a Hernia" if you do it is very small. I had heard of them obviously, but I didn't know much about them at all. He referred me to a General Surgeon at the Mass General Hospital in Boston.
Did a little research about Inguinal Hernia's before the appointment with the General Surgeon. Learned that people mainly get them from heavy lifting. At this time i was pretty surprised because I don't and haven't done not just any heavy lifting, not much lifting in general at all for my whole life. I was at that time and for about 12 years before a pretty active jogger though. Jogged 5-6 miles almost every day for years, so thought maybe that is how. I really don't know and I guess it doesn't matter now.
A month later I had my appointment with the General Surgeon. After a quick exam he said yup you have a Hernia. He went on to explain that it was a "easy" "routine" surgery and I should be completely healed in 2-3 weeks or so. I asked the typical questions like "What happens if I don't get surgery now" He said it'll just get worse and worse so it is better to do it now. I have had a couple of surgery's before and since he made it sound like something so casual and like it wasn't a big deal at all. I said sure lets do it, and set up an appointment for October 16th 2015. Little did I know at the time that was the day that was going to change my life.
Day of the Surgery:
Was calm as anyone could be. Since in my mind this was a easy/routine thing and from what I was told it doesn't even hurt that much.
I woke up after surgery in the most pain I have ever been in my life. I was pretty surprised and I remember asking over and over "Is it supposed to hurt this much?" I really did feel like something was wrong...But...How would I know? It's not like I've had Hernia surgery before, so what can I compare it to? All I know is that it hurt a lot more then I thought it was going to, and the chair they wanted me to sit in I couldn't because it hurt so much. They gave me some pain meds and my friend took me home shortly after.
4-5 days later I called since I was in so much pain. I wasn't sure if I was just being a wuss, or something was wrong. All I know it was unbearable where the incision was. I couldn't even wear pants. Even something brushing up against/touching it in anyway at all made it hurt so much more. So the surgeons nurse called me back, and told me to take the bandage off. This is the first time I saw it. The incision is only 2 inches long, but starting at the top going down about 1/3rd on the length of the incision, it was sticking out and extremely swollen for that first 1/3rd or so. (And still sticks out to this day, I thought it was just extra swollen at that spot, I didn't know why, I thought to myself "Maybe he cut too deep there by mistake because I'm Skinny?" But I later learned it was the mesh itself that was/is sticking out) And that part that was sticking out was the main source of my pain. I thought something was wrong for it to look like that in that one area compared to the rest, so I asked if I could come in to my follow up appointment earlier then I was supposed to.
Surgeons says oh its supposed to look like that and started to rub it really hard. "Rub it, it'll go away it's good for it!" I remember screaming when he started doing it. It caught me really off guard.
All of a sudden, about 3 weeks or so after the surgery my right testicle started hurting. (And still hurts to this day) I thought something else was wrong. So I called and went in again. He said, "Oh that's normal it'll go away in a month" I was happy and said oh ok.
It didn't go away, in fact I went to the Emergency room in Jan (3 months or so after the surgery) because the pain was so bad, I thought something was wrong. They thought it was a blood flow problem so they did a ultrasound of my scrotum but everything was normal.
Ok there is obviously a lot more doctor visits and pain but I have decided at the rate I'm going this will be a short book and I have made this post long enough so....fast forward to now.: My testicle still hurts, my leg/back/thigh etc feel like its on fire at times, and I can feel (feel as in not only by touching it, i can just feel it...inside of me, all of the time w/o touching it) this mesh sticking out of me, it just seems so wrong.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and answering anything that you can/have time to.
I have been to so many doctors here in Boston the last 10 months, and I have gotten no where with them. More then half I don't think believe me. I just know something it wrong. I have been trying my best to find out what is wrong and if I can be helped in any way, or if I just have to live with the pain for the rest of my life.
It took me this long to find you Dr. Towfigh. I called your office twice last week, since I decided to fly out there to see you. Obviously having a possible solution to the pain easing up would be a dream come true, but at this point......I would just be really happy to finally know what is causing it.
I asked a lot of questions, and learned that you would probably order some scans. I was pretty surprised because pretty much almost every time I've seen a doctor here, I have asked "Is there any sort of scan that might show something, anything at all?" And they have all said no. I asked is there any way to get an idea of what scan(s) you would possibly order. For the main reason my insurance would only over 80% of the costs for them out there, and they would be free here. Plus already having them ready for you would be more convenient for us both I would think. I learned about this forum and got really happy to learn that you are nice enough to check it when you have time. I got even more happy when I actually noticed that there is a doctor that is in Massachusetts, Dr Earle checks this forum sometimes too. I am not sure if he treats/sees patients for pain after Hernia surgery's or not though, (If not, do you know of anyone in Massachusetts that does?) I am actually planning on calling his office tomorrow and asking them, and if so, making an appointment with him first to see if he has any idea what is going on with me. (*Edit*: The only number I can find for Dr. Earle is Bayside in Springfield, MA, called today and he is no longer there anymore and no one knew where he is now, does anyone reading this know, and would be so kind to post the infos?") Maybe he also would know some possible scans to order? I don't know. I know it probably would be hard for you to even say what scans might show something without seeing me in person. I have only had one type of scan, and it was a Ultrasound of my scrotum, when I went to the Emergency room back in Jan because it was so bad. They thought it was a blood flow problem. (Test came out normal)
I am going to post a Facts/List of my symptoms and pain. Followed by some of my story after. Which I'll kind of start to ramble and most of it probably won't help you figure out what is wrong with me. But I don't know what else to do. Ever since this has started, I remember my mother used to sometimes say (she suffered from chronic pain) "When people are in pain, they don't know what to do"
Facts/Symptoms:
Open Right Inguinal Hernia Repair Surgery on 10/16/15 with a Johnson & Johnson Proline Hernia System - Incision 2 inches (The op report says they thought it was a direct hernia, but it ended up being a indirect one)
Severe pain at the incision site, starting as soon as I woke up. (A "Soreness" type of pain) I really couldn't do anything for the first 3-4 months. Going to the supermarket was a big deal for me.
Starting from the top of the incision about 1/3rd down (little over 1/2 inch) You can see and feel the Mesh Screen sticking out of me, and this is the main spot for the incision pain but I can feel it above.
3 weeks after surgery, my right testicle started to hurt "Soreness" pain, all of the time. and also started to get larger. Also at random times during the day, get a "shooting" pain from the incision, down to where my testicle is.
Have seen many doctors.Out of them, 2 different Urologist say my spermatic chord is "slightly" inflamed. And also my epididymis is 4-5 millimeters larger (I thought and feel like it is some sort of lump, but they said no) and in this enlarged area of the epididymisi s sore to to touch.
My right pelvic bone and hip sometimes gets a feeling like a "banged" feeling. Like if I ran as fast as I could toward a brick wall and slammed the bone into it...is the best way I can describe it.
Both where the screen is, and testicle always hurt, but things that make them worse (besides touching them, which does) that I have noticed that can't be a coincidence are:
Testicle: If I get excited (erection) and it goes away right away by itself 1-2 minutes later, and about 10-15 minutes after that the testicle pain will get a lot worse. And if I were to ejaculate, it will get A LOT worse then if I did not.
Incision/Screen: If I eat (not even overeat, but the more the worse) It starts bothering me a lot more, especially when I am sitting up, in a driving type of position.
Things that make it better:
Testicle: Nothing makes it better that I have discovered so far
Incision: Lidocaine ointment actually helps a little bit. and I have had 1 shot of lidocaine and that helped a bit too. But didn't help with the testicle.
Weeks/months would go by and I'd start to feel a little better. But all of a sudden it is like someone hits a "rewind" button, and im back how I felt months ago. Overall I am definitely a lot better then I was. It started calming down in the begining of June I am lucky enough to say. But from October to May were a so awful. I still have pain just not as bad as then . Im afraid something is wrong with the mesh that will cause me problems later on down the road. I wish there was a way to know. But then:
NEW PAINS THAT JUST STARTED 1 MONTH AGO!!!::::::
About a month ago, this new pains started that I have never had before. It is a "Burning" pain. It feels like I'm on fire. And its not just where the incision is. Its on the side of my thigh, lower back, butt, front of my leg. It doesn't go down too too far though. Maybe like 1 foot or so, but its all around.
I have no idea if this is nerve pain, something is wrong with my spermatic cord, something is wrong with the mesh (I feel like it is just ....in wrong, but how could i know
(maybe all of the above) This whole epididymis thing is weird. I have been reading for hours about peoples problems and no one has mentioned a swollen/enlarged epididymis that is sore and hurts to the touch.(I swear it gets bigger when the pain starts after I get excited)Sorry I am making this way too long. A wise man once told me, "Doctors just want to hear the facts!, dont start telling them a story, or you'll start to lose them" I don't want to lose you!!! Ahhh
So from what I explained, do you think any sort of scan would show anything that is wrong? Also I read that scans can shrink the mesh itself, and my mesh is the kind that can shrink from the heat? I don't know...I'm sure you do.
I read something recently on another forum about this Ultrasound, which I'll quote:
"The test was called a “Musculo-skeletal ultrasound” which was not of the testicles but focused on the landmark anatomy of the inguinal ligament, femoral canal, inguinal canal with content of spermatic cord or round ligament, inferior epigastric vessels, conjoint tendon, deep and superficial inguinal rings. Under billing, it shows as Code # 76705 and is called “Ultrasound of Abdomen” for some reason. However, I would make sure that your physician uses the terminology “Musculo-skeletal ultrasound of the inguinal area with Valsalva.” This will ensure that even a retracted hernia will be discovered due to the straining and the way that makes a hernia “pop out” or show other issues. In your case it would help at revealing any recurrence."
Or is that only good for detecting a Hernia?
I'll start some of the long story, and I will being a lot of details out (Yes I am leaving out details and it is still this long) If you have any questions about anything please ask. I might of left something out that I didn't think was important, but it would be important to you to know.
Around June 2015, I started getting "a strange feeling" on the right side of my groin and my right testicle. It was just that, it wasn't even a painful feeling at all. When I felt it, was more like "What the heck is that" At first it didn't happen often at all. A few weeks went by and it started happening 2-3 times a day so I figured it was time to make a appointment with my Primary Care Doctor.
He examined me and didn't catch it at first (I didn't know what he was checking for at a time was a Hernia) On the 2nd or 3rd attempt he said "I think you might have a Hernia" if you do it is very small. I had heard of them obviously, but I didn't know much about them at all. He referred me to a General Surgeon at the Mass General Hospital in Boston.
Did a little research about Inguinal Hernia's before the appointment with the General Surgeon. Learned that people mainly get them from heavy lifting. At this time i was pretty surprised because I don't and haven't done not just any heavy lifting, not much lifting in general at all for my whole life. I was at that time and for about 12 years before a pretty active jogger though. Jogged 5-6 miles almost every day for years, so thought maybe that is how. I really don't know and I guess it doesn't matter now.
A month later I had my appointment with the General Surgeon. After a quick exam he said yup you have a Hernia. He went on to explain that it was a "easy" "routine" surgery and I should be completely healed in 2-3 weeks or so. I asked the typical questions like "What happens if I don't get surgery now" He said it'll just get worse and worse so it is better to do it now. I have had a couple of surgery's before and since he made it sound like something so casual and like it wasn't a big deal at all. I said sure lets do it, and set up an appointment for October 16th 2015. Little did I know at the time that was the day that was going to change my life.
Day of the Surgery:
Was calm as anyone could be. Since in my mind this was a easy/routine thing and from what I was told it doesn't even hurt that much.
I woke up after surgery in the most pain I have ever been in my life. I was pretty surprised and I remember asking over and over "Is it supposed to hurt this much?" I really did feel like something was wrong...But...How would I know? It's not like I've had Hernia surgery before, so what can I compare it to? All I know is that it hurt a lot more then I thought it was going to, and the chair they wanted me to sit in I couldn't because it hurt so much. They gave me some pain meds and my friend took me home shortly after.
4-5 days later I called since I was in so much pain. I wasn't sure if I was just being a wuss, or something was wrong. All I know it was unbearable where the incision was. I couldn't even wear pants. Even something brushing up against/touching it in anyway at all made it hurt so much more. So the surgeons nurse called me back, and told me to take the bandage off. This is the first time I saw it. The incision is only 2 inches long, but starting at the top going down about 1/3rd on the length of the incision, it was sticking out and extremely swollen for that first 1/3rd or so. (And still sticks out to this day, I thought it was just extra swollen at that spot, I didn't know why, I thought to myself "Maybe he cut too deep there by mistake because I'm Skinny?" But I later learned it was the mesh itself that was/is sticking out) And that part that was sticking out was the main source of my pain. I thought something was wrong for it to look like that in that one area compared to the rest, so I asked if I could come in to my follow up appointment earlier then I was supposed to.
Surgeons says oh its supposed to look like that and started to rub it really hard. "Rub it, it'll go away it's good for it!" I remember screaming when he started doing it. It caught me really off guard.
All of a sudden, about 3 weeks or so after the surgery my right testicle started hurting. (And still hurts to this day) I thought something else was wrong. So I called and went in again. He said, "Oh that's normal it'll go away in a month" I was happy and said oh ok.
It didn't go away, in fact I went to the Emergency room in Jan (3 months or so after the surgery) because the pain was so bad, I thought something was wrong. They thought it was a blood flow problem so they did a ultrasound of my scrotum but everything was normal.
Ok there is obviously a lot more doctor visits and pain but I have decided at the rate I'm going this will be a short book and I have made this post long enough so....fast forward to now.: My testicle still hurts, my leg/back/thigh etc feel like its on fire at times, and I can feel (feel as in not only by touching it, i can just feel it...inside of me, all of the time w/o touching it) this mesh sticking out of me, it just seems so wrong.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and answering anything that you can/have time to.
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No mesh Hernia surgeons in Portland Oregon? - by: chrispackham99
Are there hernia surgeons in Portland Oregon or nearby who use muscle repair no mesh?
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GETTING DOCTORS TO BELIEVE YOU HAVE A HERNIA - by: dweatherl
If I get in a certain position I get a terrible twist in my lower abdomen. It has happen for years but seems worse lately. It feels like something is caught and being pinched. I have suggested to several doctors that I must have a hernia. I am overweight and they can find anything protruding. I have had some imaging testing done for other pains and they don't see anything there. I can't imagine this pain being anything else than a hernia. How can I get the doctors to believe or is there some other test I can have?
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Inguinal hernia repair without mesh. Desarda? - by: caidanfire
Hello,
My husband developed an inguinal hernia (left side). We are trying to locate a surgeon who will do the repair without mesh. We have heard of a technique called Desarda that appears to be well regarded, but can not seem to locate a surgeon in California that performs this technique. We are open to other techniques as well if they do not utilize mesh.
An additional consideration is insurance type. None of the surgeons in our current plan will perform the surgery without mesh. My husband will be eligible for Medicare in December. He will also be a dual beneficiary with both Medicare and Medi-cal. We have no other insurance options since he has been unable to work for over two years due to the need for a total hip replacement).
My husband under went a total hip replacement of the right hip (opposite side of current inguinal hernia) in Dec 2015. The surgeon was excellent and did an excellent job using anterior approach. However, my husbands body reacted poorly to the trauma associated with the extensive amount of repair needed and complications set in. He was in pain from the time of discharge that quickly escalated to severe. He was returned through emergency at which time the surgeon was worried about the onset of compartment syndrome and readmitted him to the hospital. To make a long story short - CS was avoided and my husband was eventually released for physical therapy. Physical therapy began in February.
The hernia happened shortly after physical therapy was commenced, perhaps due to an overly aggressive approach (heavy leg presses for 5 minutes). Physical therapy was stopped by order of the orthopedic surgeon and we have since been trying to locate a surgeon who will do the repair without mesh and takes the insurance we will have in place.
I related the above history of the hip replacement and subsequent complications so that you can understand one of the reasons my husband does not want a foreign material used in his hernia repair. He experienced EXCRUCIATING pain with the hip replacement that required hospitalization and four different pain meds administered concurrently to handle the pain sufficiently enough in order for him to be able to move the leg.
He is currently experiencing pain with the hernia and it is still reducible. He takes pain medication for it and a small amount of residual pain from the hip replacement (though that is doing well as the surgeon did an excellent job and could not foresee the complications that occurred after).
Please let us know if you or any of your colleagues can do the hernia without mesh. As I mentioned, we have heard about an approach called Desarda that is purported to be an excellent technique, but don't know who uses it. We would also appreciate any information on alternative techniques that are sound and do not use mesh at all.
Thank you for your time. Kind regards.
My husband developed an inguinal hernia (left side). We are trying to locate a surgeon who will do the repair without mesh. We have heard of a technique called Desarda that appears to be well regarded, but can not seem to locate a surgeon in California that performs this technique. We are open to other techniques as well if they do not utilize mesh.
An additional consideration is insurance type. None of the surgeons in our current plan will perform the surgery without mesh. My husband will be eligible for Medicare in December. He will also be a dual beneficiary with both Medicare and Medi-cal. We have no other insurance options since he has been unable to work for over two years due to the need for a total hip replacement).
My husband under went a total hip replacement of the right hip (opposite side of current inguinal hernia) in Dec 2015. The surgeon was excellent and did an excellent job using anterior approach. However, my husbands body reacted poorly to the trauma associated with the extensive amount of repair needed and complications set in. He was in pain from the time of discharge that quickly escalated to severe. He was returned through emergency at which time the surgeon was worried about the onset of compartment syndrome and readmitted him to the hospital. To make a long story short - CS was avoided and my husband was eventually released for physical therapy. Physical therapy began in February.
The hernia happened shortly after physical therapy was commenced, perhaps due to an overly aggressive approach (heavy leg presses for 5 minutes). Physical therapy was stopped by order of the orthopedic surgeon and we have since been trying to locate a surgeon who will do the repair without mesh and takes the insurance we will have in place.
I related the above history of the hip replacement and subsequent complications so that you can understand one of the reasons my husband does not want a foreign material used in his hernia repair. He experienced EXCRUCIATING pain with the hip replacement that required hospitalization and four different pain meds administered concurrently to handle the pain sufficiently enough in order for him to be able to move the leg.
He is currently experiencing pain with the hernia and it is still reducible. He takes pain medication for it and a small amount of residual pain from the hip replacement (though that is doing well as the surgeon did an excellent job and could not foresee the complications that occurred after).
Please let us know if you or any of your colleagues can do the hernia without mesh. As I mentioned, we have heard about an approach called Desarda that is purported to be an excellent technique, but don't know who uses it. We would also appreciate any information on alternative techniques that are sound and do not use mesh at all.
Thank you for your time. Kind regards.
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grynfeltt-lesshaft hernia - by: glenda
would like to know of surgeons who have had experience with grynfeltt-lesshaft hernias
thanks so much!
thanks so much!
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Occult hernia woman - by: cheree19
hi there
I am from New Zealand, and for the past 4 months have been in terrible pain. I will give you a bit of background info.... I had a resection rectopexy in March this year and then was returned to theatre nine days later to have the stitches and tacks removed from my rectum as it was suggested that due to the symptoms I was experiencing that the placement of the stitches / tacks caused nerve impingement problems and once they were removed I gained function of my bladder and bowel.
Anyway because the stitches and tacks were removed a proctogram was organised by the surgeon (done six weeks or so after surgery) to see the rectum was holding up without that support, however it was during that test with all the straining/pushing down that I noticed the next day I had a heaviness, dragging sensation in my groin / pelvis area with dull burning pain in the right groin. When i went back to the surgeon I told him about this because I was finding it hard to walk, stand for too long, a sensation of wanting to hold my intestines up (weird I know), like a pulling down sensation. I got so bad that he decided to do an exploratory surgery and all he found was my small bowel down in my pelvis, so he placed some omentum down there (without stitches) but didn’t notice any change in symptoms at all.
An small bowel MRI was done and it was found that the small bowel had again prolapsed down thru the pelvic inlet so I had surgery to close the pelvic inlet with my native tissue. However, i still have all the same symptoms of dragging sensation, gurgling bowel noises in my groin, groin pain / burning, pain in the thights and lower back, right sided vagina pain, the pain is somewhat relieved by lying down but gets worse on movement, bending over, walking, lifting anything, coughing, bearing down when doing to the toilet. So its obvious that after all the small bowel wasn’t causing these symptoms. Also it unlikely that adhesions are causing this because according to the surgeon and surgical photos he said I saw miminal adhesions. Also, it seems that he saw no other problems with the female organs?
I had a ultrasound done where the doctor was checking for a hernia and got me to stand bear down etc, but nothing was found. I would be really interested to see if any doctors think this is likely to be a hernia even with normal ultrasound results.
I am from New Zealand, and for the past 4 months have been in terrible pain. I will give you a bit of background info.... I had a resection rectopexy in March this year and then was returned to theatre nine days later to have the stitches and tacks removed from my rectum as it was suggested that due to the symptoms I was experiencing that the placement of the stitches / tacks caused nerve impingement problems and once they were removed I gained function of my bladder and bowel.
Anyway because the stitches and tacks were removed a proctogram was organised by the surgeon (done six weeks or so after surgery) to see the rectum was holding up without that support, however it was during that test with all the straining/pushing down that I noticed the next day I had a heaviness, dragging sensation in my groin / pelvis area with dull burning pain in the right groin. When i went back to the surgeon I told him about this because I was finding it hard to walk, stand for too long, a sensation of wanting to hold my intestines up (weird I know), like a pulling down sensation. I got so bad that he decided to do an exploratory surgery and all he found was my small bowel down in my pelvis, so he placed some omentum down there (without stitches) but didn’t notice any change in symptoms at all.
An small bowel MRI was done and it was found that the small bowel had again prolapsed down thru the pelvic inlet so I had surgery to close the pelvic inlet with my native tissue. However, i still have all the same symptoms of dragging sensation, gurgling bowel noises in my groin, groin pain / burning, pain in the thights and lower back, right sided vagina pain, the pain is somewhat relieved by lying down but gets worse on movement, bending over, walking, lifting anything, coughing, bearing down when doing to the toilet. So its obvious that after all the small bowel wasn’t causing these symptoms. Also it unlikely that adhesions are causing this because according to the surgeon and surgical photos he said I saw miminal adhesions. Also, it seems that he saw no other problems with the female organs?
I had a ultrasound done where the doctor was checking for a hernia and got me to stand bear down etc, but nothing was found. I would be really interested to see if any doctors think this is likely to be a hernia even with normal ultrasound results.
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Chronic pain risk lower in no-mesh repair or mesh? - by: Chaunce123
Is the risk of chronic pain lower in no-mesh inguinal hernia repair, or is it lower in mesh inguinal hernia repair? Is there a real difference?
I see a lot of people wanting to get a no-mesh repair because they feel there might be a lower risk for chronic pain, but is this valid? Does data and expert surgeon experience back this up?
I see a lot of people wanting to get a no-mesh repair because they feel there might be a lower risk for chronic pain, but is this valid? Does data and expert surgeon experience back this up?
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Inaccurate medical records - by: MO
I would understand if the administrators of this forum considered this off topic and took it down. Although I am so grateful for the compassion and expertise of the last specialist, I need to find a way to tactfully write to him and list about 10 items in his report that are incorrect. Maybe the surgical resident who was in the room wrote the notes. This is so awkward that I am seriously considering asking all future doctors for permission for me to record encounters.
About the next specialist, if I see him before last record fixed, how do they know I am telling the truth?
Does anyone here have a recommended forum for this topic?
About the next specialist, if I see him before last record fixed, how do they know I am telling the truth?
Does anyone here have a recommended forum for this topic?
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