Question I had incisional hernia repair back in June 2007 and continue to have problems. There is the same bulge that pops out when I cough or sneeze. When I am resting, it is clearly visible and you can see the asymmetry of my abdomen. There was no mesh used to do the repair. I have revisited my surgeon numerous times and she has done a CT scan a few months ago which showed no recurrent hernia, so she had no explanation as to what was causing so much pain. The pain isn't constant, but it is a daily occurrence. I have been battling nausea and poor appetite the last week and the pain is increasing. I don't want to look like an idiot, but obviously something is not right! I am far enough into recovery that I shouldn't be debilitated by pain to the point where I can barely walk. I was hoping you might have some suggestions on what to ask or tell my doctor (I have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow) to help to develop some type of plan to get me back to normal. Is it normal to still have a bulge after repair surgery that causes so much pain? Thank you so very much for your time!
Answer Dear Rita,
I do not know what has occurred, I haven't examined you and it wouldn't be fair for me to just guess.
What I would do if I were you is this...
1. Continue with my visit with the surgeon asking all the same questions of her as you did to me.
2. If you ask her for a second opinion find out who she plans to send you to see.
3. Get your own second opinion by asking around and seeing another surgeon. If these doctors all have the same findings then you can feel comfortable know all has been done. If they have differing opinions then you can ask what you should be doing next.
4. Give yourself a set amount of time (like a week) and clear your mind and make a plan of what to do next. Write it down and then follow through.
5. If you get all of this information and feel lost or have other concerns please feel free to contact me again.
I have all faith that you will get the answers to your dilemmas we just have to look in the correct places.
