hernia after surgery

[karena]

Has anyone experienced having a hernia after surgery? I am 2 months post op, and knew there was something wrong. Having bad advice from the surgeon's PA, my gut said go to urgent care. I learned a hernia never goes away and I need it corrected or will always be in pain and be in the situation of possibly having it explode.

thanks.

[LindaRacine]

Hi Karena...

Do you know if this is a regular hernia or an incisional hernia?

--Linda

[karena]

Hi Linda
I don't know what kind but urgent care notes it is down at the cecum/appendix area. I suspect between the manipulation of muscles during surgery and initial constipation were the culprits. I have two appts tomorrow with surgeons, one on monday and one next wednesday. I have an abdominal brace to help support it, but it really isn't doing much. I can barely stand or sit for very long. I call it my little alien. Karen

[karena]

It turns out it is not a hernia. Saw my surgeon today. In XLIF, no muscles were cut, but moved extremely, especially in my case when i had a rotated spine. It also stretched out the nerves in the abdomen, hence post op pain. Prescribing neurontin has been a God send for me at least. Before I was lying down so much due to the abdomen pain, now I can get on with healing. The stretched nerves happens in 1% of XLIF cases. Aren't i lucky.

[BadKitty]

Thank goodness it's not a hernia! I know the last thing you want to do is have more surgery. I was told by my surgeon that "minimally invasive" doesn't necessarity mean less traumatic, and you found out the hard way. Glad to hear there's a remedy and you can get on with recovery!