Can a Cat Scan Miss a Hernia? Posted: 09-13-07 04:41am
Dear All,
I am at a loss of ideas as to how to
pursue what seems to be a hernia in my
right lower abdomen (close to the groin).
I started experiencing pain whenever I
coughed and laughed about 2 months ago.
There was no visible bump, however, so the
doctor had a hard time diagnosing
anything. The pain eventually got worse,
and one day after playing football, an
actual bump emerged. It makes sense that I
have a hernia, also, because prior to the
pain 2 months ago, I was working my lower
abs pretty rigorously in the gym, possibly
to an extreme that was unhealthy. Anyway,
I went to a doctor, who booked a CAT scan
to check for the hernia. Coincidentally,
he felt my scrotum and told me he felt
swelling/tenderness, and it could be
epididymitis. He prescribed me 100 mg
2x/day for 10 days of doxycilin. We didn't
have time, however, to book a Ultra sound
before I left for China, where I am now.
The CAT scan didn't reveal the hernia that
I expected, but apparently this wasn't a
huge surprise, since epididymitis
apparently presents "hernia-like" pain
sometimes. I have finished my anti-biotic
prescription, and while the pain seems to
be less prevalent (though in a weird way,
it may not, I just don't laugh/cough as
often as I used to now that I'm in China),
the bump is still there, and now it's as
big as ever.
Is it possible that the CAT scan missed
the hernia? Do you have any knowledge of
the safety of getting an operation in
China? Or should I wait 3 months to return
to the States? I would love to get it done
with now, since I am pretty avid about
working out, but obviously not at the
expense of more important health issues.
Any advice would be excellent, thank you.
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^Serenity^
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Posted: 02-12-08 08:52am
I had a hernia or so one of the doctor
said I did even though it didn't show up
on a scan.
Did you ever have the surgery?
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robcataus
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 5
Posted: 02-12-08 17:26pm
Eventually, it became all too obvious I
had a hernia. There was a bump where there
should have been, the pain was exactly as
described by others, and so I went to
another doctor. He frowned when I told him
that the other hospital disqualified the
hernia on grounds of a CAT scan, and did
an old fashion finger test (bend over,
cough... you get the idea). He determined
I had a hernia, and I had surgery the next
day. 4 days of discomfort later, I was
feeling perfect. Don't totally trust a CAT
scan for a hernia!
|
^Serenity^
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Posted: 02-12-08 17:53pm
Did they put a mesh in you?
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robcataus
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 5
Posted: 02-12-08 19:02pm
Yep! In fact, I lucked out with the
surgeon and got it endoscopically
inserted, which means instead of putting
the mesh on the outside of the hole, it
was put on the inside, which allows for
faster recovery, and allegedly a lower
recurrence rate (only by a percentage or
two, though). It requires more from the
surgeon, however, so many still do it the
traditional way. But yeah, mesh is the way
to go. 4 months since surgery, and I feel
as if the hernia never existed.
|
^Serenity^
Moderator
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Thanks: 133
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Posted: 02-12-08 19:32pm
I have mesh in me and I am in chronic
pain.
I had hernias repaired many years ago when
they did them without meshes, we are
talking over 35 years ago with those.
Many people are suffering from meshes,
sometimes the pain shows up months later,
not trying to bring you bad news but
please be aware of anything you feel out
of the norm.
Do you mean they did it laproscopically?
I never heard of endoscopy for hernia
repair.
Glad you are doing well..hope it
continues.
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robcataus
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 5
Posted: 02-12-08 19:37pm
Yeah, I meant laproscopically. I was
warned that future pain is possible, and I
guess I'm being a bit optimistic. I'm just
very thankful that I'm not going through
what I was before it (when I was being led
around in circles about what it may be).
I'm sorry that you're still feeling
surgery related pain, no one should have
to go through that.
|
^Serenity^
Moderator
Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1384
Thanks: 133
Thanked:154
Posted: 02-13-08 08:53am
Thanks!!!!
I know what you mean about being led
around, it's as if you are going to go for
to the doctor for the heck of it, today
when they say managed care they aren't
kidding, we really have to manage our
health care.
Years ago things were different, today
it's the insurance companies dictating our
lives.
Best of luck if you have any questions or
concerns ask away, I'll be more than happy
to help if I can!!!
