Post Op Hernia Question - could alternatives work? Posted: 12-04-07 20:58pm
My husband had surgery in June for 3
inguinal hernia's in his stomach. It's his
second surgery in roughly 5 years (the
first time he had 5 and the doctor did not
fix them right). He did everything the
doctor told him, and recovered pretty
well. Recently though his stomach has
expanded, it's not so much as a buldge,
but almost looks like he's pregnant
(that's the best way I can describe it).
We thought the hernia was back, but when
he went to the doctor they told him they
didn't think it was back, but that the
mesh had pushed his bowels outside of the
mesh and that was what was causing the
protrusion. They scheduled him for a cat
scan to take a look. My question is, has
this ever happened to anyone, or has
anyone heard about this happening? Is it
normal? Is it dangerous?
My husband owns his own business and had
to practically be forced to have the
surgery this last time (since he had to
take 6-8 weeks off work) and is going to
go kicking and screaming if he has to do
it again. I've read on some of these posts
about acupuncture and vitamins and
exercise. Since this is a slightly
different issue than the actual hernia,
does anyone think those options could work
in this case?
|
^Serenity^
Moderator
Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1383
Thanks: 133
Thanked:154
Posted: 12-05-07 20:10pm
These meshes are causing a great deal of
problems for many people.
If you do a search of hernia mesh
problems or complications from hernia
meshes you will find a lot of information.
People have had to have parts of their
intestines removed or all of them. Others
have different issues.
I wish the best to the both of you. What
is his doctor planning to do about this?
|
jules343
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 04 Dec 2007 Posts: 2
Posted: 12-05-07 21:02pm
Actually, he doesn't have the normal mesh
this time around. The doctor actually uses
the lining of a cow's stomach (I think
that's what it is?). It basically covers
the whole area to prevent any reoccurence,
and is supposed to disintegrate over time.
Apparently it is very effective, but there
are these other "issues" that can happen.
The doctor didn't seem surprised with this
issue, and hasn't made any plans yet until
he gets the cat scan, but it's pretty
certain he's going to need surgery again.
|
^Serenity^
Moderator
Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 1383
Thanks: 133
Thanked:154
Posted: 12-07-07 20:33pm
I've been suffering for over a year now
with nerve damage. The doctor cut/damaged
nerves when he did the operation and the
meshes are also an issue. I've spoken with
some top doctors in the country on this
problem and they are trying to get the
meshes pulled from the market, they did
tell me they are working on different
options as you mentioned.
You did mention a different mesh this time
around. What type did they use in the
past? Do you know the manufacturer of it
and or product/lot number? If so you can
check to see if had been one of the
recalled meshes on the FDA site, but then
again my meshes are not on the list but
are causing me a great deal of pain. This
has changed my life in so many way, all
the things I use to do I no longer can do.
I hope for your sake and your husband's he
doesn't need anymore surgery.
Please keep me posted about the CT Scan.
