incisional hernia developed after ruptured appendix/sepsis

[diana1234]

I had a ruptured appendix and then developed sepsis. i was in icu in an induced coma/hopsital for 2 months last March 2018. I have made an amazing recovery, however i developed an incisional hernia that i need an operation for (not a quick fix hernia, a large major operation to pull abdomen muscles back together as well as fix hernia) - so i keep feeling like can i recover from this as i think back to the recovery from last year. The doctor says it's a different operation, but it still scares me. Has anyone else developed this kind of incisional hernia before? thanks!

[HelenV]

Hi, I had to have that surgery just under a year after my admission to ICU and being in a coma for septic shock and all that came with it. I was initially not keen on needing another operation but I had a really lovely surgeon and I made sure all the staff at the hospital I went to knew I had PTSD and was very anxious about it. The surgery went really well - it took 4 hours (he’d estimated 5) and I was very sore for the first few days but the pain went away really quickly. My stomach had been cut open and left open with a vac pac while I was in ICU and in the ward (a month all up from memory) so whether that helped with the pain I’m not sure. The biggest thing that annoyed me was having to wear a binder for 6 weeks! I am really pleased I made the decision to do it even though mentally it was pretty rough and the first few days weren’t so great. My recovery was quick and I was finally able to begin my physical recovery properly. Ask all the questions you need to to prepare for it and make sure the medical staff understand your valid concerns. If you’d like any more info please let me know.

[diana1234 in reply to HelenV]

thank you so much! and i'm really glad you had a good recovery. thanks

[stevet11753 in reply to HelenV]

Really interesting to read this. I also have a large incisional hernia from four years ago. My original consultant didn't want to know, too risky (I also have an ileostomy to be reversed), so I asked for a second opinion and I'm now under a leading hernia repair specialist. I saw him last July and had a pre-op in December; still waiting tho'.

[diana1234 in reply to stevet11753]

it seems to take forever for these appointments! very frustrating! but all will be good when repaired