Hernia

[Welshandproud]

Hello ladies. I hope today finds you all in good fighting mode!! I have a question which I hope someone can answer.When I last saw my Oncologist and explained that I keep getting a very hard swollen abdomen she said that my hernia runs the entire length of my scar. She showed me this on my scan. The surgeons don't want to repair it because it is a very big operation and they want me to continue with the Avastin. I asked what i should be avoiding and she said lifting, sit ups and aerobic activities. I'm not quite certain what this includes. Is there anyone out there who has the same thing? If so, what have you stopped doing? Is it too much to hope that I should give up the ironing?

[Elizabethe]

Hi yes I have an incisional hernia and it causes quite a lot of pain which i take morphine for. . As far as possible i try to follow the advi e your oncologist has given you and I would say definately no ironing! But then to be honest i never ironed before ......

Seriously though i found swimming is really good if not on chemo as ot supports you. Hope you are managing to take it easy x

[Tesla_7US]

Welsh, I had a stomal/incisional hernia. It caused NO pain. It did protrude nearly 4" from my abdomen. It started when I got a terrible cold and was coughing very hard for 3 weeks! Don't do any lifting other than your fork! I got a smaller handbag and only carried essentials because weight of my purse caused strain on abdomen. I did plenty of walking and stair climbing but no heavy exercise that involved lunging or jumping up and down. Stationary cycling was fine. Stoma was reversed, hernia repaired and I feel pretty darn good again!

[Welshandproud in reply to Tesla_7US]

That's interesting. I had a nasty virus back in July with lots of coughing. Perhaps that started things off. It is a good idea to get a smaller handbag as I definitely feel it across my abdomen when I am carrying anything. Some good ideas there about exercise too. Thank you Tesla and i'm really pleased that you are feeling so good now xx

[Boot1947]

I have four incisional hernias the length of my hysterectomy scar, one of which sticks out a bit (I've stopped looking at myself with no clothes on, so I'll take my doctor's word for it!). I was told not to do anything that felt uncomfortable (useful, or what?) so I gave up my weights class, but I still do two low-impact dance classes. Keeping weight off (ha ha!) is a good idea, apparently. I can also have a 'laparoscopic hybrid repair' if they get too uncomfortable, but 5% of patients end up with intractable pain, so I'm not taking that option at the mo. All my stuff is non-iron btw, so I can't advise. I hope you aren't in too much discomfort and I hope the Avastin is working well for you. Deb x

[Welshandproud in reply to Boot1947]

Hi Deb

Thanks for that. Yes I don't like looking at mine much either but it certainly sticks out a fair bit. Well done with still managing the dance classes. I've also been told to keep weight off but haven't heard about the laparoscopic hybrid repair. It certainly sounds risky if it can be avoided. Yes the Avastin seems to be continuing to bring down my ca125 which is great. Sending gentle hugs Sian xxx

[Katsmum]

I have an incisional hernia too but they won't do anything about it unless it becomes painful or strangulated! Heavy lifting is out but I haven't been able to escape the ironing! Hope yours is not too uncomfortable but if it changes in any way then speak to your cns or gp. All the best x

[Welshandproud in reply to Katsmum]

Thanks for that. Yes it looks like I might not be able to give up the ironing after all!! Sending you a gentle hug xx

[antheamary]

I had an incisional hernia, it got worse & worse sticking right out. I was advised spanx knickers or a corset. Non of which helped. Swimming was so embarrassing. 60 year old who looked pregnant. I had a battle to have it repaired but thank goodness someone took pity on me. Such a relief to be flattish again. It made such a difference to me.

[Welshandproud in reply to antheamary]

Hi there AntheaMary

I was advised to buy the spanx too. I have managed to buy a swimsuit with a hold you in panel at the front which helps with the embarrassment but I do know what you mean. I'm so glad that you managed to get yours repaired. I'll go for that when I finish my Avastin xx

[Dee345]

Hi there, I just wanted to wish you well though don't have personal experience of hernia. Any kind of straining should be a avoided including the dreaded constipation. If unavoidable try to support the area maybe with a small towel.

How are you doing with the Avastin? Mine is on indefinite hold due to high BP and protein in my urine. Be sure they keep a close watch on that!

I just returned from a lovely family visit to Wales - gave me the needed boost to face more chemo the day after my return!

Love D

[Welshandproud in reply to Dee345]

Hi Dee

Thanks for your message. I'm glad you had a good trip to Wales. Where did you go? I'm sorry you had to have chemo as soon as you got back but I hope that the chemo is going as well as it can. I'm sorry to hear about your high BP. How many Avastin did you manage to have before they stopped? Mine seems to be going ok but I do have a lot of joint and muscle pain, particularly in my neck and right shoulder. Painkillers and massage help. SEnding a gentle hug xx

[Dee345 in reply to Welshandproud]

I had about 20 infusions of Avastin given every 2 weeks. The Wales part of my trip was the Rhondda (home). Now back in the US. Sending gentle hugs back to you xx

[Welshandproud in reply to Dee345]

Hi Dee

You certainly gave it a good go then before you stopped. I'm sure it will have helped to zap this nasty cancer. Oh I'm glad you enjoyed being back in the Rhondda. My Mother was from there too. Lovely people. Sending a big cwtch xxx

[rppizio]

I too have an incisional hernia that is incredibly noticeable but have been told to live with it. I would think Ironing would be ok, I would be more worried about how high you might be lifting/reaching the hung ironed items. My hubby got me an inexpensive grabber so that I can reach the laundry from the washing machine and dryer so that the strain would not add to a hernia...it is a good idea and it does work, That was after 2 requests to help me with the laundry. LOL.

[Welshandproud]

Thank you rppizo. I'm sorry that you have been told to live with your hernia but glad that your husband has been so helpful with the laundry. This really made me chuckle. Thank you. I'm sure my husband will respond in a similar way!!! xx

[Lily-Anne]

I have a parastomal hernia. I wished Id been warned it could happen. I have had it over a year now it started from picking up my 18 month old granddaughter. I use a support belt oncologist said mesh carries too much risk of infection to repair it.

I avoid lifting and anything else without my belt on

I send out the ironing and have a cleaner. Its an ongoing job housework and there's no winner lol

LA xx

[Welshandproud]

Hi Lily-Anne

So sorry to hear of your hernia too. Do you mind me asking what exactly a parastomal hernia is? I've not heard of this before. The other question is where you get your belt from. I was just told to go to m and s to buy some Bridget Jones big knickers!!

Sounds like you've got it sussed with the housework and ironing!!!

Sian xx