Abdominal Pain

[Saintgermain]

Hello,

I completed treatment in October 2021, had umbilical hernia repair this past April, 7 inches of absorbable mesh have been having a nagging vague pain in my upper left quadrant had a CT Scan in October showed minor small intestine inflammation saw gastro guy told me nothing to be concerned with, regular bowel movements CA125 holding at 13. One always tends to worry with this journey has anyone else felt on and off pain? My Gyno/Onc attributes it to all the trauma currently in surveillance. I try not to obsess getting better ha!

[Lovedogs41]

Hi there

Yes I can relate to this! Since frontline treatment and debulking surgery in July 2020 I have always had niggles of minor pain,not in the same places.

It does worry me like you say,but then I guess our bodies have been through a lot.I didn’t know if it was having the omentum removed that may cause some discomfort as it’s like removing a layer of your insides! Also there’s the possibility of adhesions which can be painful.

I’m glad I’m not the only one! x

[Saintgermain in reply to Lovedogs41]

Thank you so much for your reply Lovedogs,

Your right when I think of it the pain can shift my I also forget about possible adhesions, I guess we have to remind ourselves how much we have been especially when you throw in the removal of the omentum. No you are not the only one!

[Realistic]

This is an operation l yet to have, but part of my discussion with surgeon was about the mesh he did tell me that it can cause someDiscomfort for a while then your system gets used to it that was his warning to me. So sounds like its normal to some to get inflammation for some people ,lets hope your body gets used to it . Try not to worry everything else is fine. Love SheilaFxxx

[Saintgermain in reply to Realistic]

Thanks Shelia for reminding me of that I forgot that he told me that it takes about 18 months to your system to absorb it we tend to forget what our tummies have been thru.

[SopSinger]

Sounds like the sort of pain caused by everything settling down after surgery and scar formation. The mesh is likely to aggravate it. As long as your team are aware and keeping an eye on you, don't worry about it.

[Saintgermain in reply to SopSinger]

Thanks a bunch! I think we tend to forget what our bodies have been thru as I've read with time you don't panic about every ache and pain. I've learned to bother my care team with any concern.

[Lilymay9]

hello there I completed treatment in 2020 and February this year I had open surgery for 2 hernias, 1 around top of tummy and 1 umbilical. I was in quite a bit of discomfort for quite a few months but after scans and checks. It does seem to have settled. I still get odd pain or discomfort occasionally but I think it takes a good few months to settle! Hope it soon does! Love xx

[Saintgermain in reply to Lilymay9]

Hi Lilymay,

What a pretty name. I almost had the open surgery but was able to have it done laparoscopy I can only imagine the post op pain you had I'm glad yours has settled a bit what a journey! Thanks! Hugs!

[Goodgirl98]

I had debulking plus omentum /lining removed but no mesh was placed. Still after 8 months, I have some niggles here and there. Esp after some yoga poses I did like cobra pose, I have felt it and also when my 2 year pet dog jumps up to my tummy, I feel sensitive. Nothing major, does not last more than few seconds and when I feel around my abdomen after that, I feel completely ok. I am planning to discuss with my doc next. I am sure it is nothing but these days every little thing that feels different bothers me! Please do have your team keep an eye on the mesh.

[Saintgermain in reply to Goodgirl98]

Hi Good girl,

Now that you mention it I've been doing quite a bit of crunches in my water aerobic class like you experience with the cobra pose I also had the omentum/lining removed forgot about that mine lasts a couple of days which is a good sign and I have no other odd symptoms I get everything little thing bothers you I read somewhere that Survivors have earned the right to be hypocondriacs and I totally get it! Hugs!

[thejoannabell]

Ever since my frontline treatment ended and I recovered from surgery I have a little “pinch “ in the area where my left ovary was. It’s the same thing I used to feel when ovulating, so I refer to it as phantom ovulation 😄. The doc doesn’t seem concerned.

Good for you for doing crunches! I have yet to get into a regular exercise routine, so that’s inspiring!

[Saintgermain in reply to thejoannabell]

Hi Joannabell,

Thank you for letting me know about your little "pinch" love your analogy "phantom ovulation great. I'm just recently getting back to exercise at the gym since the Pandemic and my OC journey boy does your stamina go South when your away from it the crunches do produce some "niggles" but its on both sides so I guess its better than one side at least I'm balanced ha!