Epigastric Hernia

[LesleyGB]

Hi everyone

I hope you are all doing okay and looking forward to the better weather.

I am just seeking people's experiences of an epigastric hernia on the incision line. My oncologist a year or so ago that I had a hernia on my incision line but that it looked ok on the CT. After weeks of a bad cough, I woke up one morning and noticed a large bulge just above my belly button. Of course I thought the worse, but then realised that a tumour wouldn't spring up overnight or vanish when I laid on my back. I spoke to my onc who confirmed it is a hernia and I am now waiting for a scan. It is painful, gives me indigestion and feels massive - I can't do some of my clothes up and am having trouble bending over: to be honest, it is causing me more discomfort than my cancer did! Has anyone else experienced this type of hernia and what happened? I understand that it is a simple repair operation usually under local but am concerned that with the cancer (stable for the last 6 months) and the NHS queues, I might not be able to get it done or, if I can, will have to wait a very long time. Thanks in advance. Lesley x

[Bananasmoothie]

Hi Lesley, sounds like you have an incisional hernia which is where the muscles that were sewn up in your operation come apart again. Choices for surgery include local anaesthetic if it is reasonably small, or general anaesthetic if larger or having laparoscopic surgery. In all cases a plastic mesh is inserted to bolster the repair. The pain hernias cause is from your insides poking out through the hole in the muscles (causing the bulge you describe). An abdominal binder might help to lessen this whilst you wait for treatment. You can get them on amazon. Hope this is helpful.

[LesleyGB in reply to Bananasmoothie]

This is helpful. I have ordered a binder which should arrive tomorrow. My hernia was fine until I started coughing then ping! out it popped. It sticks out so far now that I can't wear some of my quite loose fitting shirts as I can't do them up, and is so painful. Definitely going to ask about a repair when I have my consultation in three weeks To be honest, this is causing me more problems than my cancer every did!

Thank you. x

[Heart12345]

Hi Lesley I found out I also have a hernia there too also another one in the pelvic area. It had been seen on my CT scan but they weren’t that concerned as it had a ‘wide neck’ meaning less likely for intestine to become trapped. I have an appointment to see my surgical team to discuss it in June. I think they feel until I’m off my PARP medicine they wouldn’t do any surgery unless it was very necessary. Sorry not much help.My surgeon did put me in contact with a lovely physiotherapist that told me how and if I should lift certain weights and also exercises to help strengthen my pelvic floor. It’s also important not to breathe in when lifting or pushing on toilet but to breathe out to lessen internal pressure. Also keep bowels regular to lessen pressure when on toilet.

Keep us posted xx

[LesleyGB in reply to Heart12345]

Thanks for your input. They do seem to be quite common. Mine is at top of the incision and when my onc saw it on the scan about a yearish ago, said it wasn't a problem. I think when he sees the next scan he will realise that it now is, and put me on the list to get it done. I can't do some of my buttons up on some every loose-fitting clothes and it is getting painful. I have to lie on my back and put my feet in the air to get my socks on as any pressure hurts it. Not worked out how to do my toenails yet! I am on a parp inhibiter as well - though have been off it for a cople of weeks to get some dental treatment done, so hopefully it won't be a problem coming off it again. I am getting a bit desperate.

Hope your's get sorted in June.

x

[Heart12345]

Thanks Lesley, oooh it sounds painful Good luck and let us all know how you get on xx

[LesleyGB]

Thanks - my hernia support arrived today so I am pinning my hopes on that!