Has anyone experienced a hernia after surgery? I

[SaraL]

I had four weeks of abdominal pain, which I thought would be a recurrence of OC. It turns out to be a mild hernia. My response was 'Hurray! It's a hernia!' Am I being naive?

[ScottishMisty]

Sara, How spooky is you posting this query as I have only very recently been told I have a hernia - first diagnosis via abdominal U/S was epigastric? hernia but now been told it is an incisional hernia just at the top of my scar above my belly button. I also have got gallstones (unrelated) but the docs are not going to do anything with mine as the hernia is very small and causing me no discomfort - only discovered as I have been having strange bowel movements for 6 weeks and was sent for U/S to rule out anything sinister.

Like you I was glad it was only as hernia - the usual thoughts were flying thru my head once again but thankfully OC return has been ruled out for me.

Hoping your is as simple as mine and that they are going to leave well alone - do let me know hun.

Thinking of you and wishing you well,

Sheila:)X

[Jennie]

Hi Sara

Although I don't have oc I have had lots of abdominal surgery with peristomal hernia repairs 4 times in the last 7/8 years. My surgeon says that any abdominal surgery weakens the muscles that "holds us all together" so any further stress is possible to cause a tear or lesion that can, under certain circumstances, allow the bowel to pop through. I think it's more common than we realise but only causes problems if it strangulates. I'm sure you are being monitored so report anything you feel is different for you. Ask the physios if there are mild exercises you can do to help strengthen the muscles to hopefully stop a recurrence.

Good luck, Jennie

[bosue]

I also developed an incisional hernia after my hysterectomy, have s ince had surgery for a repair (it was very large) and all seems o.k now, am having chmo due to oc cancer.

[Hidden]

Hi Sara

I thought I was the only one. I had surgery last year for OC stage 4 and developed a surgical hernia. It gets quite uncomfortable by the end of the day. Just waiting for an operation to repair it. Been told it should be by the end of the year. However, bit scared of being cut open again, but vanity will prevail.

Take care

Chris x

[SaraL]

Thanks for your responses. It does make me think that this is a common problem. At least it is treatable and not life-threatening (?) like OC! I hope you people weren't on too much pain, though it seems that Jennie has had it particularly tough. Indeed, the idea of being cut open all over again is certainly not a pleasant thought, Chris. Good luck to you all. Sxx