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Hernia surgery

1986reese profile image
12 Replies

After ovarian surgery, has anyone suffered from hernias and had to have surgery for one or more. I've have 4, one repaired during cancer surgery and 3 other single repairs.

Also what was used, mesh or other

Solutions? Thanks

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1986reese profile image
1986reese
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12 Replies
Jaimee profile image
Jaimee

Me! But only on first one. Started small right after hyster. in June and now it’s my entire right side. Couldn’t operate sooner because chemo. Surgeon will use mesh. She told me it’s the same recovery as hyster. - which was terrible for me. They can’t do it lapro b/c of size

Do yours keep coming undone? How big are they?

1986reese profile image
1986reese in reply to Jaimee

The first came undone, which put me in hospital twice , 7 days then back 8 days, antibodies for about 45 days. Didn't know what infection was until I had surgery for another hernia. Surgeon said there was a ball of mesh , didn't admit it was from repair he did, just said it was ther. I deduced that was what had made me so sick. First hernia was repaired when my spleen was removed due to recurrence of cancer, hugh surgery. That one was lower left side, second was near the waist and was large before I had surgery and the mesh ball removed. I think that one did come loose as it wasn't long before I had another. Used another surgeon, but even after that I had to have another repaired , so I feel like my entire tummy area is mesh. I wonder if mesh is the best way to repair. I've heard of other procedures, but don't really know what they are. Also, I wonder if others may develop under this mesh and they won't be felt. Sorry so long.

If I had it to do over I would intervestigate other procedure.

Jaimee profile image
Jaimee in reply to 1986reese

From what I can find, mesh is best for very large hernias. Mine is huge. What was your recovery like? Starting to get so afraid

1986reese profile image
1986reese in reply to Jaimee

The first two did. Third one

Doc placed a large mesh and was perplexed when I showed up with another one. He thought it must have been just below where he had repaired previous one.

Sometimes I feel like something is sticking me in various places.

Have any of that?

Carmi profile image
Carmi

Hi,

My sister had Ovarian Cancer.I’m on this site because I need to stay connected to the Ovarian Cancer community.I was with her every step of the way. She was an amazing lady.My sister developed a very large hernia after her first debunking surgery.She did have a hernia repair with mesh.The surgeon left a sponge in her after surgery, so she was on antibiotics for a long time, due to infection.Also, just in general the recuperation process was very long.This hernia repair did then do well for awhile.The mesh did then become undone.Of course, we did move on to another doctor/surgeon.At this point my sister was continuously releasing fluid through her navel, which was from the mesh.Second surgeon felt that the mesh was infected, and it had to be removed.This was a 6 hour surgery, because the mesh at some point becomes entertwined with the organs.(Hernia was right in the middle of her abdomen).A biodegradable mesh was used after this surgery.This is only temporary, because it gets re absorbed into the body.Within a year she had to have another hernia repair with another mesh.This was again another very big surgery.It came with many complications,infections .My sister continuously said,”this hernia has given me more problems and heartache than the cancer”.

Please investigate the different possible meshes that can be used to repair your hernia(s), and which mesh might have a better outcome.Also, as we all know your doctor is key.have heard of a number of women who have developed hernias after OC surgery, but I have also heard of people in general developing hernias after surgery.It isn’t an uncommon problem.

I wish you luck, and all of the OC women are always in my thoughts and prayers.

Sending you good positive energy.

1986reese profile image
1986reese in reply to Carmi

Thanks . That gives me things to think about. Never knew hernias would result from surgery. So much you only learn as you go along . Can be very frustrating .

Carmi profile image
Carmi in reply to 1986reese

Yes you do keep learning as you go along, but that’s a good thing.Keep asking questions, and investigate as much as you can.I wish you well.

GwenHP profile image
GwenHP

I’ve had two hernia repair surgeries. The first was done laparoscopically with a mesh placed on the inside of my abdominal way. Unfortunately they had to cut through it when I had my second debulking surgery for a recurrence about 6 months later. The second repair required a much more extensive surgery. That time I waited until it was affecting my quality of life. The hernia(s) were huge. My abdominal wall was like Swiss cheese.

1986reese profile image
1986reese in reply to GwenHP

Mine were large, too, and I waited as long as possible.

Carmi profile image
Carmi

The doctor who did my sister’s last hernia repair felt that the original mesh came undone because of several”second look” surgeries that she had When the second looks were done.The surgeon who did the second looks went through the mesh.Whatever mesh is decided upon, needs to be considered if any further gynecological surgery is required.How would it be handled?Important question for the surgeon/s.

Stay strong

malaang profile image
malaang

My mother currently has hernia and she has mesothelioma peritoneal. My mom had surgery and per doctor, Dr. removed 98% of her tumors, but within two months her cancer got worse and spread.

Also, after a few months, she had a bump on lower belly and that was due to hernia. She had a couple round of chemo and trail drug and none worked on her. last week, her doctor told to just go home and enjoy your life because you got 6 months to live.

Her hernia is so big now that she hardly sit or move. Dr. does not want to operate on her because of her cancer and the surgery that she had. To make it short, we are desperately trying to find other doctor who might do something because I believe the six month time is just a bogus and I believe if we can find the right doctor, we may save our mom. I am looking for someone who may have similar disease and similar situation to help or guide us. Please help. Thanks.

Steitlk profile image
Steitlk

My hernia doctor was totally against using mesh when one has cancer. He said there is too great a chance the cancer will grow into it. So he used the old fashioned tried and tried method.

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