Petersen's Hernia - Recovery time frame?

mrs_smith_canada
on 4/7/16 4:02 pm

hello all, 

Just a quick post to get some feedback from anyone who has had a petersen's heria repair.... 

I had an emergency repair last Wednesday and spent 7 days in hospital with some complications related to abdominal swelling (I had gone into hospital at 143 and came out at 177, I looked like a pregnant lady! all surrounded in my belly.

I got off all the pain med's on Sunday (because they do slow the bowel and slow recovery overall) and have been walking a little bit each day (prior to my surgery I was in the gym training with heavy weights for 85min's 6 days a week), so not being able to walk far and having no energy not to mention huge puffy belly is super depressing).  

I'm eating the bland diet because I have had diarrhea for several days (apparently this is not too uncommon). 

My question is, has anyone had this surgery? how long did the diarrhea last for? how long did it take to get back to you're regular fitness/self? were you ever told what cause this hernia? could it be weight lifting related? 

I recognize every patient experience is going to be different but any input would be helpful. 

Thanks! Have a good day! 

07-01-2011 SW 311 LBS

WEIGHT LOSS PRE-SURGERY 37 LBS

SURGERY DATE 10-06-2011 274 LBS 

GOAL WEIGHT 145 

CW 143 

H.A.L.A B.
on 4/8/16 4:44 am

Sorry.. Mine was very easy.. In an about the hospital within a few hours... But.. The surgery did not fix it for good and I needed another one within a year.. 

The second one worked .. But I really took time to recover and took it easy for a few weeks.  

If runs continue - call the doc and get it checked. 

Your complications - it may take a few weeks for the swelling to go down. Walking is your best exercise. Napping as you need... Lots of fluids... 

Best luck..

 

Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG

"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"

"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."

Daisydoo02
on 4/8/16 7:53 am - GTA, Ontario, Canada
RNY on 11/15/13

Hi, just wanted to say good luck on your recovery!  I have not had any problems or hernia's but just wanted to wish you all the best and hope you are back to the best of health soon!

Take care,

Daisy

Daisy 5'5" HW: 290 SW: 254 CW: 120

Nov 15, 2013: RNY - Toronto Western Hospital, Nov 2, 2017: Gallbladder removal & hernia repair

Sept 7, 2023: three +1 hernia's repaired in bowel

10+ years post op, living & loving life!

Ashley in Belgium
on 4/8/16 8:20 am - Belgium
RNY on 08/08/13

I had an internal hernia repaired during exploratory surgery a year ago.  It wasn't in the Petersens Space but was just to the left of my navel.  I had significant complications and it took me three months to heal and be OK.  I am still not 100% though I don't expect to be at this point.  This is just my new normal, which for me means no gym, no weights, no lifting or pushing or pulling.  Ever.  

I think that because hernia repair surgery (of all kinds) is fairly common, the pain and recovery time can be down played by medical professionals and while I know of plenty folks who do recover quickly without issue, there are just as many who don't.  I spent 9 months on bed rest after a triple hernia repair and TT with complications resulting in the internal hernia.  When I went in for the pre-op appointment they told me 3 weeks recovery then 3 more weeks of light to normal exercise.  I am a gross exception  but it does happen!

You should speak with your doctor about why he thinks you personally got this type of hernia.  I could make a guess but I am not a doctor and it is only speculation on my part which isn't helpful to you.  I suggest you rest, walk and drink.  And then rest some more.  It is major surgery and you need to give yourself time to heal.  Make sure you are keeping up with your supplements, especially iron and B12 to help you feel more energetic.  

Hope this is just a blip for you and that your real recovery begins sooner rather than later!  Good luck.

 

Revision Band to RNY 8/8/13 5'4" HW 252 Lbs / SW 236 Lb / GW 135 lb / CW 127

Kathyjs
on 4/9/16 5:20 pm

All three of my hernias were from lifting.

mrs_smith_canada
on 4/12/16 6:50 am

Thank you for the feedback  - I have done a lot of research into this and can hardly find anything to compare as to what's happening with my belly and non stop diarrhea - I can't eat anything or drink anything other than water. 

I have a doctor appointment today, hopefully ill be able to get a referral to a specialist of some sort who can figure out what's happening... 

07-01-2011 SW 311 LBS

WEIGHT LOSS PRE-SURGERY 37 LBS

SURGERY DATE 10-06-2011 274 LBS 

GOAL WEIGHT 145 

CW 143 

Verobanuelos
on 2/12/18 8:33 pm

Hi there I recently got released from the hospital after having surgery for hernia repair Petersons defect I am bariatric patient 11 years postop and I too am going through a lot of diarrhea and a lot of pain and I just wanted to know if you can give me some more information on how my recovery will call I recently had my surgery on January 31 and I got out of the hospital seven days later as well any information you can give me would help greatly thanks !

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