I think hernia surgery failed!!

I am almost 3 weeks out from hernia surgery, and guess what? It's back! It was huge before (about basketball size) and it seems pretty big now, only not as soft. I am so diappointed. I did not do anything to cause stress to it and had felt great since surgery. I have not even gone back to work yet! Over the last week, though, I felt a burning type of pain when I stood up, or sat down or reached for something. Here's the thing.....I feel like I was cheated at the hospital. My surgery was scheduled for 1/31. I went all the way to Boston for the surgery, only to be told that the surgeon had an emergency, but I should come back the next day around noon and he would fit me it. So, the next day, I got there at noon, and they immediately brought me to pre-op and right into OR, which was great, but obviously rushed. The surgeon told me he was going to use mesh, then while I was in recovery, he went and spoke to my boyfriend and said he just sutured the hernia because it "really wasn't that big, suturing should be fine without mesh." I was told before the surgery that he always uses mesh in hernia repair, unless the repair is done at the same time as bypass because of gastic fluids. So, now, I think it's back. I go to see him Thursday. Uggghhh. Although I really don't mind missing more work, I hope they can schedule me ASAP. The upside it that I also have a consult Thursday for tubal ligation reversal, and if they could do both at the same time, that would be great. My insurance would pick up the hospital charge, since tubal rerversal is an out of pocket expense, generally about $10,000. Well, wish me luck on Thursday! Oh, and I have more new pictures. Although I believe my surgery was a failure, as you can see, I still look fabulous! Carrie

Carrie Sweetie, I am so sorry to hear that you think your hernia is back. I know what it is like to have one. I have had one in the same area 7 times. I have my 7th one now. But I am trying to wait until after surgery to lose some weight before I try and get it repaired. My Dr. sounds about as absent minded as your Dr does. I went into surgery at 7am and the Dr. told my hubby that it would take approx 1 to 2 MAX hours for surgery. Afterwards he would come out and talk to my hubby and let him know how it went. Well needless to say after my surgery he went directly to his office. And noone came out to talk to my hubby about me until after 2 that afternoon. I was back in recovery all that time in and out of it. Wondering where my hubby was. And he was totally freaking out in the waiting room. He called the recovery room and everything but they wouldnt tell him anything. Except that he need to speak to the Dr. that did the surgery. Well after all afternoon wondering the Dr. popped back in to check on me and mumbled his apolgies to me and hubby. I thought my DH was gonna come across the bed after him. He told us both that he put in a 3 X 5 mesh to support the incession. Well 3 month later I was back to him for my 6th hernia and while I was in his office he told us that he never put any mesh in. So that is why I am waiting with this one is cause I swore I would die first before I would let him do anymore of my surgerys. So I can relate with you. I will keep you in my prayers tho that hopefully it isnt back. Please keep us posted on how you are doing tho okay?? Take Care Melissa

Melissa, Thanks for your story! I can't imagine having it done 7 times! My first hernia from c-section was repaired with just sutures, and no problem at all. This one is right under my belly button. I am confident he will do it right this time. I really like him and trust him, and I don't want to go looking for another surgeon. Carrie

Hey Carrie((((((((((((((BIG HUG)))))))))))) Sorry to hear about your belly troubles. Hope they get it figured out! You look beautiful...........you must be sooooooooooooooooooooooo proud!!! willby

Willby, Thanks for the good wishes. Truth be told, the hernia repair was so easy, and I am not at all worried about having it done again, as taht is more time home from work! I just hope they can do it relatively quickly. I don't want to go back to work, and then go out again. They are going to lose patience with me! And, thanks for the compliment! I still feel pretty creepy, and not real happy with the way I look, especially from the wait to hips. Ugggghhhh! That has always been my problem area anyway. Thanks! Carrie

Carrie, I'm sorry this happened to you! It is so hard recovering from 2 surgeries that are close together. I hope they can do the tubal ligation reversal at the same time, not just for the money, but, also for the recovery time. You do look fabulous! Way to go, girl! Lori