Possible Incisional Hernia - Worried about repair

Lauren448 · January 22, 2009

Hi all... been a while since I posted. I've had my share of problems since LB surgery (11/18/08), including having NO RESTRICTION even after two fills (2 cc's each). I had the surgery so I wouldn't have to do this alone (and fail again); but that is what I have done for the past 2+ months and lost 28 lbs. w/out the help of the band. Hopefully, U of Penn team will put enough in on the next fill and I'll finally feel what restriction is like!

Anyway, from about a month or so after my surgery, I started to notice some pain on my right side -- about an inch or so next to my port incision. Then from time to time, I would feel a lump in this area. I tried to ignore it, as it would come and go or become less protuding over time. But this morning I felt severe pain in this area - even sharp pain - and noticed that the lump seemed very pronounced. After looking up the symptoms, it was pretty clear I might have an incisional hernia.. which is a hernia caused by the surgery. The abdominal wall becomes weakened next to a larger incision (port) and organs can pop through it. It's kind of scary because I don't know if any major organs, such as intestines, have come through, which could be a real problem if the blood supply gets cut off. I called the surgical team and the nurse practicioner said it does sound like a hernia and now I have to go in to see the surgeon for confirmation. I am SO UPSET over this; mostly because it would require yet another surgery to repair it. I can't really take any more time off of my job -- it's bad enough I have to travel from NJ to PA to get fills and for reg. Dr. appts., now I have to take yet another day off for diagnosis and God knows how much time should I require surgery. Not to mention the time all of this is taking out of my normal extracurricular activities. I'm so upset and would really like to know if any of you have gone through something similar and, if so, what was the surgical process and recovery time? In my heart of hearts, I just want to ignore it and pretend everything is OK, but I know I can't after this morning's episode. I was wondering also if there are any options to fix it non-surgically? It would be great to hear from someone regarding this issue. I feel like the lapband surgery had become a not so good idea and is causing residual post-op problems now.

Thanks for bearing with me through my whining....

Lori

luluc · January 22, 2009

hi - i should first say 28lbs in 2 months is a good thing, i didn't lose that till i was in month 6. second, don't self diagnose a hernia; have an endoscope to determine what kind if any hernia exists, and thirdly - don't ignore port pain of any kind.

i thought my protruding port and the pain around it was due to ab exercises through my trainer. not so, i had an epigastric hernia that was removed last wk, and a slight port sight infection was discovered & still being treated.

infections can lead to a number of issues, including erosion of the band/port. it needs to be addressed readily and swiftly to prevent further damage.

there are a host of reasons why / how a hernia develops - weightloss was the explanation i got for mine, and am currently in healing mode.

don't let work/physical location of dr stop you from getting a proper diagnoses. just my 2cents,

Lauren448 · January 23, 2009

Thanks for replying luluc. First let me clarify that I am not trying to diagnose myself. I just typed in and cross reference my symptoms and that came up. When I called the surgical team they said it indeed sounded like a hernia, but of course the Dr. will have to see me and do what is necessary to determine exactly what it is. So, next wed. I will find out more. The "lump" is about an inch or so next to my port, so I'm not sure about port infection, but I'm sure they will check everything. I am concerned about taking more time off of work, as I just took 2 weeks for the surgery in Nov. The economy is tough right now and without my job - and subsequent insurance - I can't address any medical issues. However, I know it will have to be taken care of according to the Dr.'s advice and of course I will follow that. I am just frustrated - between my own health issues, caring for a daughter with a disability and my job, finding time for ME becomes very difficult.

Also, to your comment about my weight loss - please understand I am not complaining about the AMOUNT of lbs. I lost; rather that I did it totally without the help of the band. After 2 fills, I have zero restriction and I really want and need to have some restriction soon in order to succeed. Again, that is why I got the surgery - for the help the band can provide.

Thanks again for your input. I'm glad they acted on your hernia quickly and your are in the healing process. I'll keep you posted as to what they find with me.

Lori