Hernia Forum - Chronic Pain from inguinal hernia surgeries for 3 years

Conditions and Diseases > Hernia Forum > Chronic Pain from inguinal hernia surgeries for 3 years

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Q: Chronic Pain from inguinal hernia surgeries for 3 years

asked by: anortega on June 22nd, 2009

New User

I need help!!! My boyfriend, Scott, has had 4 different surgeries that involved repairing multiple hernias, one mesh placed first, then 2 yrs later another mesh placed, cutting of nerves that were thought to be the cause of the pain.

He is getting worse. He use to be very active, sports, outdoors actvities, you name it. However, in the past two month he can't even laydown without feeling pain. The MRI showed swelling and mild osteoitis pubis.

The pain starts on his right side by his pelvic bone under the navel and radiates to his right testicle. swelling is noticible on and off.

Now he has been throwing up, either from the pain or medicine (but he is taking ranitidine and phenergan with pain meds.)He has been going to the urgent care for rehydration and pian management about 2-3 times a week.

His gen. surgeon's answer was to follow up with physician. Physician's answer was to follow up with urologist. Urologist's answer was to follow up with new gen. surgeon. New gen. surgeon's answer is now to follow up with other gen. surgeon who is specialized with hernias and "post scope".

We needs help...pronto! Any advice, please.

AMO

Replies(5)

Dr. Robert Wascher , MD

replied on June 23rd, 2009

Your boyfirend's chronic post-herniorrhaphy pain syndrome is likely to be very challenging to treat, based upon the history that you've provided. I would agree that seeing a surgeon with extensive and specialized experience in treating hernias (and their complications) is probably the best approach. If your primary physician has not already tried this approach, then you might ask him/her to put your boyfriend on an anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen or Naprosyn) and an antidepressant medication for a few months, and see if this offers him some relief (Neurontin is another medication that is commonly used for chronic pain syndromes).

I hope that your boyfirend can find some relief from his symptoms.

Sincerely. Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

http://doctorwascher.com

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roo747

replied on June 29th, 2009

New User

Check out the following link on what Dr Wascher called, post-herniorrhaphy pain syndrome...
I just had inguinal hernia repair with mesh last Monday - 7days ago. Yes it may be too early to gripe, but I had severe pain that started first behind the knee 2 days after surgery. Had a ultrasound done that day and blood clot ruled out. Doc advised 1 dose of 325mg Aspirin. Then at 4day point, additional pain above left knee cap, very tender to the touch. Yesterday, those pains went away. Today, I wake up with severe pain in the left foot - can't stand or barely walk. So back to Doc again today and probably another ultrasound.....

infoluke

replied on July 17th, 2009

New User

Anortega,

I have had 4 surgeries as well, and sitting in pain right now. The first one was in 03 to repair a hernia with mesh, the second was in 06 to transect nerve and remove scar tissue, the third was this february to remove scar tissue and finall in April of this year I decided to have the mesh removed. I will never have another surgery. I am believing in a miracle and will testify once fully healed. I know that the tissue around the incision area is damaged and will take time, possibly years. It's been 3 months without any narcotic pain medication and I really feel I should see a pain management specialist but I want to give this time. In the meanwhile I am taking Advil, which is barely touching it. I just wanted you to know that your husband is not alone.

angelb

replied on August 10th, 2009

New User

Post Hernia chronic Pain

My father has just undergone this same problem. He has been undergoing chronic pain since his hernia in November 08. Going on 8 months now. His pain is so bad that he has problems with day to day activities. After at least 30 trips to doctors and his final specialist today we found that it is not likely to go away. It is supposedly a 9-18% chance that this happens with all hernia opperations, and it seems that the doctors are not opening up and telling their patients this. It is caused from nerve damage and scar tissue, along with a couple other things I don't fully understand. Right now they are wanting him to see a pain management remedy, which is not an option for us. That is no way to live our lives. The pain is tremendous, and we are still searching for someone who can do something.
Will let you know if we find an answer to our prayers.

infoluke

replied on November 3rd, 2009

New User

Angelb,

I continue to have the same problems. I have yet to seek a pain management specialist. Though I am seriously considering it. Has your father had any good results from his pain? I am just praying the Lord heals me. After 4 surgeries and what has been nerve and scar tissue dealings, I must say that I will never have that area worked on again. It throbs every day. I never knew my life would be faced with this.

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