Hernia Repair: Secrets Patients Should Know
Mar 1st, 2012 | By Jane Akre | Category: Medical News
Synthetic Hernia Mesh, WikiCommons, author: droftcm
The Wall Street Journal’s Laura Landro writes about hernia repair and the secret patients should understand before undergoing the operation. The secret appears to be that hernia repair, one of the most common surgeries, carries a high risk of chronic pain after surgery – 30% of patients have restricted movement and chronic pain that can last a long time.
A hernia is the bulging of the intestine or fat that pushes its way through a weak area in the abdominal wall. A number of patients choose watchful waiting but that can result in an emergency surgery which carries additional risks if the intestine is strangled after punching through the wall.
The fact that hernia surgery carries a risk of pain and other complications is not news to MDND readers. See MDND Patient Profiles of Jeff Silverman (here) who still suffers the pain from mesh because the removal threatens severe complications.
Patient Hal Samples still suffers nerve pain even after mesh removal. See his story here.
Sheri Ragan suffered complications from two types of mesh, one synthetic, the other a biological mesh that was used off-label. Her story is here.
An MDND story, Hernia from Hell talks about an extreme hernia mass that was treated by a Sarasota, Florida doctor with biologic mesh made from cadavers rather than synthetic polypropylene mesh that can carries a higher risk of infection and can migrate within the body.
The article says there are more than one million hernia surgeries a year, the majority are located in the groin area and are called inguinal hernias. Men and women, even children can be affected, but men are the majority of hernia patients.
One patient profiled in the WSJ story, a 27-year-old from Virginia, couldn’t walk and experienced stabbing pain after his hernia plug and patch technique. He tells the WSJ that the risk of postoperative pain was not discussed. In his case, the mesh plug had partially detached and was producing the pains. He had three surgeries to remove the mesh which was entangled with nerves.
Quoted in the story is Dr. B.Tom Heniford, head of the American Hernia Society, who says patients need to be informed of all the risks versus benefits of synthetic surgical mesh for hernia repair. “This is not a 100% benign procedure,” he says.
Recall
On July 6, 2011 plaintiffs injured by the Composix Kugel Mesh hernia patch made by C. R. Bard received an offer for a $184 million settlement in 2,600 claims, most of those outstanding over the faulty hernia patch. The amount was negotiated with more than 100 law firms around the country representing plaintiffs who had suffered the effects of a broken plastic ring or defective mesh including infection, bowel perforation, fistulas, even death.C.R. Bard subsidiary Davol Inc. is based in Warwick, Rhode Island and manufactured the Kugel.
Patients have Two Choices
LAPAROSCOPIC SURGERY
A small video camera is inserted through small incisions in the abdominal wall. The cavity is inflated with carbon dioxide and the surgeon can pull the hernia back into place securing it with mesh and staples or tacks and glue. Recovery time can be one or two weeks but there is a risk of infection. Because general anesthesia is used the procedure may be more expensive than open surgery.
OPEN SURGERY
After making an incision in the groin by the surgeon, the hernia is pushed back into place and the abdominal muscle wall is stitched together if the muscle is healthy or by sewing in mesh patches if the area is weak. This technique is recommended for children, but without mesh. The infection rate and risk of nerve injury is higher. The procedure can be done with a local anesthesia and sedation.
In 2006, I was diagnosed having with having a large endometrioma grown into my abdominal wall. The tumor needed to be removed and a large hernia was created in my lower pelvis. In 2007 my first major surgery happened as a result of this. The endometrioma was removed, along with the lower rectus muscles. An implant of “Proceed” mesh was placed to hold my pelvis together. My abdomen constantly felt full. The itching and the burning never went away. In September of 07, I had another surgery as the first implant did not hold. POP happened, and I was miserable. My bowel hung out of one side from my pelvis. It was disgusting and embarrassing. Two layers of mesh were implanted. Dual Mesh Plus and Ultra Pro Mesh. Angioplasty was performed due to the deformity of my lower pelvis from the past surgeries. I can remember that surgery being very hard to get through. I’m not sure if the burning pain, I felt when I woke up from the surgery was from the angioplasty or the actual meshes. The pain eventually subdued but, for the most part the burning was still present. 11/08 I was seen again for POP, the meshes came apart. The Dual Mesh was taken out completely. In 2010, Dr. Paulson and Rodrigues worked together to find a way to re-build my lower abdominal wall and pelvic floor to try and stop the recurrence of POP. Permacol mesh was placed and Ultro-Pro mesh was left in place. After, the surgery, both meshes were lying flat and they were intact. July of 2011, I feel a sharp Pop in my abdomen and my lower pelvic begins to swell and the pain is hard to bear. All of the meshes have felt like permanent rug burns from the inside that have been unable to heal. August 2011, another C-Scan reveals a large seroma. There is an open wound this time in my lower pelvic area. After several, in office debridement attempts, and out- patient surgery is performed Nov.2011. The findings are that a small area of the mesh was rolled up and it was excised. A suture was attached to nothing, so it was removed. Again, thinking that this was the root of the problem, the procedure was completed. It is now March and the hole that started in July is still present. The mesh feels tight and hurts all of the time/ My surgeon is hopeful that the wound is closing slowly but, only time will tell. SHe has reccommended that we possibly take out the mesh but, it is risky. This wound continues to drain fluid every day. It has been very frustrating not only for me but, for my family. I was never told of the recurrences, and other problems any pelvic mesh could cause. Since 2006, I have been in and out of the hospital more times than I can even count. I have missed much time with my kids, lost my job not once but, twice due to the pain and suffering the meshes have caused.
Naomi, did they use Ethicon Pro-Plus Mesh for your hernia? My niece is having similar problems to yours.
yeah what if the doctor doesnt tell the specifics of what meshing was put in you just says he had to use wire meshing because the intestinal walls were weak?
No statue of limitations. Doesn’t work. There was a case in texas that proved the following:
How can a patient with no medical experience diagnosis that all health problems are related to a past problem with a devise known as a mesh.
No date on this until there is diagnosis.
a perfix plug was used to repair an abdomen trauma and right inguinal hernia12/11/2008 as result of the trauma ever since I have had nothing bbut excruciating pain I lost my $90,000 per year job and remain off work today having seen doctors for pain in and around my incision spreading am getting pain injections every 2 – 3months in my abdomen and on opiate drugs and others ms contin 30mg. Norco 10-325mg neurontin 400mg lisinopril 20mg ambien 10mg alavert d prevacid 30mg cymbalta 60 mg most days Are a blur and some I cannot hardly move at all I remain disabled today
You bring up an excellent point- what is the cost when mesh goes wrong, very wrong? Loss of jobs, disability, pain meds, Medicare, Medicaid…. it’s more than a little inconvenience or “manageable” as so many will agree….
Its been 11 months and my husband is still suffering. One implant, one removal, one more implant and a massive infection which nearly took his life. now needs a third very difficult surgery to remove the second implant. Loss of over 96,000 a year income form our business, loss of life as he knew it, constant pain. Its not a pretty picture. Started with a small reducible hernia, and is now in irreducible hernia. had the mesh worked the first time and not caused such a significant foreign body reaction and had it healed like the manufacturer had stated that it would in all of its online publication on its wonderful product, my husband would be back to normal. Had we known ahead of time how to research and even that we had reason to research the mesh, we would ahve gone a different direction. Its too late now.
Your story sounds alot like ours.My husband had a hernia repair May 9, 2012 went back to work late June and went back off September 4th. He has been in extreme pain ever since, hes lost his wages and no surgeon wants to touch him because they dont want to be responsible! Almost a year later and he still cant even lift his kids or play any games with them!
If you need revision surgery due to chronic groin pain, likely related to a hernia repair – you need to reach out to Dr Bruce Ramshaw in Daytona, Fl. He does this surgery on a regular basis. If he is too far from you, I would ask his office for the other 4 or 5 top “hernia revision” surgeons across the US. Bruce is the 2013 President of the American Hernia Society, and should be able to make a professional recommendation.
Most hernia surgeons do not do revision surgery as it is more difficult, may not work and requires extraordinary surgical skills with years of practice doing nothing but hernias.
Do yourself or your loved one a favor. Take the time to find (and perhaps wait to be seen), so that you or they have the best possible opportunity for a good outcome.
Lastly, as a patient of Dr Ramshaw, I can tell you he is very straight up about how long complete healing (and maximum pain relief) take. This is not a one or two week recovery. It takes as long as 6 months, which while hard to hear, is better than being disappointed. Mesh (good mesh, properly done), is still a foreign body and as such takes time to be accepted and incorporated into the body.
Good luck!
Oh, 6 months does not mean you cannot work all that time. I am at 6 weeks and working a few hours each day, trying to walk at least a 1/2 mile a day. Pretty good when I was completely on my back, only 6 weeks ago.
Although, I have previously spoken with two legal offices, I was told that my case was not the type of mesh in question or that the statute of limitations was over. ( I had heard that in the 90′s also.).
It is a very long painful story, but a brief synopsis is:
I had a right inguinal hernia repair, with marlex mesh, in 1994, after which I suffered bradycardia. This was followed by a hysterectomy(1996), nerve transection (1995), multiple nerve blocks, and mesh removal(1996,Pathological results stated that there was a giant cell reaction to the mesh).There was another surgeryin 1999. Constant , continuous bladder and neuritis issues still exist.
Originally, the surgeon told me had never had a problem with the mesh.before. ( Before what? Before I woke up from surgery and they were CODING me? )Subsequent coversations within a few weeks were statments that he only had a problem with 2 men and that only 5 percent of the population has a problem.
My gynecologist had another patient who had the mesh and he sent both of us to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
At the UMDNJ , there was another woman with mesh issues.
HOW, is it statistically probable for all of these individuals to be treated by medical professionals that I was seeing? Can we all be in the 5 % of mesh problems? Can we all live in NJ?There must be more of us.
Final mesh removal was done at Mt. Sinai in NYC, where I asked the surgeon “how many mesh removals” he had performed and was shocked by the numbers.
Hopefully, this will come to a head soon due to the advocacy.
Kathy- I’d love to talk to you further about your story! jane a.
Kathy, I’m interested to know what surgeon removed your hernia mesh and if you were happy with that surgeon, and how your results were. Or, if anyone out there reading this has had mesh removed, I’d very mush like to know how it went as I am considering it myself. My email is edentess@gmail.com. Thanks.
I’m having surgery next week at Mt Sinai. Who was the doctor that you were happy with. I hope it’s the same doctor.
If someone knows a surgeon in canada please contact me! My husband has had non stop problems for almost a year and has chronic pain after his hernia repair and every surgeon we see will not help him
I am also having alot of pain, I went back to the surgen, a recomendation of Schouldice. and she was arrogant telling me it is not possible that she or the surgery caused it, I had to argue with her to take it out and she booked my surgery, but withing 6 hours she has already bumped me back more then a month. she was very upset that I get a second and third opinion.
No one told me of the risks before, wish they had of I never would have had it done by anyone else but schouldice clinic.
Hi My husband had inguinal hernia repaired with mesh in 2007 had pain since
finally by accident found Dr. Bohnen at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto Ontario he successfully removed the mesh and plug in October , 2012 if you would like more info contact c.rouse150@yahoo.ca
Hi My husband had inguinal hernia repaired with mesh in 2007 had pain since
finally by accident found Dr. Bohnen at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto Ontario he successfully removed the mesh and plug in October , 2012 if you would like more info contact c.rouse150@yahoo.ca
The health industry, FDA, and the insurance industries are all a big joke. It is well documented by now by the numerous complications yet not one of them is stepping to the plate to stop the mesh. They are all making money off of our misery and misfortune of being victims in their game. If this isn’t cruel and unusual punishment I don’t know what is! More people are being killed and injured in hospitals than from guns on the streets; yet, no one is trying to stop it or warn the patients of the problems. Instead they are trying hard to keep it silent. It is simply a crime what is happening today. Yet, they ask if we want help to quit smoking because of being hazardous to our health. I lost my right testicle in less than a year after the hernia operation and nothing yet after 30 years of smoking. does this put it in perspective? Not to mention in pain and can’t work. Need more convincing read some of the horror stories and the shame , rejection and blame the patients suffer from the professionals who swore to help and save lives as part of their creed. This is what to expect more from health care after it is government owned and run. Is this what we the people want??? Think it over real good!!!
I am behind you 100 percent. I was a living liver donor ten years ago, had two follow-up operations for incisional hernias and had mesh implanted. Have been in pain, take medication daily, can’t do anything physical even so much as picking up a 20 lb child aggravates it. Every meal aggravates it. And the surgeons actually were blaming me for the infection I got after the first operation and for the hernias. They do not want to know you after they receive all the insurance money. They will not admit about adhesions, scarring tissue, and mesh and how that affects nerve endings, etc. the big lie — every operation causes adhesions which in turn can cause problems especially if it is an abdominal operation. Nothing at all was said about this before or after the operation even when I asked them. Bad karma for them. And there is one NY hospital tranplant team that is always advertising on any internet site dealing with transplants. Shame on them. Over 100,000 “reported” accidental deaths happen every year in U.S. hospitals. Almost twice the number of deaths from the Vietnam War. And this is only what they admit to — how many more are they responsible for that they cover up? Ever try to get medical records? They make it impossible. And if you do, you see the notes are so heavily edited and biased and omit many things that happened. Good luck to you, friend.
Hey Wayne, You are 110% right on with each and every word you said !! I was prepped, attached to machines and had IV’s in when the Doctor walked into the operating room and the last thing I remember him saying, right before being put under, was “This won’t get rid of your pain but will make you feel better BUT that pain is going to be a HARD NUT TO CRACK !!! The pain was what made me go to him in the first place so…wasn’t that a fine thing to say just as he gave the signal to put me out ???? M-O-N-E-Y is the one and only thing Doctors care about…FORGET that Hippocratic oath they swore to !! I still live in pain 24/7 but I have never been back to a Doctor for it sice that day, didn’t even go back for my check ups !!
Why can we not follow the UK and sue theFDA? We need a remedy fir our lost lives.I am bedridden with 19+ pain…I have had RSd Since 84 which I had learned to live withhad 3 back surgeries,3 sympathetomies,knee has been end stage arthritis for 12 years ,move to desert for a stabile climate…start bleeding @time of 5+ years into menopause cant find anything except pain under pain pump put in 20 years ago and tiny fat trapped hernia same level as pump .maybe it is incarcerated.it is 1×1 inch..I go to surgery @ 200# b/p. 110/70 no problem until 21/12 ears later. I am really sick end up in Er with b/p 210/107 cannot touch my belly…I had felt a pop that day and thought I had ruptured thesmall sweling I could see where the hernia hab been and had been sick for @2 months had no medigap,so was praying for all to resolve..Not to be the 1st question ER doc says do you have mesh?I had no idea was never told about mesh and still did not find out until May that I had mesh.I got HMO in Jan and started with belly stabbing..they were worried about my b/p..since it keeps going up,had ovaries checked colonoscopy could not poo or pass gas for @6 months would have to use mom every week eat like a vegan,gave up glutens,added metamucil 2x a day got my bpwels to move by giving up pain meds which is oxycodone 30mg,8 a day but pain is in low belly where it bends. I am a hostage of pain ..if my belly is too empty or lose weight the stabbing is worse.I am 25# lighter than surgery gave up salt and dairy and still b/p keeps going up…Dr just took it so I asked him if I could be rejecting the mesh…he says it can happen but he is new so has no idea what Rsd/crps is. He is @65..this is a small community and all docs know each other and use same famous nonprofit hospital..new neighbor moves in in a wheelchair,she just came out of hospice..had 3h/a and strokes gangreen in both legs and had her mesh removed for the 1st time 2 years before mine was put in,she has constant bowel blockages and just got out of ICU where they took out another portion or bowel and more mesh which her doc described as chewing gum..she’s 54. They just found another piece of wadded up mesh under her boobs..She is not as concerned about taking care of herself as how much sympathy and drugs. She has state paid medical so pay zero..but somehow she is getting terrific care? Very frustrating as she had no clue mesh has caused al her problems. She is the reason I see my future is bleak..the rsd has moved to face which is constant burning any hissing in ears..no relief for this..do not sleep constant bladder problems,infection, and only doc that will address problem is PA at pain doc office. He used to work with naturopath so understands the rejection process and says you know that stuff has to come out…No doc has acknowledged that I have mesh and I get blank looks from anyone in medical field about the mesh. Suspect the surgeon that put it I is going to retire after finding that @so far @ 30% reject after 3 years or upon- waking.Giant moneymaker for docs,hospitals, and Bard. My piece of mesh
cost @1_2,000 dollars and was 4×5″ which means the doctor had to cut it to that size he is not in online store..I am really surprised the hospital has not banned all meshes..or maybe the removal is so rewarding to there bottom line that they are holding their tongue. I a hoping this is not true but since minkas care has probably cost 20 million by now paid for by state. Her parents are from Germany so they do not know this was caused by the medical and drug Co andFDA..anyone feel good enough to draft a petition .useUK as a template…if I could stand up I would I can make phone calls that’s just sad. I was very active before this lived as caregiver/chef for a wealthy widower..at the end of 3 years I was getting miserable walking on marble floors…and He would not let me leave though I was paying rent for26 months before he lost his house and masons took care of him.got the hrnia while being treated like a slave. No pay…that is how People are treated Inca..igf they can get it by stealing it or lying…Do not ever take anyone at face value.I a from the Midwest and we knew who to avoid..so few out here it is like the wild west..been robbed so many times by people paid to help it is just sad…I am now wary of everyone and need to go back to Mi to get health insurance since none available to me due to medical problems..and that is why they are all acting like they never heard of mesh…HMO and doc do not want the problems since my new doc never heard of rsd..does not give SOMA or Xanax..he would if his body was rejecting mesh..any advice. Thanks for putting this sight together..D
Hi Debra. My name is Joe. I’m compiling info for my wife who had a mesh procedure done in Nov. 2010 and is still in pain from that surgery, the colon resection (successfull) of March 2010, and the massive clots or scar tissue remaining from the surgical drains. She was also severely burned by Flector pain patches and the hosp. where she had this done in Central wisconsin basically shrugs their shoulders and says they can’t cure her pain, only manage it the rest of her life. She essentially needs to talk with like minded victims as she no longer does much of what she used to do prior to this surgery. They even sent her to a pain clinic and enticed her with the possibility of nerve blocks yet refused unless she went through 6 moths to a year of “pain treatments” and see if they would work or fail. Seems to me they should just cut to the chase and block the offending nerve endings. It’s not just one issue though as there are layered pain issues all from thie single surgery. I wish you luck and maybe once Trump and a few politicians and Presidents have this done we’ll get some real action but should you find of either a doctor or lawyer to force action let my wife, Marcie, know @ grigasster@gmail.com. Hope to hear back and God bless…..
Kathy-
Who was the surgeon who removed your mesh at Mt. Sinai and how are you now, after it has been removed? I’m curious because my husband has been in chronic pain for the past two years and a dr. in California says that the mesh should come out. We’re trying to find a great surgeon to perform this operation. But I’m so scared that there are going to be bad results from this, as well.
Sincerely,
Liz
My heart and prayers are with you all.
I to am suffering from the mesh. In December 2006 I was admitted to the hospital for surgery for hernia repair. I want to first include the many many times I had gone to the er for my pain but was turned away because medicaid dropped me.
Continuing this story after I returned home my surgery of having the mesh implant I was experiencing the most unbeleivable pain no words can describe. After many atempts going back to the er I was finally admitted because of evidence of an infection at the site of a ventral incisional hernia repair.
Initial treatment had been debridement of the wound with the insertion of a wound vacuum-assisted closure (vac), but when I returned to the emergency room an abdominal ultrasound showed the presence of infection deep to the mesh. I was taken back to the operating room and the mesh was removed. While recovering from this procedure I developed signs and symptoms of complete bowel obstruction and was taken again back to the er. While recovering from this problem I developed respiratory failure and was transferred to the intensive care unit for about 2weeks. I then exeperinced a new pain and was back to the operating room for removal of my gallblader which gang green (not sure how to spell that word). had set in to be removed.
You poor thing. How are you feeling today? What are they doing for you at this point?
Has anyone had Ethicon Pro-Plus Mesh used for hernia repair? My niece is having serious medical complications from it and can’t find a doctor who will help her. She has fistula’s in the bladder and intestines. As a result has lost over 50 lbs, is unable to walk, hasn’t been able to eat for the past two months. I’m really afraid she’s not going to make it if she doesn’t get help. She’s 31 yrs old and a single Mom with four children under the age of 10.
Peggy- thanks for writing. Bruce Rosenberg of The Meshoma Foundation is as great resource for hernia injuries… he himself is a victim. Reach him at 945-701-5094. He has helped many people!
So sorry to hear of your ordeal. Why won’t any Doctors see her? Also, she sounds like she is in an emergency state. Why not take her to emergency room? They would have to help her there.
Peggy, How is your niece doing. I can’t stop thinking about her. Did you find someone to help her?
Starla
On June 19 I got really sick and had to go to the emergency room. A CT scan showed scar tissue had wrapped around my intestine and part of my hernia mesh from one of my previous surgeries. I had to have surgery the following day. Everything went ok but it was a lengthy surgery and a bigger mesh had to be put in where the older smaller one was taken out. I wasn’t healing quite well and developed a seroma (fluid build up) in my abdomen. Another trip to the hospital and they drained 1 ½ liters of fluid off of me. A drainage tube was placed and sewn into my stomach July 24th. This whole time my incision wasn’t healing very well and a small part of it wasn’t completely closing. After about a week and a half of babying that, I started to run a fever. Back to the hospital I went. This time they admitted me. That was Aug. 3rd. After another CT scan showed a infection pocket they inserted another drain on the opposite side of my stomach. I had to wait 3 days for cultures of the fluid to come back to rule out MRSA or Staph. Thank goodness it was another bacteria. I was placed on heavy duty antibiotics right from the start of my being admitted but then they put me on another med and now I’m on Flagyl. I was in the hospital for 11 days. I was released on Monday the 13th. Too well to stay in the hospital but I still have a lot going on. While in the hospital I had to have a pic-line place in my arm to run the antibiotics. I came home still having to pack my incision with 22” of ¼” medical ribbon, 2 drain bags still draining and I’m having to run IV meds here at home for 2 more weeks. My insurance allows a visiting nurse 2 times a week who showed me how to do everything. But we are having to foot the bill ourselves for the meds and supplies. $90 dollars a day. Been doing it for 6 weeks now. You do the math. The infection is on the hernia mesh and that is why so much IV antibiotics. They are doing all they can to not have to take the mesh out. That would mean another lengthy surgery. And I’m told a serious surgery too. I have been homebound since I was released from the hospital since I am still nursing all this stuff. I’ve had drainbags removed and put back in twice as this seroma keeps coming back. I’ve also had 7 CT scans total. I will be on the IV meds (antibiotics) until the end of Sept. or until my seroma stops and I can have this drain out. Just have one in now. My doctors believe the infection is under control as cultures show nothing growing in the serous fluid. I am hopeful I can keep the mesh in. No pain, only at the draintube sight. How long can these seromas last? Anyone experience these? Is it because my body is rejecting the mesh? Only putting out 25-30 cc a day. They won’t pull it until it’s zero output. Sick of being poked and stabbed like you all. Would love to have my life back. Feel free to email me ktltel@yahoo.com
I had ruptured diverticulitis in June 2009 with part of my colon removed and placement of a colostomy. Had no complications and in August 2009 they did a reversal of the colostomy. I did really good no pain or discomfort at all, I was amazed at not being sore or anything. But about a week after the surgery I became extremely nauseated and each time I gagged it felt as if something inside me was ripping apart the pain was unbareable. I called the doctor and he said I was fine just take the nausea medicine. The next day i noticed down the middle of my stomach where the incision was looked swollen so I went to his office and he examined me…assured me I was fine but he did do a CAT scan just to shut me up I’m sure. A few days later he called and said CAT scan was normal except for the two wounds we were packing ( these were small). The next week I returned to doctor with same complaints… he had me lay on table and examined me… said all was fine. I asked him if I could stand and show him. After I stood up his comment was ” oh you do have a hernia”. So in January 2010 I had laproscopic surgery to repair. When I woke up the doctor told me it was a very large hernia and that the entire midline incision was herniated and I had a hernia at the site where the colostomy was. That surgery changed my life dramatically. After that I suffered from severe pain taking pain medicine every 4-6 hours. Unable to move without feeling like my insides were ripping apart.
In April 2010 got married and my husband moved me and my daughter to another state since I was no longer able to care for her on my own. My 14 year old daughter had to bathe me, help me to bathroom, clean me and had to do all the things that a child shouldn’t have to do.
After we got moved and my husband set me up with a PCP. The first visit with this doctor, he called a surgeon and sent me straight to his office. In June 2010 this surgeon did a exploratory laproscopic surgery. When I woke he said my pain was caused because my intestines being stuck to the mesh. He said he freed all the adhesions and some scar tissue. I thought this would be the end but it wasn’t…
The pain continued so he sent me for injections into the nerves of my stomach to relieve the pain. I had went 3 times was series of shots with no relief. The doctor doing the injections said there was no reason to continue since it wasn’t helping. So I continued with the pain until I was sent to see a gastro doctor who did a scope he said all looked good at the connection site. I was then sent to yet another surgeon and in June 2011 this surgeon thought the pain was caused by the sutures holding the mesh in place. So I was sent for another surgery, he did a abdominal wall exploration. When I woke up, I was told he found sutures entangled in nerves and one that was constricting a muscle. So I was happy, I thought I was going to get better.
After the soreness from surgery went away I was still in the same pain. I gave up and figured this was how I was going to be.
Then my daughter came home from school one day and told me about her friend’s mother who had problems with diverticulitis and had nothing but good things to say about her surgeon. And most of all she was living a normal life where I was still dependent on others for almost everything. So I made an appt with this doctor in September 2012. He really impressed me because he spent time to go through the hundreds of pages of medical records I had brought with me. Each time he read a surgical report he would ask me “why didn’t this doctor remove the mesh”
My answer was always ” I have no idea”
Next he impressed me by having me stand to check for hernia… instead of laying down like all the other doctor. I just remember having that large hernia and it couldn’t be felt with me laying down. His opinion was that thee was a problem with the mesh and he wanted to remove it. So 3 weeks ago I had surgery to remove the mesh ( oh and gallbladder since I had problems with gallstones). His findings were of course the gallbladder, intestines stuck to mesh (again) and the mesh showed chronic inflammation. He removed the mesh and all the sutures and tacks holding it in place. He then repaired all the hernias ( I now had one on the lower right side of stomach). The repair was done using Strattice ( pigskin) mesh and absorbable sutures. I am extremely sore but he said I would be for a while with all that was done. I am just hoping for a life after recovery.
The first mesh was Proceed… is this one of the recalled meshes and where do I go from here…
I have had Hernia repair on Sept 25 2012 a year before I had colon surgey, they use mesh on me to repair the hernia went in lopascopicly, I have been in so much pain since I am conidering having the mesh removed is there anyone out there that can let me know if I should go through another surgey and will it be better for me in the long run.
Ok I had surgery 3 years ago they used mesh .since then I lost 100 pounds can’t eat stomic hearts all the time have even passed out more then I like to admit constant pain .what can I do no med coverage should I go to dr or FDA
Hi Lee- The FDA takes complaints from patients all the time. It is not a perfect system but it all the government does to keep track of so called adverse events. I don’t know if you had hernia mesh or vaginal. Please contact me at jeakre@gmail.com.
my husband had a hernia and is having problems we need legal help
I got a hernia repair with mesh last year.(2011) I started having pain right above the incision. I thought it was due to the surgery, well I knew pain was expected but 6 months after the surgery I continued to have really bad pains after I ate anything. So I thought that maybe i was still healing but a year later going i two years im still having theses pains. I just want dime answers what went wrong, do I need to get the mesh remove, is it life threatening? Can some one please help me I also have the hardest time having a bowel movement please help me. What should I do?
Dishon-
You need to become your own advocate for your health. I will refer you to Bruce Rosenberg who is a hernia mesh injured person who can help you with a plan brosenberg1@bellsouth.net
I do not give legal or medical advice. I’m assuming you have all of your medical records? I’ve never heard of a mesh complication going away on its own, though that would be nice. I hope you take action and get some answers.. there are professionals out there who can guide you.
I found a leading hernia researcher in the industry in North Carolina. I had two hernia (inguinal) repairs and I was not told about the risk of issues from my initial surgeon. He used the plug and patch for both repairs. The first one (right side) went ago and still bothers me now.
The left side was hugely problamatic. I had stabbing pains in my testicles, down the legs. My problem was that I had also suffered from pelvic floor pain on the left side from an injury sustained while running. I actually believe my first right side repair which was done almost a year before my left side, had made my pelvis inverted. I had an incident while running and pulled something in my pelvic floor that I am still working on today. I’m hoping i’ll be able to overcome this at some point.
As far as the left hernia repair, I couldn’t stand it and I had enough of it. I started researching and against the advice of my therapist and family, I drove hours to see another surgeon that I had found online. This is the first doctor that I found that actually understood what I was going to. After seeing him and thinking long and hard about, I decided to have him redo my left hernia. He took out the plug and mesh and put a layer of mesh under the muscle instead of on top. He said my nerves were all entrapped in scar tissue and the mesh and that I was in pretty bad shape. Today, my left side feels better than my right side (minus my pelvic floor pain)!
I guess I’m adding this because you really do have to be your own health advocate. Most general surgeons will shrug their heads if you say you’re in pain, mostly because they don’t know how to fix it or are scarred to attempt it. If you are still in pain, find someone that specializes in fixing in. I took the risk of loosing a leg or testicle by having mine redone and it’s not an easy choice. I wish you all the best and I think we can all get better some day. Technology will be better. Please help yourself though. I searched medpub (free online medical publication) for months to find a doctor that could help me.
One day, I may even have the right side redone but I’m wanting to father children first. I do wish you all the best.
Don’t give up. Pain can be cured or at least made much much better. Even without surgery the body has a great change to eventually adapt and cope!
What leading hernia researcher did you go to in NC…I have bilateral groin hernias and live in NC
The Mesh was a Bard 3D Max. It was implanted on both sides (2) Meshes I had the hernia sergery the last part of the month of May in 2008. I started having problems around the first of the year in 2011 and by July of 2011 almost died, and had it removed. The mesh wore a hole in my bladder about the size of a 50 cent piece & both surgons said it looked “like an old wound” The mesh was full of Staff infection and the cause of the wound and was removed. Upon removeal the incision became infected with the staff & split open resulting in exstreamly long recovery time and a ugly scare that looks like I have 2 belly buttons. As far as I know this model mesh has not been recalled but is under review. Even though it might not yet be recalled it still just about killed me and did disfigure me, for life
Wesley,
Thanks for sharing your story. I am curious as to what were all of the symptoms you had that led up to your removal of the mesh? And how did the doctors finally discover the problem?
I have the same mesh in me (about 1 yr & 3 months since surgery) and have had some unexplained symptoms:
1) Abdominal pain/pressure and bloating
2) Urinary symptoms that include burning & pain in my urethra
3) Gastro issues like constipation and discomfort
4) Pain in my lower back/kidney area
I have had a CT Scan, Colonoscopy, and cystoscopy and nothing has shown anything.
Thanks,
Keven
I had ventral hernia on Dec.12,2012 with mesh. four weeks later U have a lump the size of an orange at the surgical site. I am also still finding blood on my underwear from where the wound drain tube was removed. It is mostly dark with some fresh blood and has a bad smell. I am so worried about problems with the mesh. I will see the surgeon tomorrow.
Dr said the blood was coming from the bottom of the wound. The wound looks ugly. I’m 64 but still don’t want to look ugly. I had previously had a hysterectomy at the same site and some of the edges are healing gaping open. Dr said the lump could be fluid. Nothing was explained to me. I had some bleeding after week 5. I have next apt. Feb. 7th. I’m wishing now I had just lived with the hernia.
Rachael, I feel for you greatly. I also am 64 and I think am feeling pretty much the same way. I have been dealing with Crohn’s disease for 36 years, have had 3 bowel resections and many other issues. I had an incisional hernia repair done in 2011 with Bard mesh and am regretting it everyday of my life since. Unfortunately, I thought the surgeon at OSU was only repairing the hernia, totally unaware of him putting in a 10 x 14 inch piece of mesh! In October 2012 I went to Cleveland Clinic to have my colon removed and now have an ostomy. The surgeon said it took almost the first 3 hours of the 7 hour surgery to get through the mesh. She had to get her biggest guy on the surgical team to get it apart, she told me. AND THIS IS SUPPOSED TO HELP? I would rather have the hernia. The 14″ incision from the surgery is not healing. It drains really bad, and smells like you said. I have to pack this wound myself everyday. I know I should be thankful I am still alive, but like you said, I feel very ugly. Am going back to Cleveland Clinic this Friday to talk to the wound nurse. Wish me luck! Good luck to you, hope you get better.
Thank you Ann. Good luck to you I hope you can get help and feel better.
There is a doctor in Las Vegas who has over 5000 hernia repairs WITHOUT mesh. He is a very outspoken Dr. AGAINST the use of Mesh….says it “honestly ruins lives. He has done about 100 mesh removals. He saves the mesh specimens when he removes them. you WOULD NOT BELIEVE what this mesh garbage looks like after it has resided in the Human body. 1) A study in the U.K. found that ALL the mesh they tested is subject to “mineralization” that is to say it gets hard in the body due to minerals accumulating in the mesh its self. 2) As per Dr. Peterson, Scar tissue forms around the mesh, as scar tissue ages it SHRINKS thereby pulling and tugging on the mesh wich subsequently pulls of the surgical “tacks” wich hold the mesh in place causing insuferable pain. In short, what was placed in the body as a soft membrane becomes hard, then suffers tension from the scar tissue. IMAGINE what that can do to a human being in one of their most sensitive areas..The Belly !
Here is a News Report about Dr. Peterson and Mesh….
Cavat Emptor : Buyer Beware
http://www.ktvu.com/videos/news/special-report-doctor-warns-of-pain-associated/vG67c/
God Bless those who suffer.
Scincerely : Kenneth Nesmith
Here is research about the Mechanical Properties of Surgical Mesh;
Title:
Mechanical Properties of Mesh Materials Used for Hernia Repair and Soft Tissue Augmentation
Research Data and Results;
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0046978
More Commentary by Dr./Surgeon Peterson , of Las Vegas, about Mesh problems and correction…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztiZOPWNj4o
Had inguinal hernia surgery 2011 had bowl and urinating issues, so severe couldn’t sit. Severe bloating above incisions bilateral went through all kinds of test sigmoidoscopy ct scan MRI all negative had mesh removed oct 2012 nerves were untangled cut and buried scar tissue removed from colon groin swelling went down now numb with some stinging but still bloated and pain above incisions can’t sit and still difficult to defacate.
Will those who have had their mesh removed PLEASE share who is removing them? Your stories are helpful, but without the doctors’ names, patients can’t make informed decisions. Thanks.
Terlin, who removed your mesh?
I have been in touch with Terlin and his mesh was removed by Dr. Ramshaw.
I have a 3 year old daughter that is supposed to go in for an inguinal hernia repair and a 16 mth old (also daughter) for an umbilical hernia repair, after reading of the mesh complications I am obviously hesitant. What would be your suggestions for me?
Hello Anjenelle –
Several people have commented on the thought of putting hernia mesh in a precious child. Please read them…
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=209122192545715&id=108924532565482&comment_id=587542¬if_t=feed_comment
Please get your children cured with Desarda Henia Repair. It’s available in US. Its no mesh hernia repair.
So confused, should I move forward with the hernia repair or not? Have had diverticulitis and now facing this surgery. Scared of the Mesh after hearing so many horror stories. What should I do? Is it reallyife or death to have this surgery?
Jonsey: I too am scheduled to have an umbillical hernia repaired and after reading this, I became horrified and told my doctor about my fears. He said that he uses Marlex mesh. I googled and got horrified all over. Got a second opinion and the new doc. says she uses biological mesh because it is less chance of your body rejecting it. She also said that the first doctor isn’t wrong for using Marlex simply because it is used to often in these cases and works. She said that if I were not healthy and had any other health issues, she would definitely use the biological mesh. So now, I have to choose and I’m still afraid. Perhaps I could just do nothing and pray that I can live with my hernia which give me no problems, for the rest of my life? So scared and So confused….
Had left inguinal hernia surgery 10 years ago have had terrible pain and problems ever since. Doctors here in Australia refuse to help me. The surgeon claims he used surgipro mesh, although nothing is recorded in medical record not even a sticker from the mesh. Doctors refuse to help, Radiologists don’t even want to get involved. If I could find some one to remove the mesh now, I wonder if I could possibly be any worse off?
Hi Al, I am in Australia also (NSW). I have been in excrutiating pain since an implant of mesh to repair an large incisional hernia resulting from 2 appendix ops. I too have been getting the run around from doctors – was told I have nerve damage and would have to control pain with medication….I am now on 60mg morphine daily plus endone & lyrica. Well a couple of months ago a lifted something heavy & immediately had severe pain that got worse & worse so I ended up in hospital. I was never told mesh was going to be used – I went into surgery expecting keyhole & to be stitched up. Immediately upon waking I grabbed my side & said to the surgeon ‘whats that, whats wrong with my side’ he then stated the hernia was too large to be fixed with keyhole so he had to cut me open again & insert mesh. From that moment on my life has been a living hell & as I am also a single mum it has been really hard just trying to cope with every day life. There were other complications, seromas etc etc.& everytime I had a scan they all said there was no obvious problem that the mesh was intact. Anyhow to cut a long story short when I went to hospital a couple of months ago I went to a different larger hospital than where the surgery happened & found a sympathetic specialist who gave me the name of a hernia specialist in Sydney. this wonderful doctor is going to remove the mesh & he does public patients as well at one of the big sydney hospitals. You HAVE to take this into your own hands!!! Google for specialist hernia repair surgeons in your area – if you are in a country town as I am BYPASS it and find someone in the city who knows what they are doing. Ring a few of these surgeons yourself & organise an appointment then go to your Gp & get the referral letters. That is what I did, my gp did not have a problem with me doing that & in fact they have no right to refuse you. this surgeon did blood tests that show I have high grade inflamation & the scans show a huge difference to my muscle tissue etc on the hernia side. He said sometimes there is a low grade infection in the mesh that does not show up in blood results…all my white cell counts etc are ok but there is high grade inflammation in my body which obviously is because of the mesh. He has given me no promise that removing the mesh will improve or make a difference to my pain but the way I see it it cant get any worse & I would rather have this stuff out of my body. I also have an extrememly high pain threshold which is what has helped me through this – I know if i did not have that I would be incapable of living life at all – even with the meds I am on they do not take all the pain away but I can cope so do not want to increase my doses. Good luck to you & I hope you find some relief & a good surgeon who will help you. You might also want to google ‘class action mesh lawsuit australia’. Kind Regards
Hello–I am wondering if you connected with a Dr. John Garvey in Australia as the mesh expert you mention? A woman from Sydney would like to know. Thank you! Jane Akre
I had inguinal hernia repair with mesh in December of 2004. I was problem free until August 2011 when I was hospitilized with abdominal pain and a high fever. The doctors were unable to find anything wrong and sent me home. Again in May of 2012 I was hospitilized with the same symptoms and again released with no answers. I had other infections and was given antibiotics. In November I went for a cat scan for an unrelated problem. The same day I got a call from my doctor telling me I had a 3 inch abscess in my abdomin. I was admitted that afternoon and had surgery 3 days later to remove the mesh that had gotten entangled in my small intestine. The doctor had to remove a total of 3 inches of my small intestine. I had complications with the healing of the 12 inch wound and had to see a wound care doctor 2-3 times a week for 2 months. Just this week I consulted an attorney about taking legal action. I was told these law suits had been settled already and I probably didn’t have any hope for any restitution. Have any of you consulted an attorney and what were you told?
I went in for an umbilical hernia surgery and came out with a double hernia surgery in aug 2008. I gained 50 pounds by January. Went back to the doctor who said there was nothing wrong with me. Since then, the weight hasn’t came off, I have awful pains in my stomach every so often. Sometimes i get a sharp sharp pain that bends me over n feels like i just got outta surgery again then it’ll just go away. If I feel a gas pain, I need a bathroom cuz I can’t be for sure if its just gas or I’m gonna squirt something out. When I have to pee I have to go then cuz I can’t hold it. If I cough or sneeze I might tinkle. I know this could be from other issues but I never had any of these problems until I had the surgery. Does anyone else have this or heard of this being a problem? Is this normal and it’s just in my head that its from my double hernia surgery?
I had an open repair ventral hernia on January 17,2013 , next day at the hospital I had some temperature and the next day i was trowing up. they let me stay in the hospital for four days. I got home next day i had this really bad pain ,believe me it was like being in labor and i started to trow up since then i been taking milk of magnesia, mira lax everyday and the pain doesn’t go away i still trow up at least once a week and the cramping and the pain doesn’t go away. I had a ct scan last week and it showed that i have fluid around the surgery are and the mesh has moved. my gastroenterologist thinks there is an infection but two of the surgeons at my doctor’s office can not rule an infection, but i’m still with pain and nauseas and trowing up. I have an appt. next tuesday with my doctor i’m waiting to see what she will said about it, but for the last seven weeks i have been miserable feeling like crap everyday. Has anyone out there have or had this symptoms?
I had a bilateral inguinal hernia repair with mesh, and have been in constant pain, it recent got worse when I started to cough and sneeze. I live in Los Angeles ,has any one had their mesh removed? You can email me if you guys need some one to talk to. Raidernation07es@yahoo.com
I had laparoscopic hernia surgery two weeks ago. I am in more pain now, then before the surgery. The “bulge” that was the “hernia”, is now hard and still there. I feel pain and pressure in the upper abdomen area. The surgeon was very vague about answering questions. I have a follow up appointment next week. I don’t think he is going to be helpful at all. He was all about his “money”. If he places the blame on me or won’t help, then what? I think he used mesh. I am so upset and hurt right now. I saved to have this surgery. Now it appears I will go broke trying to get it removed. We can’t afford this. I am the only caregiver for my kids. My husband works. There is no one to help me. I am just lost…
Dellia- Please contact Bruce Rosenberg brosenberg1@bellsouth.net who is very knowledgeable about hernia mesh. Not a doc or a lawyer but a patient advocate and himself, hernia-mesh injured. Keep us in the loop please.. thanks! ja
Della where are you?
I had a emergency ventral hernia repair done almost 3 weeks ago and while I was rolling around in pain begging for drugs my husband told the Surgeon to fix me at all cost except putting a Mesh patch in. The Surgeon is not happy with the decision but it is one we made together several years ago when we discovered I had a Hernia for a botched C-section. The surgeon came in after and told me I would have another Hernia since I refused the patch. Me personally I feel better today than I have in over a year and after sitting here reading all of your stories I am soooo grateful that my husband and I made this decision. I hope to prove the doctor wrong and heal well and for ever. I started eating better 11 months ago I gave up soda lost 60 pounds and had to quit smoking as of the surgery. I hope I made the right decision. I wish nothing but pain free peace to each and everyone of us everyday.
March 29, 2010 I had experienced a ruptured appendix, as I was admitted into the ER of the hospital, for that is when it was found that my appendix ruptured, since March 26th. Had to have Emergency surgery that night, and ended up staying in the hospital for 8 days. The surgeon I had was a great one, as she basically ‘saved’ my life that night She had to cut 4 inches into me, as this affected my belly button area. Did well after that, but a few months later I developed a large hard ball-like at my belly button. Found out that this was a hernia.. either due to stitches tearing, or? Was referred to another surgeon, instead of the one that performed the original appendix surgery, as I had surgery (was supposed to be outpatient, but ended up staying over night in the hospital) on March 14th of last year (2012). Was aware of the idea of having mesh placed, but that was about as far as my knowledge went.
Another three inches were cut in me, which was above the previous surgery of the appendix at the time of the hernia surgery. Was told that he had placed five inches of mesh (never knew what kind of mesh he used) over the area of the belly button hernia. I had felt allot of tenderness around the area of my belly button, and also of my lower stomach. By July of 2012, my lower stomach swelled up so badly, as I actually looked (still do) as if I were about 6 months pregnant (I have NEVER been pregnant…. just visualizing what I would look like, if I were). I had complained to my Primary doctor about this for quite a while, and he actually did find that I had ANOTHER hernia, which was located at the lower left near the groin area… last November. He could push everything back in. On December 2, 2012 I fell into a chain link fence gate, as I really meshed up my face, and also had dislocated my left shoulder. I am 62, and one can’t just ‘bounce back’ as when they were younger. ER visit and they were able to (by putting me out, because I was in EXCRUCIATING PAIN!) put my shoulder back into place. I then had a torn rotator cuff. Wasn’t able to use my left arm, and still can’t. No strength in it, etc. Will take a very long time to heal. Anyway, I did have a CT Scan the first of January to see about the hernia. My doctor said that I didn’t have to worry about it, as there is ‘fat’ growing it, etc. This has been a MAJOR concern of mine, and the idea of the arm to heal has been more of a priority with the doctors. Finally, I was able to see the surgeon who had performed the appendix surgery (the surgeon who had performed the hernias surgery last year, retired) a few weeks ago. She looked at the records of the surgery and said that the mesh had been placed over the hernia hole and was stapled to the good flesh inside. Sounds to me, that there was NO repairing the hernia from before, as to just cover it with 5 inches of mesh and STAPLE it. Both my husband and I have told that surgeon that I do ALLOT of physical work. We live on over 2 1/2 acres in Southern California, as we have horses, dogs, cats and other farm animals that need to be fed and taken care of. I DO NOT
To continue………. I DO NOT just sit at a desk job, and do little exerting exercises. Now, I am going to have to have surgery and have the previous mesh removed (having to cut the entire 7 inches again that had been cut away in me during the past two surgeries), and that the first hernia will have to be sewn and also to have the lower hernia repaired, too. The staples have been RIPPING away, and it really does HURT to feel those darn things ripping underneath my skin.. YIKES! And, I was told that I will be in a great deal of pain, for a very long time. And too, I am responsible for paying the copay of the hospital stay of $250.00 a day. Both my husband and I are on Disability. We don’t get very much each month, and the cost of the hospital stay will take a long while to pay off. This hospital wants their money NOW! Have gone through this with the same hospital twice before, and to have to go through it again…geez!
I have allot more TRUST in this surgeon, as I had said she was the one that had done the great job of the ruptured appendix. Surgery is planned for some time in May.
Sure hope that this surgery does the job, and that I can lose the excess fat/skin that has developed over the past year in my lower stomach.
Pat check with the financial office at your hospital there might be programs to get the copay paid for you because of your age and income. In North Carolina we have Vocational Rehab and they help with things like this. My heart goes out to you this morning! I know when it’s removed the relief will out weigh the pain!
i just had incarcerated hernia surgery umbilical and it,s 3 days after . now i,m having numbness , knot like feelings inside. like the intentines is gone through the wall again and not to mention i had blood coming from my rectum after a bowel movement. waiting for the nurse to get here.
Still looking for help, dr that put in mesh wont do anything
I’ve see three more drs they say I need to see dr that put the mesh in
I have he won’t do anythig. He blowed me off
I’m in pain it feels like someone is stabing Me
and still have pro lapsing constipation incont swelling in the aria infection ect
What am I to do help
Hi Jeanette,
I have run into that exact same thing. The stabbing is horrible and still happens (less often) after 100% mesh removal. I recommend getting it out – totally. If you’re in a small town like me, other Dr.’s don’t want to deal with mesh issues because of the political aspects. The hippocratic oath is in the past (not all, but most I’ve met so far). If there is anyway to see Dr. Raz in CA, that should be the 1st stop. He isn’t bothered by other Dr.’s screw ups. I think he spends most of his time fixing things other’s have caused. Also, there are instructions on the web for Dr.’s to address mesh issues. They are more political than true, as far as my experience (for over 4years anyway), removing the part that hurts, causes more issues. Estrogen cream isn’t a miracle cure. Mesh does cause pain. It is so maddening that it isn’t being regulated. Someone here said that it should be buyer beware with the FDA and I agree! We are in great need of more experienced Dr.’s in this area, and how to pick up the pieces of our lives once we’ve been injured. Instead we find stonewalling, denial, and Dr.’s thinking we’re crazy because he’s never seen this before. It’s about greed. They should be sorry that anyone of us was injured in the first place and to add insult to injury is just plain wrong. It will come out – eventually. I hope in time to help us.
I had a triple incisional hernia repair with mesh done last Aug, 2012 and thought it all went really well…extremely painful recovery…had my breakdown, etc. At some point in the healing, the pain from the incision site went away and was almost immediately replaced by a peripheral pain all the way around in a square shape…I contacted the surgeon and he ordered a ct scan and of course nothing showed up…it is now almost a year later and I developed another hernia above the repair on what was left of the old incision site…saw the same surgeon today and he said I was the first patient ever to complain about pain caused by a mesh…I told him quite adamantly that I do not want another mesh put in me and if possible, to have the mesh he put in removed…he said there was no surgeons in BC Canada…I asked about Shouldice and he said I should speak to my family doctor and get a referral…I am in constant, but bearable pain…can’t wear pants or undies that have a band that reaches my belly button area…I have to wear an abdominal binder when the pain gets too much…pain is always there, even when laying down in bed. I am searching online for surgeons who can remove and repair without mesh…doubt I can go to the States…don’t really know what costs are for this type of surgery…but am saving up every cent I can to get this done. I keep reading about the Desarda method and the Shouldice method…it’s all so confusing. I can’t believe this all started with a rotten gallbladder removed in Emergency in 2007…I hope this isn’t going to turn into a disability.
Does any one know any attorneys that take ethicon proceed mesh cases if so please let me Know ..:)
Did you ever find any lawyers that are dealing with this? My wife is having severe pain and complications from a 2 year old surgery.
Aaron- The last hernia mesh cases were for Kugel and I’m not aware of any Mass Torts against any hernia mesh manufacturer…. But I could be wrong. Lawyers? Since so many are coming forward with complications I cannot imagine that eventually there will be litigation. Be sure to report your complication into the FDA’s MAUDE database in that this is the only way the agency keeps track, as poor a system as it is.
Surgery 04/25/2013 . I just had two hernia surgies, inguinal and imbalical. I did have the Dr. Do the repair wish mesh. Not knowing the aftermath. But one thing I’m Uncomfortable withis that the hernia was near my left nesticle. BUT the incision wasn’t near the testicle. I can still feel something uncomfortable there! From where I feel the hernia near the left testical is about 3-4 inches. So I’m very concerned thinking this Dr. Didn’t do his job! Even day of surgery I notice that where he marked the area where he would make the incision was across my waist not going downward. And I felt all this before surgery. And it’s still there! What can I dooooooo…………
Please sign petition
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/the-medicine-health-regulator-united-kingdom-are-failin.html
I have had a TVT in December 2011 and 2 inguinal hernia repairs on each side, one in August of 2012 and the other in December 2012 with a Mesh but not sure what type and ever since I have been in Chronic Pain and now my doctor wants to send me for nerve blocks but those are not nice to have so I don’t know what to do now.
Hello,
I had an inguinal hernia repair with mesh on my right side November 2012. I have an occasional shooting pain in it but I know that is probably from the nerves being cut. It only happens sometimes but otherwise I am fine. I broke my Fibula about 3 weeks ago playing basketball and have been nursing it as it is on the same side as that hernia repair. 1 week after breaking my leg I had been feeling a dull pain in the right side of my testicles. I went back in and wouldnt you know it another inguinal hernia now on the left side. This time I had a broken leg on 1 side and 1 day to prepare for this surgery on the left side. BOY what a different surgery this time. I felt a burning unlike the last surgery was clammy and sweating as I was trying to recover. My temperature seems to take me from hot to cold consistently. I am now 1 week and a half outta this surgey. I have intense shooting pains. Hopefully I will recover flawlessly but dang it hurts. On this side. I have also nausea and a lack of an appetite with ultra frequent bowel movements. I hope I dont end up where you all are so wish me luck. Also since I had thw hernia I was anaemic and had autoimmune symptoms does anyone know if thats common with inguinal hernias. Let me know. God bless u alk