Hernia surgery...please help

[fungirl]

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum, and am not even sure if there is where I should be posting. I have an incisional hernia the size of a grapefruit. I have to have surgery on Wednesday to repair it (he is using mesh). He is going to try to do it as an outpatient, but due to some other problems, they may have to move me to the hospital to stay a few days (doing it at a surgery center). My question is, how big would the incision have to be? How long of a recovery should I expect. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kasie

[orphanannie59]

These are questions you need to ask your doctor.  Make a list and take it with you when you meet with him/her so you won't forget them.  I can tell you the experiences I know about, but you doctor knows your situation.

My son had hernia surgery, but his was inguinal.  The incision was about 5 inches and it took him about 4 or 5 days to feel somewhat normal, he is 16.  I have had family members and friends who have also had hernia surgery and it wasn't a walk in the park, my Dad said he wouldn't have done it if he had known (and he was tough). Also, you need to know there have been documented cases of the mesh getting infection in it later on.  So if you start having fevers of unknown origin later, you may want to explore that option.  It still scares me with my ds, I am a paranoid mother though.

You will be fine, just make sure you get plenty of pain meds and have some help for a little while.  Hernias are common and doctors could probably do the surgery in their sleep, :)  You will do Great!