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And now a Hernia???
Apr 28, 2009 07:56PM
- 16 comments
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Well, my positive spirit is certainly being challenged. Today I went to the doctor because my tummy has a lump larger than a silver dollar. While it was originally thought to be scar tissue, it changes size and is getting larger and was just diagnosed as a hernia and needs repair.
Now .. the quiz is .. how to get this done without insurance! Am wearing a binder now and hoping it settles down with the binder and some Ibuprofen. If it gets extremely painful I know to go to the emergency room despite the insurance situation.
Would just like to hear some POSITIVE thoughts .. about life, friends and perseverence ..
BTW - Miss Kalista's bloodwork came back good and she doesn't need a transfusion (she usually does). So .. all is good till Friday when the bloodwork is repeated and the next does of chemo will be administered. A few friends are holding a benefit concert (jazz band) at a local coffee shop with proceeds going to Miss Kalista's medical expenses. There are good things to be thankful for ...
Now .. the quiz is .. how to get this done without insurance! Am wearing a binder now and hoping it settles down with the binder and some Ibuprofen. If it gets extremely painful I know to go to the emergency room despite the insurance situation.
Would just like to hear some POSITIVE thoughts .. about life, friends and perseverence ..
BTW - Miss Kalista's bloodwork came back good and she doesn't need a transfusion (she usually does). So .. all is good till Friday when the bloodwork is repeated and the next does of chemo will be administered. A few friends are holding a benefit concert (jazz band) at a local coffee shop with proceeds going to Miss Kalista's medical expenses. There are good things to be thankful for ...
Ranae,
There are never easy answers to such tough questions.
I do know that you won't give up. Keep in mind that it's often the darkest right before the dawn.
There are never easy answers to such tough questions.
I do know that you won't give up. Keep in mind that it's often the darkest right before the dawn.
Well, here's the low down on the hernia .. mine is currently silver dollar size and has fluctuated between pea size and silver dollar. There is localized pain and on my left side and I generally do not feel well. The news that it has a high risk of strangulation is NOTTTTT what I needed!!!
DESCRIPTION
A Spigelian hernia (or lateral ventral hernia) is a hernia through the spigelian fascia, which is the aponeurotic layer between the rectus abdominis muscle medially, and the semilunar line laterally. These hernias almost always develop at or below the linea arcuata, probably because of the lack of posterior rectus sheath. These are generally interparietal hernias, meaning that they do not lie below the subcutaneous fat but penetrate between the muscles of the abdominal wall; therefore, there is often no notable swelling.
Spigelian hernias are usually small and therefore risk of strangulation is high. Most occur on the right side. Most develop around age 50 (4th-7th decade of life). Compared to other types of hernias they are rare.
SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS
Patients typically present with either an intermittent mass, localized pain, or signs of bowel obstruction. Ultrasonography or a CT scan can establish the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
These hernias should be repaired because of the high risk of strangulation; fortunately, surgery is straight-forward, with only larger defects requiring a mesh prosthesis.
DESCRIPTION
A Spigelian hernia (or lateral ventral hernia) is a hernia through the spigelian fascia, which is the aponeurotic layer between the rectus abdominis muscle medially, and the semilunar line laterally. These hernias almost always develop at or below the linea arcuata, probably because of the lack of posterior rectus sheath. These are generally interparietal hernias, meaning that they do not lie below the subcutaneous fat but penetrate between the muscles of the abdominal wall; therefore, there is often no notable swelling.
Spigelian hernias are usually small and therefore risk of strangulation is high. Most occur on the right side. Most develop around age 50 (4th-7th decade of life). Compared to other types of hernias they are rare.
SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS
Patients typically present with either an intermittent mass, localized pain, or signs of bowel obstruction. Ultrasonography or a CT scan can establish the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
These hernias should be repaired because of the high risk of strangulation; fortunately, surgery is straight-forward, with only larger defects requiring a mesh prosthesis.
Leave it to me to have a "relatively rare" hernia. My surgeon said that in having my tummy repaired (panniculectomy with muscle tightening), this can happen.
The most common treatment for a spigelian hernia is to undergo surgery to repair the damage caused. Depending on the severity of the damage, the surgeon may utilize some type of mesh to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall and thus decrease the opportunity for a recurrence.
It is important to note that a hernia of this type can cause a great deal of damage if left untreated. The spigelian hernia may develop in a location where the bowels are in effect strangulated, or cause some type of obstruction in the colon. Both these situations can lead to the deterioration of both organs and eventually cause complete failure
Fortunately, a spigelian hernia is a relatively rare occurrence. In most instances, the condition does not develop before the age of 40 and is more likely to occur after the age of 50. The hernia is also more likely to develop on the right side of the abdomen rather than the left.
The most common treatment for a spigelian hernia is to undergo surgery to repair the damage caused. Depending on the severity of the damage, the surgeon may utilize some type of mesh to reinforce the weakened abdominal wall and thus decrease the opportunity for a recurrence.
It is important to note that a hernia of this type can cause a great deal of damage if left untreated. The spigelian hernia may develop in a location where the bowels are in effect strangulated, or cause some type of obstruction in the colon. Both these situations can lead to the deterioration of both organs and eventually cause complete failure
Fortunately, a spigelian hernia is a relatively rare occurrence. In most instances, the condition does not develop before the age of 40 and is more likely to occur after the age of 50. The hernia is also more likely to develop on the right side of the abdomen rather than the left.
I'm glad to hear that the corrective surgery is straight-forward. Hopefully a very low incident of recurrence too? No one needs more bills these days, but it sounds like you could put yourself at risk if it's left untreated.
I hope that learning more about the hernia and it's treatment is helping you decide what you need to do. I know how much you needed the "tummy repair," how unfortunate that this complication has resulted!
Keep us posted. We all know how wonderful, inspiring, and happy you are. It's ok to get a little scared, annoyed, and upset right now. With all that's been going on, I'm sure you've had so little time to worry about yourself! We're here for you.
I hope that learning more about the hernia and it's treatment is helping you decide what you need to do. I know how much you needed the "tummy repair," how unfortunate that this complication has resulted!
Keep us posted. We all know how wonderful, inspiring, and happy you are. It's ok to get a little scared, annoyed, and upset right now. With all that's been going on, I'm sure you've had so little time to worry about yourself! We're here for you.
Oh my dear, life has certainly been a challenge for you and this is another one that you will conquer. It breaks my heart to hear of people in a position where they are uninsured and taking care of their health becomes a financial drain. It is so foreign for me since I am a Canadian. I wish I could bring you here and have this taken care of for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hugs, Trudie
Hugs, Trudie
Puttin my big girl panties on and getting back into the swing of life .. we really are stronger than we sometimes give ourselves credit for. Besides, what good would it serve?
Binder is on and I'm off to work. Not sure how this will be resolved, but sure it will be .. one way or the other. Worst case, I end up in the emergency room and a lien is put against my house for the cost of the surgery .. oh well ..
Best case, something miraculous happens where the surgery center, doctor and/or anesthesiologist figures a way to do this for a reduced cost and take LOTS of payments .. ;)
Thanks guys .. I'll be fine and we WILL continue and realize our dreams. My exercise, however, is done until the surgery and the recuperation period is behind me.
Binder is on and I'm off to work. Not sure how this will be resolved, but sure it will be .. one way or the other. Worst case, I end up in the emergency room and a lien is put against my house for the cost of the surgery .. oh well ..
Best case, something miraculous happens where the surgery center, doctor and/or anesthesiologist figures a way to do this for a reduced cost and take LOTS of payments .. ;)
Thanks guys .. I'll be fine and we WILL continue and realize our dreams. My exercise, however, is done until the surgery and the recuperation period is behind me.
I love the "big girl panties" expression! I have the literal pair, but sometimes find the figurative ones to be elusive.
Keep us posted, I hope the binder lets you get done what you need to in reasonable comfort.
Keep us posted, I hope the binder lets you get done what you need to in reasonable comfort.
I sure am glad that I saw the mood you just posted. I came on over to "visit" and saw this journal. OH, MAN!!! I sure am sorry to hear this. Let me look it up on the internet. I'll *TRY* to repair it for you. I've done needlepoint before, and I was pretty darn good. Does that count OR make you feel better? NO? Humph! Be like that, then. I was TRYING to help and *I* wouldn't have charged a DIME!
I don't mean to make light of it, though. I know what a burden this is. My husband had to go to MN for surgery last year for something that our insurance did NOT think was medically necessary. Guess what? THere is NO lien on our house. We are making $30/month payments...! That's it! And, they HAVE to accept it. The crazy insurance co.!
I hope you are resting comfortably. I'm glad I didn't feel like going to the Y today, either, or I might NOT have ever heard about your situation. I will sure be praying for you. Take care.
I don't mean to make light of it, though. I know what a burden this is. My husband had to go to MN for surgery last year for something that our insurance did NOT think was medically necessary. Guess what? THere is NO lien on our house. We are making $30/month payments...! That's it! And, they HAVE to accept it. The crazy insurance co.!
I hope you are resting comfortably. I'm glad I didn't feel like going to the Y today, either, or I might NOT have ever heard about your situation. I will sure be praying for you. Take care.
I just saw your journal. I'm so sorry to hear about the hernia. I've never heard of that kind before.
But, I think you might be in luck -- twehner5 is good with needle point and I'm pretty handy with other tools - Between the 2 of us, I bet we can have you back on your feet in no time........lol Like twehner, I don't mean to make light of a very serious situation, but maybe we'll get just a slight smile??
I think most hospitals will take payments, won't they? I was under the impression that they can't turn away someone who needs medical care.
I wish you well, and hope that you will keep us posted on your progress. Praying for you.
But, I think you might be in luck -- twehner5 is good with needle point and I'm pretty handy with other tools - Between the 2 of us, I bet we can have you back on your feet in no time........lol Like twehner, I don't mean to make light of a very serious situation, but maybe we'll get just a slight smile??
I think most hospitals will take payments, won't they? I was under the impression that they can't turn away someone who needs medical care.
I wish you well, and hope that you will keep us posted on your progress. Praying for you.
And, Ranae, I have had so many moles removed with stitches that I think I have the hang of it by now .. what do ya think? Nahh .... jk
C~
C~
Saw your "mood change"...praying for the best. Let us know as you can, but obviously realize that's not always easy to do. Take care!
I'm not sure why you don't have insurance. I don't know your situation. But have you investigated Medicaid or anything?
I had to make payments to a hospital several years ago. They will work with you on a payment amt. And they do not charge interest. Thank goodness. Took me forever seemed, but I did pay it off.
And you should be able to negotiate a price. If the HMO's and PPO's can negotiate a price, so can you! Please don't be afraid to try to negotiate with them on the price. I work in insurance - I used to have access to negotiated amounts for surgeries, but I don't anymore. Darn.
Please try and keep your head high though. I know it's hard. I'm praying for you.
I had to make payments to a hospital several years ago. They will work with you on a payment amt. And they do not charge interest. Thank goodness. Took me forever seemed, but I did pay it off.
And you should be able to negotiate a price. If the HMO's and PPO's can negotiate a price, so can you! Please don't be afraid to try to negotiate with them on the price. I work in insurance - I used to have access to negotiated amounts for surgeries, but I don't anymore. Darn.
Please try and keep your head high though. I know it's hard. I'm praying for you.
I haven't heard of that kind of hernia. My brother had an operation recently. He is in his later 50's and had been overweight for a number of years and lost a lot of weight recently. It was a good thing his was found as it was quite large.
You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
:-]
Donna
You will be in my thoughts & prayers.
:-]
Donna
Spent Friday night to Saturday morning in the Emergency Room and am staying down. Have doctor's appointment Monday to see the surgeon who operated on my tummy. They reduced the growing bulge, did a CT scan, gave me an IV and pushed morphine, Ativan and an anti-nausea med. Am on pain meds and an antibiotic now.
Thanks for the offer of the homemade surgery .. may take twehner and Barb up on that .. lol You guys always make me laugh and bring such joy.
Be back with you soon .. just have to get over this episode OR find a laptop that I can use from a supine (laying down) position.
Love to all .. please take care of each other and our new friends.
Thanks for the offer of the homemade surgery .. may take twehner and Barb up on that .. lol You guys always make me laugh and bring such joy.
Be back with you soon .. just have to get over this episode OR find a laptop that I can use from a supine (laying down) position.
Love to all .. please take care of each other and our new friends.
We'll all continue to keep you close to our hearts and in our thoughts. Thanks for the update.
Alright ------- Hey twehner - are you keeping up with this??? Hey, you still there? We might get to operate, so you better practice on that needlepoint so you can make a real neat design. Oh goody, goody - what fun.......!!!!!!!!
All joking aside - I'm very sorry that you had to spend time in ER and hope that something gets done real soon to get you back on your feet. You said you have an appt on Monday - would that be TODAY Monday? Hoping they don't make you wait a couple weeks.
Keep us posted as much as possible. Praying for you.
All joking aside - I'm very sorry that you had to spend time in ER and hope that something gets done real soon to get you back on your feet. You said you have an appt on Monday - would that be TODAY Monday? Hoping they don't make you wait a couple weeks.
Keep us posted as much as possible. Praying for you.
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