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Ilioinguinal Neuralgia

Hi, I had ilioinguinal hernia repair a about 3 years ago.  About 6-8 weeks post-op I began to have pain in the groin area.  I was told I may have adhesions and to have laproscopic surgery - which I did a few months later, and which made it much worse.  Since then I am in chronic pain daily which sometimes extends down through the inner thigh area and is now occuring through to my back.  I also have complete numbness on that side of the mons pubis.  After going to a pain specialist, I was told I have nerve entrapment from the mesh used in my hernia repair or from adhesions which formed on the mesh.  At this point it would be major surgery to go in and remove the mesh and re-close the hernia.  The pain therapy/interferon injections did not work, nor have pain meds including most recently Gabapentin.  What did work one time and I have no idea if it is related is Prednisone (took for hives - but the pain was reduced??).  I am only 35 and cannot accept having to live like this.  I am not sure if I should proceed with the surgery, since the surgeon I saw (not the surgeon who did the initial hernia repair or the lap) said he could not say for sure it would solve the problem.  I have heard of patient directed lap - is that an option?  I guess it is frustrating as adhesions do not show up on any MRI or CT scan and whenever I see a doc it there is no real way for them to find exactly where the problem is.  I have had ultrasound, several pelvic/abdominal CT scans, xrays... any new medical imaging machines that can show this??
Thanks for any suggestions.
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527589 tn?1301678178
From the hundreds upon hundreds of posts I have gone thru and people I have spoken to dealing with the after effects of mesh surgery and what pain relief techniques are tried I have gathered nothing works. Or if it does, it does so for a short time and then the pain, discomfort and bloating return.  Nothing has worked for me.
Removing the mesh is a good idea because it will stop it from eventually eroding somewhere unpleasant but more nerve damage can occur. In chatting with another who had mesh used for hernia repair I learned that the longer the mesh remains the more scar tissue builds causing more pain. It's a never ending viscious cycle.
There's a website, Truth in Medicine, that was created specifically for people that have been "meshed" up.
Wishing pain-free days for all
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You may want to consider another medication which provides local anesthesia, a Lidocaine Transdermal Patch.  This may help until the issue of surgery has been resolved.  The patch is left in place for 12 hours only then removed for an additional 12 hrs.  The process is repeated thereafter.  Also, Lyrica may be another option.
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527589 tn?1301678178
Anyone who has had pain and or infections after having surgery involving mesh should go to Injury Board.com and read the articles(1, 2 &3) entitled "Suffering in Silence from a Medical Device" Be sure to read the comments section and add your own. Women and men all over the world are suffering the adverse effects of mesh. Add your voice. Please. Also, if you haven't already done so, go to the FDA website and add your injury to the MAUDE database. The more people that come forward, the sooner mesh will be removed from the operating room.
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Avatar universal
I know your pain. I and a had hernia repair last june 08. A week after surgery I started having nerve pain and was working but could not stand the pain so I called in sick and got fired. I have trying to deal with this with the pain managenment and have requested for a surgeon to go back in and untrap the nerve. I am depressed and still out of work seems like no end with the meds and what this to get resolved. Doctor says burning the nerve might get me off the med. Not sure about anything anymore. All we can do is hang in there but seems like death would be easier.
Helpful - 0
799668 tn?1237832899
my name is tidge  and have been living with chronic abdominal pain now for a little over 2 years now     i too  have had a hernia repair (umbilical)    done  now  four years ago   and just over two years ago started with pain that has increased with no identifiable cause      ct scans  and  ultrasounds    etc      im left  now   with such a poor quality of life from pain,  associated depression and sleeplessness    im 37 and have a harder job coping and getting round than my pensioner mother who spends  more time looking  after my son than i do  

i take gabapentin and  have butrans patches  25mcg now     just seem like  a walking pharmacy  with no end in sight    
pain management  helps me understand  my pain  but  sure as hell aint  helping with it    

for the love of god  what  can  i do  to help myself  cos  i cant  live like this  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Has anyone had the mesh successfully removed?  I am having terrible pain from the mesh and don't know if I could have it removed.  The Doc just says go for the nerve injections ,. . . but I do not want to do that.  He says it is scar tissue.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
your story is all so familiar, i am going thru the same pain and am frustrated.after several specialists, ct scans and nerve blocks with no relief. Nobody seems to want to operate they want to burn the nerve endings.have you had any other procedures done and has it helped??
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks.  Can they remove the damaged/hurt nerve?  If I already have numbness can they just remove it so it doesn't cause pain?  I have no idea about this kind of thing, but it seems to make logical sense...  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
your best route would be surgery to release the nerve..you're right though there is a risk it may not help or the nerve could be further damaged ..i work in surgery assisting,the procedure is fairly simple..it would be my choice and take the risk to be free of the pain
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
One other thing I forgot is what about alternative medicines?  Could acupuncture help (a suggestion from a friend)?
Helpful - 0
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