failed hernia surgery

[joe8234]

I am 78 years old..Last June I had laproscopy for inguinal hernia...it failed...In August I had a second traditional open surgery for  the same hernia...During the winter it also failed..I am wondering whether to try surgery again with all the misery and difficulty or try to live with it with a truss..The surgeon insists that this has not happened in 500  such operations and that additional surgery will require considerably more work and methods due to all the mesh involved.
I am very active and need input...Please offer suggestions....

[Ellen038]

I would consider seeing another general surgeon. Is there a reason your doctor says your surgeries have failed?

[silverfox67]

I am so sorry that your hernia operations failed.  How frustrating for you!

There is so much controversy over the mesh being used right now it would certainly be a tough decision on your part whether to have another surgery or not.

Since you are so active, perhaps the surgeries failed because of your activities.  I really can't tell you not to have the surgery - only you know if you can tolerate living with a truss for the rest of your life.  

What are the chances that your next surgery would be successful?  What caused the others to fail?  Is it because of thin skin?  If so, there is no guarantee that the next one would "hold".  And if you had the surgery, how long would you be laid up waiting for it to heal enough to get back to living?

I'm sorry I couldn't be much help... please take care of yourself.

Best wishes