Chronic Health Conditions Discussion and Support

woodsprite

(11,947 posts) Sun Oct 22, 2023, 02:02 PM Oct 2023

Has anybody had abdominal reconstruction due to recurring hernias?

I had surgery Friday, was released yesterday, and am pretty miserable. Including this, I’ve had 7 abdominal surgeries (1 a year for the past 3 yrs) and this has been by far the most painful.

Rib pain is pushing the top of the chart and the pain meds don’t really do much with it. Came home with a drain that may be adding to the pain on the one side. I don’t like the other side effects of the heavier pain meds (a headache and I have to take laxitives while I’m on them.) Part of the surgery was a transversus abdominus release along each side of the rib cage. I’m trying some ice for the pain today.

Anybody have any tips, especially for getting comfortable with the belly band I have to wear. I’m short waisted and it feels like it’s segmenting me like a caterpillar.

6 replies

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Has anybody had abdominal reconstruction due to recurring hernias? (Original Post) woodsprite Oct 2023 OP

I am sorry you've had all this trouble. MOMFUDSKI Oct 2023 #1

2 years ago, I had hiatal hernia surgery coupled with a tumor pushing on my duodenum liberal N proud Oct 2023 #2

I had a belly button hernia last January kimbutgar Oct 2023 #3

is that a hiatal hernia? NJCher Oct 2023 #4

I never had stomach intestinal pain but aching pain on my enlarged outie bellybutton! kimbutgar Oct 2023 #6

Cut the band or roll it to fit you questionseverything Oct 2023 #5

MOMFUDSKI

(5,827 posts)

1. I am sorry you've had all this trouble.

Reply to woodsprite (Original post)

Sun Oct 22, 2023, 02:12 PM

Oct 2023

Keep yourself as comfortable as you can. Things will get better with time.

liberal N proud

(60,352 posts)

2. 2 years ago, I had hiatal hernia surgery coupled with a tumor pushing on my duodenum

Reply to woodsprite (Original post)

Sun Oct 22, 2023, 02:41 PM

Oct 2023

This year, I have had gall bladder surgery and complications from lifting too soon. That led to a lot of abdominal pain followed by pain meds that caused bleeding ulcers. Still anemic from that.

I have struggled with abdominal issues for years.

Ice packs were the best for abdominal pain post surgery.

kimbutgar

(21,290 posts)

3. I had a belly button hernia last January

Reply to woodsprite (Original post)

Sun Oct 22, 2023, 03:32 PM

Oct 2023

And I kept a heating pad and pillow on my stomach which helped with the pain.

NJCher

(35,843 posts)

4. is that a hiatal hernia?

Reply to kimbutgar (Reply #3)

Sun Oct 22, 2023, 03:40 PM

Oct 2023

My friend told me that they (medical profession) is mystified as to why so many women have them.

kimbutgar

(21,290 posts)

6. I never had stomach intestinal pain but aching pain on my enlarged outie bellybutton!

Reply to NJCher (Reply #4)

Sun Oct 22, 2023, 06:02 PM

Oct 2023

questionseverything

(9,667 posts)

5. Cut the band or roll it to fit you

Reply to woodsprite (Original post)

Sun Oct 22, 2023, 05:23 PM

Oct 2023

Take the high level pain meds and laxatives for a few days, if you try and rush the process and power through it, you might end up needing surgery again….and every time it gets harder to heal

Good luck 🍀

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