I HAVE A DIAGNOSIS ! INGUINAL HERNIA

[Karyn]

Hi Bev,
I'm sorry you're appointment wasn't more helpful. Did your doctor happen to say why he wouldn't order the CT scan? Why does he think you injured the ligament?
I can completely understand your exhaustion and frustration. Personally, I find it a bit insulting to suggest anti-inflammatories and rest. I mean, obviously those things haven't been effective, which is what brought you to seek the counsel of a specialist.
You do need to recover from this. So, take a big breath and let it out. I understand you're in a lot of pain and want a resolution. But for the sake of your sanity, try to let go of solving your medical condition for a couple of days. If you're able to do that, you will get that much needed energy back to move forward.
Kind regards,
Karyn

[helen1000]

Hello Beverly,

I am very sorry for your useless appointment. This ligament thing seems far fetched. He did not look for prove (MRI, for example). If ligament is damaged he should of suggest prolo, for example and send you for consultation. This idea or rest and taking anti inflammatory meds does not sound right. You probably had a ton of it by now. I suggest you find someone who is specializing on hernias locally or nationwide. If you do CT scan or MRI for further diagnosis try to choose place where they specialize on hernias. And CT scan should have dye from both sides. I did not and I am sorry I was not looking and went to the first place possible.

A word of caution from someone who went this route. Ultrasound gives a lot of false positives. CT scan gives a lot of false negatives. It is worthy of course to have both. But the most important is how big it is. Many people have small hernias and live with it. And I was explained by my doctor that small hernia cannot cause pain, pinch nerves (maybe he was wrong. I do not know) and removing it will not change pain situation. He said that when something shows up in hernia (like guts) it is calling for repair. Otherwise not.

If you look for consultation nationwide or operation if it is needed there are places that do hernias only and have earned reputation on it. There is Shouldice Hospital in Canada that actually invented some of repair methods. They take US insurance like out of network. Reviews are mixed but mostly positive. There is North Penn Hernia institute that also is doing only hernia. Reviews are also mixed but mostly positive. There is Dr. David Grischkan in Ohio. He only does hernias. Reviews are mostly good. He is associated with Hillcrest hospital. It belongs to Cleveland Clinic but it was not its quality when I lived there. I was a patient and my opinion on hospital itself is mixed. Maybe now CC enforced their standards on new property. I leaved OH 10 years ago. But he knows what he is doing I guess.

So give it a good thought when choose your doctor, From what I read it is easy to screw up with hernia diagnostics and operation even it seems simple. Many people actually get permanent pain from bad surgeon. I think one of those who specializes on hernia only is a good choice whoever you want to choose.

Good luck,

Helen

[donstore]

I would echo Helen's advice about getting an experienced surgeon since even if you aren't fixed, things will not be made worse. This is particularly true for laparoscopic procedures. I do believe that small hernias can cause nerve pain so obviously you would need to find a surgeon who shares that view. I am better than I was before surgery but not fully recovered. My results could have been compromised by the massive post operative infection that resulted from my bladder closing up following my procedure and landed me in the hospital for three days. My surgeon was Dr. Barry Gardiner of San Ramon, California and I would use him again without hesitation.

Don

[beverley]

Don: i am again looking for an update on your situation as i am still considering pursuing this option but have been very slow to take any action. Thanks!

[donstore]

Hi Beverly,
Well all I can say is that I am improved but not cured. I am still on my meds but my pain is less sharp. Also I can sleep on my side which I could not do before. As long as you get an experienced surgeon my opinion is that the surgery will leave you no worse and maybe you'll feel better. As I said before the infection after the surgery could have compromised my results. If I improve more I will certainly post that information. I am going to have A CT exam on my side with contrast and straining as the beam passes to see if there is a recurrent hernia. Will post when I have any new information. Good luck. Don