I'm 99.9% sure I have an inguinal hernia. I understand that surgery is required to repair this. Based on what I've read, surgeons in the US virtually always use a mesh implant to correct this. However, I've also read that mesh has a disturbingly high correlation with chronic pain, I've seen some estimates as high as 30%. (!!!) From what I've read, this is more likely in patients that are relatively young, and thin. As a pretty fit 30-year-old (as much as it pains me to say it) who is likely to be having this procedure, soon, I'm a bit concerned. Have any of you, or anyone you know of had this procedure? Did they use mesh? Did you/they experience complications? Also, how long was your recovery, and, if you don't mind, how much did it cost? I'd be grateful for any advice.
Had a Reducible Inguinal Hernia surgery 34 years ago. I need it done again, because the mesh has recently failed. When I had it done before, the mesh was not as well designed as it is now.
Me and two other guys were unloading a 55 gallon drum of Prist (jet fuel deicer) out of the bed of a deuce and a half when the drum shifted, the other two guys let go, and I was left holding the damn thing by myself and had to sit it down by myself - if I remember correctly, about 485 pounds. When I stood back up, it looked like I had a head of cabbage in my pants. It didn't hurt. I pushed on it and it squished back in, then as soon as I took a step, pop, it came back out. I had surgery that night.
First of all, don't even think about not using the mesh. JMHO. The alternative is not worth the pain and trouble - what I'm getting ready to do, have the surgery again.
Second, and I apologize for telling you this, but I refuse to lie to you - it's going hurt like a son-of-a-bitch for weeks. You will feel like every hair on your body, every inch of your skin, and every muscle in your body is connect directly to the area of your hernia scar during your recovery.
Third, you will always, always, feel it. Not painfully, just feel it, and be aware of it.
Fourth, get it done. Suck it up and get it done. A strangulated hernia can kill you so fast that the doctors cannot save you. I've seen it happen within hours. It can cause sepsis (septicemia) and at such a level that no antibiotic can cure you.
Fifth, read number 4 above again. Then call your doctor and schedule the surgery.
Sixth, start a thread in the Tavern so we can talk about this in a more safe environment. I'm sure others would be happy to talk about their own experiences there rather than in this sub-forum.
