Groin "inguinial" hernia
Comments
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I've had a small inguinal hernia for 20yrs. I didn't even know I had it until it was picked up on a routine work medical. Used to ache occasionally for a little while when I was a stone heavier but I haven't noticed it now for years. Was offered surgery originally but decided not to bother. All good touch wood.0
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I had an open inguinal hernia repair eight days ago. Whilst I have not been as quick to recover as barnowl, I have found the pain entirely manageable. I am still not walking around too well, but I managed fifteen minutes on the turbo this afternoon with no ill effects. The area where the repair was done does sometimes feel a bit strange - which I suspect is the mesh - but it is absolutely not a problem.
Regards,
Gordon0 -
bernithebiker wrote:Been diagnosed with a femoral hernia (similar to inguinal, but down a touch, where the femoral artery passes through to the leg).
Can get keyhole mesh surgery quickly and easily here in France, but as it's 'small' (doctor's words) and it isn't causing me any pain, I wonder if I can avoid surgery altogether, especially given that people here seem to have had trouble with it.
When I saw the size of the mesh (about the area of a CD case) I was shocked at how big it was.
Asked if I would feel it to which I was told 'skinny cyclists like you tend to feel it far more than overweight people...'!
Doctor also said hernias cannot heal themselves....
Any advice welcome!
Berni,
I prefix this with the usual comment that it is a discussion best to have with your doctor/surgeon etc but for what it's worth...
If you truly have a femoral hernia (relatively rare in men and more common in women) then the general recommendation would be to get it fixed as the have a much higher rate of causing problems (bit of intestine or abdominal fat getting trapped in them). For a planned femoral hernia repair this can be done through a small groin incision that does not divide any muscle and non absorbable stitches or a plug of mesh can be used. Keyhole repair does not carry an advantage here (unlike inguinal hernias).
A small asymptomatic inguinal hernia that causes you no issues does not mandate needing an operation. Yes in time things may change and you can then rethink/act accordingly.
Happy to be pm'd if you have any further questions.0 -
Iron_Duke wrote:bernithebiker wrote:Been diagnosed with a femoral hernia (similar to inguinal, but down a touch, where the femoral artery passes through to the leg).
Can get keyhole mesh surgery quickly and easily here in France, but as it's 'small' (doctor's words) and it isn't causing me any pain, I wonder if I can avoid surgery altogether, especially given that people here seem to have had trouble with it.
When I saw the size of the mesh (about the area of a CD case) I was shocked at how big it was.
Asked if I would feel it to which I was told 'skinny cyclists like you tend to feel it far more than overweight people...'!
Doctor also said hernias cannot heal themselves....
Any advice welcome!
Berni,
I prefix this with the usual comment that it is a discussion best to have with your doctor/surgeon etc but for what it's worth...
If you truly have a femoral hernia (relatively rare in men and more common in women) then the general recommendation would be to get it fixed as the have a much higher rate of causing problems (bit of intestine or abdominal fat getting trapped in them). For a planned femoral hernia repair this can be done through a small groin incision that does not divide any muscle and non absorbable stitches or a plug of mesh can be used. Keyhole repair does not carry an advantage here (unlike inguinal hernias).
A small asymptomatic inguinal hernia that causes you no issues does not mandate needing an operation. Yes in time things may change and you can then rethink/act accordingly.
Happy to be pm'd if you have any further questions.
Many thanks, pm incoming!0 -
Is the barrier mesh left in there for good?0
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Yep0
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Well, damn. Thanks.0
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I've got a hernia too. Inguinal one. Seeing consultant in 6 weeks. I'll ask about recovery and cycling> Hoping to get this done this Autumn/Winter so i can be out fully again in the Spring. Fingers crossed.
Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.
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I've lived with mine since Xmas.
It's not been too bad and I did alright in the Etape! So long as I don't lift heavy stuff it's OK.
If I phone, I can get it done in 2 weeks so will aim for December I think.0 -
Are you, guys, opting for the more complicated keyhole operation for a quicker recovery? I plan to be fit for Fred Whitton in the spring.
I can't wrap my mind around wearing a frickin net inside torso on the side, especially when at single digit fat levels. Also, the inguinal canal area definitely flexes when cycling.0 -
Since 'wearing a net' I have played football, raced push bikes, lifted heavy weights down the gym, carried on with my job as a carpenter and PT without any problems.
I'm sure you will be fine.0 -
I'll preface this by highlighting that this is just my own personal experience, I know everyone reacts/recovers differently to surgery.
I've had two hernia repairs (right and left side inguinal) repaired with mesh. You can't feel the mesh when you press on the area and once healed it is highly unlikely you will experience any future discomfort. I have never felt any indication that I have two bits of mesh inside me when cycling or doing any other physical activity (Body fat in single digits like you mamil).
Don't worry about recovery time it takes as long as it takes, but as healthy cyclists, and as long as the op goes well, you can expect to resume cycling after 4-6 weeks.
With regards open (mesh) vs keyhole. Some consultants won't offer keyhole so check if that's your preference (dude in the bed next to me had been told by his GP he could have keyhole and a local anaesthetic, imagine his surprise morning of the op when the actual surgeon told him neither was an option!). Keyhole is a quicker recovery but weigh up the (slightly) greater risk of complication. Again, speak to the surgeon who will lay it all out.0 -
Midlands Grimpeur wrote:I'll preface this by highlighting that this is just my own personal experience, I know everyone reacts/recovers differently to surgery.
I've had two hernia repairs (right and left side inguinal) repaired with mesh. You can't feel the mesh when you press on the area and once healed it is highly unlikely you will experience any future discomfort. I have never felt any indication that I have two bits of mesh inside me when cycling or doing any other physical activity (Body fat in single digits like you mamil).
Don't worry about recovery time it takes as long as it takes, but as healthy cyclists, and as long as the op goes well, you can expect to resume cycling after 4-6 weeks.
With regards open (mesh) vs keyhole. Some consultants won't offer keyhole so check if that's your preference (dude in the bed next to me had been told by his GP he could have keyhole and a local anaesthetic, imagine his surprise morning of the op when the actual surgeon told him neither was an option!). Keyhole is a quicker recovery but weigh up the (slightly) greater risk of complication. Again, speak to the surgeon who will lay it all out.
Good info.
I too when shown the mesh, was like "How big?!', and have concerns about feeling it, me too 5% body fat ish, so not much there to hide it.
But I guess it'll be OK. Our clinic has 2 surgeons, 1 'open', 1 keyhole. I saw them both, but prefer the quicker recovery of keyhole.
I figure it makes most sense to do it when the weather's crap, so December it is!0 -
Thanks for words, chaps. I guess, i have too vivid an imagination.
Well, Left Nut, sorry for what's about to happen to you, but we'll get through this.0 -
mamil314 wrote:Thanks for words, chaps. I guess, i have too vivid an imagination.
Well, Left Nut, sorry for what's about to happen to you, but we'll get through this.
It's nothing to do with your nuts!0 -
PhotoNic69 wrote:I've got a hernia too. Inguinal one. Seeing consultant in 6 weeks. I'll ask about recovery and cycling> Hoping to get this done this Autumn/Winter so i can be out fully again in the Spring. Fingers crossed.
Thats very do-able. My recovery was on the slower side - but I still would have hot those deadlines.
I wasn't cycling at the time due to a hip injury. I was in real pain for 1 week - walked very carefully for 2 weeks - back at work in 4 - swimming in 6.
After about 6 months I did have an awful tearing pain - but a U/S scan showed nothing. Weirdly crunchies in the gym - seems to help ! - maybe it keeps the whole thing moving rather than it stiffening up
Open surgery, with mesh for me.0 -
I wonder how much they charge, the benefits seem to be amazing:
A painless operation that takes minutes to perform
No need for general anaesthesia
No need for bed-rest, even after the operation
Home the same day
Back to normal extremely quickly (back at work within days)
All kinds of sport possible afterwards
Reliable against recurrence for life
Advanced age no longer a barrier
They seem to be cutting smaller hole and not attach the mesh with staples or stitches
https://www.hernia.org/tension-free-mesh/0 -
mamil314 wrote:I wonder how much they charge, the benefits seem to be amazing:
A painless operation that takes minutes to perform
No need for general anaesthesia
No need for bed-rest, even after the operation
Home the same day
Back to normal extremely quickly (back at work within days)
All kinds of sport possible afterwards
Reliable against recurrence for life
Advanced age no longer a barrier
They seem to be cutting smaller hole and not attach the mesh with staples or stitches
https://www.hernia.org/tension-free-mesh/
Looks very good. Almost too good......
(if only I had private medical insurance...)Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.
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mamil314 wrote:I wonder how much they charge, the benefits seem to be amazing:
A painless operation that takes minutes to perform
No need for general anaesthesia
No need for bed-rest, even after the operation
Home the same day
Back to normal extremely quickly (back at work within days)
All kinds of sport possible afterwards
Reliable against recurrence for life
Advanced age no longer a barrier
They seem to be cutting smaller hole and not attach the mesh with staples or stitches
https://www.hernia.org/tension-free-mesh/
I would be very dubious on the 'term - tension free mesh' - how does it stay in place without a degree of tension.
a pound to a penny this is the same op I had on NHS.0 -
Had open inguinal 6 years ago. Very straightforward, riding easy after 3 weeks. First few days painful, whoever said it's got nothing to do with your nuts talking out of his hat because they and your old chap come out black and blue and very sore, but not in a good wayCannondale Supersix / CAAD9 / Boardman 9.0 / Benotto 30000
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You sure it wasnt an STD then. Haha. I am not sure I have ever heard of that. I certainly didnt after my op.
You have to leave it a very long time for it to potentially go into your nuts.0 -
oscarbudgie wrote:Had open inguinal 6 years ago. Very straightforward, riding easy after 3 weeks. First few days painful, whoever said it's got nothing to do with your nuts talking out of his hat because they and your old chap come out black and blue and very sore, but not in a good way
The op & condition has nothing to do with your nuts.I had open surgery with mesh repair - and my todger and balls did did go almost black with brusing. Cleared up pretty quick though.
I was in quite a bit of pain for week 1. I had weeks off work - and it was about 6 weeks before I felt 'normal' - I was not cycling at the time due to another injury. But remember going swimming 6 weeks post op - but being very careful getting in and out of the pool.0 -
Woah, guess I got lucky then.0
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Well, after putting it off for over a year (was minor and thought it might 'go away') I finally bit the bullet and decided to get it done.
2 weeks ago I asked for the op, and I had it done yesterday by keyhole surgery. (France). In the UK I hear the wait is more like 9 - 12 months...!
Was wheeled into theatre where I confessed to eating some toast in the am, and was promptly wheeled back out again to wait another hour for it to digest.
Then back in, and as the anaesthetist was asking me what bike I rode and I was reeling off the parts lists (yawn!) I got knocked out.
Woke feeling a bit sick and painful lower stomach - I have 3 small incisions in a line below belly button.
Was told the hernia was a 'good-size' so was well worth getting it done.
Now at home on paracetamol / opium / caffeine tabs (not sure why caffeine?) still painful lower abdomen and only hobbling around but on the mend. Back on the bike for Xmas?0 -
bernithebiker wrote:Well, after putting it off for over a year (was minor and thought it might 'go away') I finally bit the bullet and decided to get it done.
2 weeks ago I asked for the op, and I had it done yesterday by keyhole surgery. (France). In the UK I hear the wait is more like 9 - 12 months...!
Was wheeled into theatre where I confessed to eating some toast in the am, and was promptly wheeled back out again to wait another hour for it to digest.
Then back in, and as the anaesthetist was asking me what bike I rode and I was reeling off the parts lists (yawn!) I got knocked out.
Woke feeling a bit sick and painful lower stomach - I have 3 small incisions in a line below belly button.
Was told the hernia was a 'good-size' so was well worth getting it done.
Now at home on paracetamol / opium / caffeine tabs (not sure why caffeine?) still painful lower abdomen and only hobbling around but on the mend. Back on the bike for Xmas?
That might be pushing it0 -
kingrollo wrote:bernithebiker wrote:Well, after putting it off for over a year (was minor and thought it might 'go away') I finally bit the bullet and decided to get it done.
2 weeks ago I asked for the op, and I had it done yesterday by keyhole surgery. (France). In the UK I hear the wait is more like 9 - 12 months...!
Was wheeled into theatre where I confessed to eating some toast in the am, and was promptly wheeled back out again to wait another hour for it to digest.
Then back in, and as the anaesthetist was asking me what bike I rode and I was reeling off the parts lists (yawn!) I got knocked out.
Woke feeling a bit sick and painful lower stomach - I have 3 small incisions in a line below belly button.
Was told the hernia was a 'good-size' so was well worth getting it done.
Now at home on paracetamol / opium / caffeine tabs (not sure why caffeine?) still painful lower abdomen and only hobbling around but on the mend. Back on the bike for Xmas?
That might be pushing it.
One tip I was given is that sometimes the painkillers make you constipated - if this happens you don't want to be straining on the bog. Keep a couple of cartons of prune juice handy.
Take it easy mate.0 -
Glad it went well BB, here's to a quick recovery. Personally, I'd enjoy your xmas and New Year and start back on the bike in January. As you had the hernia for quite some time your body will have compensated and could be susceptible to injury if you rush back into cycling too soon, give yourself enough time to heal and then make a steady transition back IMO.0
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Thanks for the good wishes chaps - Already walking a bit easier but will go with the 'feet up' for Xmas option!0
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kingrollo wrote:One tip I was given is that sometimes the painkillers make you constipated - if this happens you don't want to be straining on the bog. Keep a couple of cartons of prune juice handy.
Take it easy mate.
Opiates do indeed put the brakes on your normal bowel activity. Something my GP neglected to mention when he came out in the night to see me writhing in agony, diagnosed a slipped disc, injected some morphine into my buttock and left me with a pile of codeine based pills.
In the absence of prune juice, Movicol is quite effective at keeping things moving.0 -
So seeing as this seems to be the un-official 'hernia' thread, anyone searching may find my experience useful;
Dec 13 = op.
Dec 13 -16 = a lot of abdominal pain, difficult to walk, 'Lamaline' painkillers pretty useless and the caffeine restricted sleep, which seems kind of stupid....
Wasn't advised at all on what to do on leaving hospital, re. changing dressings, can I get them wet, other pain relief, when can I lift / walk? So mostly guesswork there - oh and make sure you have soft tracky bottoms to wear, jeans are a non-starter.
Dec 18, first gentle 4km walk, a bit shuffly but OK.
Sneezing and laughing, now just about bearable!
Dec 22, first gentle bike ride, 60k, but easy, nice to get out, felt fine, but HR up at least 10 bpm.
Xmas, = pretty much full movement and pain 95% gone.
Dec 26 and 27, short bike rides, bit faster
Dec 28 today, 99% healed but still bit tired, not fully fit.
Sometimes think I can feel something at the top of my leg (the mesh) but could be my imagination.
Top incision (just below BB) became infected and swollen, but back down now.
So overall pretty good really, just would have liked something with more of a kick drug wise after the op, and skip the caffeine.0
