Groin "inguinial" hernia
Comments
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Sounds like my experience. Mine kept getting infected for like 5 months, it was a joke. That pretty much put jeans out of bounds for a lot of the time.
Quite funny looking back. I had no pre op, blood tests etc.
Then after I woke up, I had some lasagne and was out the door straight after. The top half of my legs were numb for a week too.0 -
Wow, glad I found this thread.
I've been training pretty hard over the last 3-6 months and am pretty much in the shape of my life, looking to get up into Cat 2 over the next season.
Over Xmas I noticed a swelling in my groin area and went straight to the Docs. Worried that it was the 'Big C' I was very happy to hear that it is an Inguinial Hernia on my right side... pretty sure I did it during a bout of vomiting a couple of weeks ago. I have been booked in for an Ultrasound just to make sure, which is likely to be February.
I thought it was odd to get this condition at 28 yrs old but reading this thread it could happen at any age; happy reading for me at least.
The doctors advice was 'Don't let the Hernia Restrict you' but don't do anything crazy in countries where medical care is perhaps not up to the required standard.
On that note I intend to continue racing, there's a winter crit series which I'm going to participate in and just see how it goes.
The Doctor however said that an Operation to repair was pretty much out of the question at this stage unless I went private. Its a constant burning/aching feeling in my groin and discomfort in my right nut. After the US result i'm going to push for Surgery, it would appear to be a matter of WHEN and not IF the surgery is required so I want it out of the way sooner rather than later... just got to hope I can convince the doctor!
Thanks for posting all this up guys... made my ordeal slightly easier to deal with!0 -
Baron, where do you live? If it's the UK, no reason why you can't have the op done for free? FWIW, I found that cycling didn't bother me in the least, it was walking/running and lifting that did. But I'm glad it's done now though.
Interesting re.vomiting causing it; I used to like sneezing comically as loud and hard as possible (I know, weird, right?! - I thought it was hilarious, the family, less so....) and I think that did it for me!0 -
Baron Ban Ana wrote:Wow, glad I found this thread.
I've been training pretty hard over the last 3-6 months and am pretty much in the shape of my life, looking to get up into Cat 2 over the next season.
Over Xmas I noticed a swelling in my groin area and went straight to the Docs. Worried that it was the 'Big C' I was very happy to hear that it is an Inguinial Hernia on my right side... pretty sure I did it during a bout of vomiting a couple of weeks ago. I have been booked in for an Ultrasound just to make sure, which is likely to be February.
I thought it was odd to get this condition at 28 yrs old but reading this thread it could happen at any age; happy reading for me at least.
The doctors advice was 'Don't let the Hernia Restrict you' but don't do anything crazy in countries where medical care is perhaps not up to the required standard.
On that note I intend to continue racing, there's a winter crit series which I'm going to participate in and just see how it goes.
The Doctor however said that an Operation to repair was pretty much out of the question at this stage unless I went private. Its a constant burning/aching feeling in my groin and discomfort in my right nut. After the US result i'm going to push for Surgery, it would appear to be a matter of WHEN and not IF the surgery is required so I want it out of the way sooner rather than later... just got to hope I can convince the doctor!
Thanks for posting all this up guys... made my ordeal slightly easier to deal with!
Should be available on the NHS - Tell your GP you wish to remain active - If he doesn't refer you ask for a 2nd opinion - then appeal to the CCG - Most likely the GP doesn't want to fund the surgery and is perhaps hoping you have PMI
The Op is one of the most basic and most performed surgeries there is - with a very high success rate.0 -
Baron Ban Ana wrote:Wow, glad I found this thread.
I've been training pretty hard over the last 3-6 months and am pretty much in the shape of my life, looking to get up into Cat 2 over the next season.
Over Xmas I noticed a swelling in my groin area and went straight to the Docs. Worried that it was the 'Big C' I was very happy to hear that it is an Inguinial Hernia on my right side... pretty sure I did it during a bout of vomiting a couple of weeks ago. I have been booked in for an Ultrasound just to make sure, which is likely to be February.
I thought it was odd to get this condition at 28 yrs old but reading this thread it could happen at any age; happy reading for me at least.
The doctors advice was 'Don't let the Hernia Restrict you' but don't do anything crazy in countries where medical care is perhaps not up to the required standard.
On that note I intend to continue racing, there's a winter crit series which I'm going to participate in and just see how it goes.
The Doctor however said that an Operation to repair was pretty much out of the question at this stage unless I went private. Its a constant burning/aching feeling in my groin and discomfort in my right nut. After the US result i'm going to push for Surgery, it would appear to be a matter of WHEN and not IF the surgery is required so I want it out of the way sooner rather than later... just got to hope I can convince the doctor!
Thanks for posting all this up guys... made my ordeal slightly easier to deal with!
As Berni and Kingrollo have said this is an op you would get on NHS (if uk based) especially as hernia is causing you some, albeit minor sounding symptoms.
Hope all is sorted satisfactorily.0 -
I have had an inguinal hernia for about 5 years. It was first picked up on a scan when I had a dvt. It is the type that disappears when I lie down. My gp has refused to refer me for an op until I reach point where I have had to wear a support for a year. When it protrudes it is like half an apple / tennis ball. Happily it does not trouble me too much most of the time. Still do boot camp 2 or 3 times a week and cycle of course. Doing LEJOG over 9 days in June. Reading some of the posystem about post op, I feel quite glad not to have had to go under the knife although initially I was quite annoyed with my gp.0
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Wow that is terrible. I know our stories dont sound great but I havent had a problem since. I was 21 in 2009 when I had it done. No chance would I be happy with spending a lot of my 20's with it still poking out, especially as I was a carpenter up until this year.
See a different GP.0 -
foot_loose wrote:I have had an inguinal hernia for about 5 years. It was first picked up on a scan when I had a dvt. It is the type that disappears when I lie down. My gp has refused to refer me for an op until I reach point where I have had to wear a support for a year. When it protrudes it is like half an apple / tennis ball. Happily it does not trouble me too much most of the time. Still do boot camp 2 or 3 times a week and cycle of course. Doing LEJOG over 9 days in June. Reading some of the posystem about post op, I feel quite glad not to have had to go under the knife although initially I was quite annoyed with my gp.
I would ask your GP for a second opinion. If you still don't get the surgery complain to your clinical commissioning group.0 -
Yeah, that's a pretty poor show from your GP. I think you just have to insist.
It's nearly 4 weeks since my op, and I'm now fully healed. I walk and jog much easier now and feel 'cured'. I think I was starting to carry myself in a weird way to compensate for the hernia. So I'm well pleased it's done now.
Maybe move to France?! I could pretty much pick my dates with just 2 weeks notice. I love the NHS, but I don't see how it can continue as totally free as things currently stand.0 -
bernithebiker wrote:Yeah, that's a pretty poor show from your GP. I think you just have to insist.
It's nearly 4 weeks since my op, and I'm now fully healed. I walk and jog much easier now and feel 'cured'. I think I was starting to carry myself in a weird way to compensate for the hernia. So I'm well pleased it's done now.
Maybe move to France?! I could pretty much pick my dates with just 2 weeks notice. I love the NHS, but I don't see how it can continue as totally free as things currently stand.
It isn't free
Its funded by tax and NI contributions. The UK nhs was reported as the most efficient in the world in 2010.
Don't feel guilty about asking the NHS treatment - you are paying for it !0 -
kingrollo wrote:bernithebiker wrote:Yeah, that's a pretty poor show from your GP. I think you just have to insist.
It's nearly 4 weeks since my op, and I'm now fully healed. I walk and jog much easier now and feel 'cured'. I think I was starting to carry myself in a weird way to compensate for the hernia. So I'm well pleased it's done now.
Maybe move to France?! I could pretty much pick my dates with just 2 weeks notice. I love the NHS, but I don't see how it can continue as totally free as things currently stand.
It isn't free
Its funded by tax and NI contributions. The UK nhs was reported as the most efficient in the world in 2010.
Don't feel guilty about asking the NHS treatment - you are paying for it !
No, I realize not 'free' in that sense, but it's free in the sense that the patient pays nothing for their medical costs.
In France, not only are you heavily taxed, but you also pay, in full, upfront for all medical treatment. A portion is then reimbursed by the State, and the remaining portion is either down to you or your top-up insurance (which most French have).
This way, the French see the true cost of treatment and end up contributing a (small) portion (which is set to increase).
Again, I think the NHS is a great idea, but as the population ages and demands more treatment, something has to give. Either one accepts to be taxed more, or perhaps a better solution, ask for a participation in the small, basic costs (like visiting GP) and put the extra cash into hospitals, surgery, cancer treatment, etc...0 -
I too have an Inguinal Hernia and due to be operated on in one week's time under the NHS.
Here's my progress:
Discovered it in July/August this year. Came out of nowhere. Was worried that it was more sinister like Cancer but relieved it wasn't. Saw doctor on 17th August. Referred me to the hospital. Saw consultant eventually on 7 Nov. He advised that he'd prefer to do keyhole surgery on me which they still offered on the NHS at my hospital. The downside to keyhole surgery was the wait of anything up to 6-8 months! That would take me slap bang into the middle of summer and key cycling time. I really didn't want that. Plus he said that by the time I got an appointment for that surgery they might have stopped doing keyhole ops under the NHS. The other option was to have Incisional surgery (straight open cut). The waiting time for that would be more like 2-3 months. Much better I thought as it puts me into Jan/ early Feb so time to recover for Spring/Summer cycling.
Had a call on 6 Dec from the Hospital. They asked if I would mind being treated by one of their partner clinics as the waiting time would be reduced. Said fine. Partner clinic is a private hospital with excellent care and quality so jumped at the chance. Saw consultant on 10th Jan and was immediately booked in for 23rd Jan for standard incisional surgery under local anesthetic day surgery. I'll be off work for 2 weeks. Light duties for 2 more weeks. Back to normal after 4-5 weeks he says.
No idea how I developed a hernia. I too like Bernithebiker like to sneeze very loudly at home. I try to make the loudest most comic noises possible. No idea if it was related though if I try to stifle a sneeze or keep it quiet it builds pressure in my abdomen and makes the hernia pop out. It doesn't if I do loud ones. I had been cycling more and doing more core workouts in the lead up to developing a hernia but I think they either happen or don't. It hasn't really bothered me up until a few weeks ago when hill walking and it was starting to ache and be a nuisance. I find I'm pushing it back in more often at the moment so very glad it is getting done soon. I also think it has gone slightly lower towards my sack. The consultant says that this is not a problem as some actually erupt unto the testes and that is more complicated! Eugh!
I'll update this post when done.Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.
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Well, just got back to the ward after my hernia repair under local anaesthetic. It was the weirdest sensation ever!!! Not painful just very uncomfortable at times. No pain yet as still numb. I expect pain later. I hope they give me Tramadol and some sleeping tablets to take home ;-) Surgeon gave me sample of the mesh. It's thicker than I thought. Very durable. Had nice snack and pot of tea. Now for a nice snooze until wife picks me up!
Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.
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PhotoNic69 wrote:Well, just got back to the ward after my hernia repair under local anaesthetic. It was the weirdest sensation ever!!! Not painful just very uncomfortable at times. No pain yet as still numb. I expect pain later. I hope they give me Tramadol and some sleeping tablets to take home ;-) Surgeon gave me sample of the mesh. It's thicker than I thought. Very durable. Had nice snack and pot of tea. Now for a nice snooze until wife picks me up!
Ouch, think I'd rather be knocked out personally!
Try not to watch any funny films for the next few days, laughing really hurts!
Good luck!0 -
Update: Last night and today it was hurting like a b!tch. A lot of pain. They gave me Dihydrocodeine as painkillers and not Tramadol. Dihydro made me feel very very dizzy and spaced out. SO much so that when I went for a wee at 4am I suddenly found myself on the floor and no recollection of falling over! They also make you very constipated which is the last thing you want after a hernia op!!! Phoned doctors and got a prescription for Tramadol which is much better for me (still spacey but not monged out). Pain is manageable now and I've walked around the house quite a bit 24hrs after the op, just to get moving a bit. Still hurts when standing up from sitting and vice versa. Got some laxatives too to help.
I too was a bit unsure exactly what I can and can't do but basically consultant said not to lift anything that weighs more than half a kettle of water. Definitely no cycling, no turbo, no swimming for at least two weeks. He said after that then swimming would be OK but leave it for 5 weeks until out on bike and maybe 4 weeks till the turbo. I'm seeing him again in two weeks for a check-up. He has signed me off work for 4 weeks too instead of the two he originally said. Not complaining (yet)
The area of the wound seems quite swollen and tender but that was to be expected. He gave me a sample of the mesh. It's made of polypropelyne and much denser, thicker and durable than I thought it would be. He cuts it to size from a sheet to the shape of the front side window from a car. That sort of shape.
Sample:
Site of cut: (excuse graphic image of shaved pubes!)
Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.
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Well that's put me off my breakfast!0
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Why have you put a picture of an old chicken up?!0
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I'm on day 12 of recovery from a keyhole bilateral inguinal repair (4 underlying hernias, one located higher than inguinal), so a fair amount of butchery performed, using mesh sheets glued into position.
First few days rather grim: abdomen inflated like a space-hopper, all core strength obliterated making the simplest of movements super difficult, tackle bruised, swollen and in ruins.
Went for a 1/2 km walk (shuffle) on recovery day 6, and 1km day 7. Left feeling light headed and very low energy. Scrapped the walks for the next few days and took it very easy...
Felt better subsequently so walked 3 miles yesterday, slow pace, very slow on any hills (up or down). Main issues being:
(i) my abs along a line where the keyhole "ports" are: it feels I have zero core strength in this area, which affects a lot of bodily movements and force me to carry myself somewhat like an automaton;
(ii) the feeling that it's impossible to raise my heart (breathing) rate, possibly linked to the abs issue above.
Felt good today, so walked 2 miles at a faster pace in the morning and decided to climb on the turbo in the afternoon (using some steps to help me climb aboard). For the first 10 mins, forced to use a 34-30 gear, cranking out a might 40w. It felt like my HR just wouldn't go up above 90. Very slowly plugged away raising the effort at a miniscule pace and got up to 150w (~>60% FTP) after half an hour, and finally saw a HR up at the top end of Zone 2. Wound it back for 10 more minutes of really easy so my partner didn't bo!!ock me for overdoing it.
Very happy with this progress.
Surgeon had said he likes to see people back on a bike (doing v easy) after a week or so, a schedule I'm not too far off, and I felt I did the right thing by listening to my body at the 1 week point when I felt weak and ropey. Aiming to very progressively increase the trainer session intensity and duration over the next 10 days, bringing in some gentle out of saddle work eventually. No outdoor rides planned yet (too brutally hilly in my locale).
Still a very long way to go, but considering how I felt the weekend before last, feels quite amazing to be pedalling again. And lucky to have access to such treatment.
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