Has anybody had abdominal wall reconstruction surgery?

[fuzzyjelly]

I had a huge hernia repair about a year and a half ago. I have mesh from the bottom of my breasts to my bikini line and around to my sides. The surgery itself wasn't bad. I had very little feeling in the whole area afterward and to this day I'm still numb for about 6 inches around my belly button. A few weeks after surgery my belly button opened into a gaping wound that scared the heck out of me. My husband packed and bandaged it twice a day for six months. It took that long to close.

I'm feeling pretty good about things now, but I certainly feel the mesh, which I was assured was not possible. I love the things that doctors come up with. I feel it stretched across my abdomen, just sitting there mostly. It will pull at the edges if I move or stretch the wrong way. Sometimes it can pull quite hard and hurts a good deal. I also feel it if I get bloated because it doesn't expand with my stomach. This also baffles me because I was told that I would have no problem having kids if I wished to. I can't imagine how. In researching I found stories where women had to allow the mesh to rip away as they got bigger in pregnancy and just have it fixed after giving birth. They all said it was excruciating. Luckily I have chosen not to have children, so I won't have to find out, but I wish doctors would be more honest. How can someone be forced to chose between kids and ripping apart their insides?

Sorry, I got off topic for a bit there, but I do know how you feel with your 'belly armor'. Feel free to drop me a like if you have any questions. You'll get used to all the odd feelings after a bit. They don't really go away, but they become normal and you don't notice them so often.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I recently heard of the term "abdominal wall reconstructiove surgery"

I was referred by a va doctor to a Cleveland University Doctor regarding my huge herniated abdomen . as large as a watermellon. I was shot in the abdomen 1n 1978 when in U.S. MARINES. I have approx 7 abdominal surgeries while recovering, 3 more after, including 2 hernia repairs. My last doctor in 1997 said there was a complete absence of muscle tissue on my right side and the tissue was like swiss cheese. don't come back again.

now here i am again. does anybody know if they can transplant muscle or am I stuck? Abdominal Wall reconstructive surgery was recommended, but will not happen for a few months. any ideas to research?

Check this out: awrconference.com

Its the 2011 abdominal wall conference in DC that is in June. Its for complex and challenging cases

I see a surgeon from Case Univiersity in Cleveland is presenting. Is that where you were referred to?

My surgeon is on a paper or poster with a group from our hosp.

Have they mentioned component seperation? I dont know if that would be an option for you? But all the good info and updates will probably be coming out of that conference.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Adaperl]

I am actually going to see a Surgeon on the 24th of May to speak with him about this. I have had numerous abdominal surgerys. The last hernia surgery i had was in January of 2011. It is tore again. I can feel it. Instead of going back to my general surgeon, i am going to a Dr that specializes in abdominal wall reconstruction. I am not sure how well versed he is in this, but i have alist of questions for him. I wish i lived on the east ocast. There seems to be more specialist out there. they are having a huge conference in DC this summer. I am not going to go into this lightly. Again, i am only 41 years old, and my last hernia surgery had been my 7th abdominal surgery. If anyone else has any information on this in the southwestern area (AZ) please let me know.

 

[TruBlu]

Wow! I can't believe I found this thread! I've had 8 hernia repairs in the same spot (only one with bowel resection). I've been good for almost a year now, then a couple of weeks ago I started to run a fever. I got really sick really fast and ended up in the hospital for 5 days. My mesh is infected a year after surgery!!!

So, my only option now is abdominal wall reconstruction (and removal of the mesh). I am terrified! My surgery is a week from today. Right now I'm dealing with a huge drain to keep the infection at bay until surgery. Not fun.

 

[jerica]

I was diagnosed with colon cancer, and I have a ventral hernia -- the Dr. said my insides are on the outside. He says a new technique has been used successfully that pulls the oblique muscle sinew together and uses mesh to create a new abdominal wall. They plan on doing both surgeries at the same time, using 2 surgeons. I have had 2 prior hernia surgeries. First one for a small incision hernia from my hystorectomy, which immediately made things worse -- now a big hernia where they used mesh, and that made it even worse, until my tummy looks like I am pregnant!

I am so hoping he can get all the cancer, but also fix my tummy. He says they may have to take even more intestine in order to stuff everything back inside.

Two weeks in hospital and then 1-2 weeks in nursing home/physical therapy.

Biggest problem is infection, but they have found that increasing protein intake 5 days before surgery has really helped post-op. Ensure has new 25 gram protein shake so I PLAN TO DRINK 3 A DAY - 5 DAYS BEFORE!

Anybody been there, done that? Any recommendations?

 

[Hannathy]

My best friend has been going thru terrible complications from having a massive abdominal hernia and hysterectomy done in December with mesh. She developed blood clots in her lungs 2 days after surgery so was in the hospital much longer than planned. Then she developed excessive fluid and the area hardened and became infected internally. so they had to re open it and leave it open. She had the wound vac on for a bit more than 3 months, just got rid of it 2 weeks ago. her wound was about 6 inches deep x 4inches and when they first started packing it took the entire roll of sponge in the kit. It still is not closed but getting there. Oh she also had cellulitis in her groin and leg back in early May. She just went back to work this week.

I'm not sure how big the mesh is but it is large because the hernia was the size of a cantaloupe. She had hernia surgery with mesh about 20 yrs ago also.

It has been quite the journey since early December. The wound vac really did get the healing going and got all that fluid out.

 

[jerica]

I was diagnosed with colon cancer, and I have a ventral hernia -- the Dr. said my insides are on the outside. He says a new technique has been used successfully that pulls the oblique muscle sinew together and uses mesh to create a new abdominal wall. They plan on doing both surgeries at the same time, using 2 surgeons. I have had 2 prior hernia surgeries. First one for a small incision hernia from my hystorectomy, which immediately made things worse -- now a big hernia where they used mesh, and that made it even worse, until my tummy looks like I am pregnant!

I am so hoping he can get all the cancer, but also fix my tummy. He says they may have to take even more intestine in order to stuff everything back inside.

Two weeks in hospital and then 1-2 weeks in nursing home/physical therapy.

Biggest problem is infection, but they have found that increasing protein intake 5 days before surgery has really helped post-op. Ensure has new 25 gram protein shake so I PLAN TO DRINK 3 A DAY - 5 DAYS BEFORE!

Anybody been there, done that? Any recommendations?

I know there have been some pretty horrendous complications, but the VAC is definitely the way to go for getting the bad stuff out fast!

I'm also diabetic and somewhat overweight -- also added to the risk factor. Dr. said they would closely monitor my glucose and administer insulin even during surgery if necessary -- also a good thing to do to help healing.

Boy, I'm not looking forward to this but in order to get the cancer out and reattach the colon they have to do it.

 

[Happy Mom2]

My heart goes out to you. I have a vertical hernia also, but my doctor advised me not to have it repaired unless it was causing me pain or other medical issues. Other than looking pregnant, so far I'm ok. Granted, if I lost some weight, I probably wouldn't look as "pregnant." I also had an umbilical hernia (both caused by my pregnancies), but I had it repaired.

I pray you have a speedy recovery.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I was diagnosed with colon cancer, and I have a ventral hernia -- the Dr. said my insides are on the outside. He says a new technique has been used successfully that pulls the oblique muscle sinew together and uses mesh to create a new abdominal wall. They plan on doing both surgeries at the same time, using 2 surgeons. I have had 2 prior hernia surgeries. First one for a small incision hernia from my hystorectomy, which immediately made things worse -- now a big hernia where they used mesh, and that made it even worse, until my tummy looks like I am pregnant!

I am so hoping he can get all the cancer, but also fix my tummy. He says they may have to take even more intestine in order to stuff everything back inside.

Two weeks in hospital and then 1-2 weeks in nursing home/physical therapy.

Biggest problem is infection, but they have found that increasing protein intake 5 days before surgery has really helped post-op. Ensure has new 25 gram protein shake so I PLAN TO DRINK 3 A DAY - 5 DAYS BEFORE!

Anybody been there, done that? Any recommendations?

Wishing you all the best. You can read my previous posts.

I had to deal with the cancer and the bowel resection too, but my cancer was in my thyroid. All I can say is the pain form the bowel resection was really bad. I made sure I was on the morphine pump.

I found out it helped to hit the pump button like 20 minutes before they came in to repack my wound.

My dh and I had a talk with the dr. about that wound vac machine. I know some people say that it helped alot. But after I heard about it, there was no way I was dealing with that. Also the surgeon finally agreed with us that it might just pull out/apart the mesh he was already putting into me. (the tugging/pressure from the machine etc)

Also find out which mesh you are getting. Some hospitals/surgeons only stock/use a certain brand. I didnt have a choice. It was what the hospital stocked. Something made by J and J or Ethicon I think.

A friend of mine had 2 choices when she had hers.

I know after the bowel resection, it took me a whole week before I could eat and eating was slow and painful. Just slowly and little bites etc.

Ask any questions you want and remember you are your best advocate.

I dont know what that new procedure is, sounds something like component separation and something else?

My surgeon told me the mesh only lasts for no more than 10 years max, more likely 8 if you dont have any complications and then you have to do it again etc. I still have slight pain, but just live with it.

Wishing you all the best.

 

[jerica]

Thanks for the input. I know it's important to keep a positive/hopeful attitude and my Dr. said he would use an epidural for the pain. I've had that before and never had any pain at all! I'm most concerned with infection, and even thought of making the nurses use booties over their shoes and refusing to let them use a mop and bucket in my room. Mersa etc. all happen in the hospital - nobody is touching me without sanitizer first!!!

My mom died of infection after lymphoma cancer. Her own liver infected her since the cancer depleted all her blood cells, but OMG she didn't die of cancer -- such a coup for the Dr. don't ya think -- all he did was fix it so she could die of an infection.

 

[jerica]

They have several new meshes now. Even ones that dissolve after time allowing the wound to heal and the muscle tissue to regenerate. Even some human or porcine (pig) constructs. Maybe one of those would avoid a re-do.

Did you have physical therapy after the surgery? Dr. says that's really important. I can see a real life change for me, maybe I'll become the goddess I always thought I could be. LOL

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Yes I know about the dissoveable mesh. I had that too. Alloderm. Then I had the regular one. I forgot which one, I think Proceed?

I didnt have physical therapy for that surgery, but had it for the cancer surgery because they had to cut my nerve. I really cant use my L arm all that well.

Also I had to use an abdominal binder for quite a while. It really helped. I could only take it off to shower.

My surgeon also mentioned that I might have to have the porcine (pig) graft if nothing was working out well.

I just went home and cried when I heard that one. I told dh, if dealing with cancer wasnt enough, I sure dont want no pig parts in me etc.

I am sure your head is spinning. Just take it one day at a time. It can get overwhelming. My faith brings me a lot of comfort.

Hang in there!

 

[Anna B]

My doctor talked about the wound vac thing too, but it sounded scary to me, so I opted for the bleach soaked gauze three times a day! Does it hurt at all???? I'd like to know just in case this happens again someday. My wound is closing up a lot now, it was three inches deep and about 4.5 inches long for a while. I couldn't even look at it when it was that big, but now it's much, much smaller, very shallow (like an inch) and closing up faster by the day.

My question (if you come back to this thread!) is would the wound vac have healed that wound much faster? Would the effects of healing faster been worth any discomfort???? I've had this since Sept 20th and I figure it'll be closed in another two or three weeks. Had I opted for the wound vac, would it have sped things up?

I had a wound vac with my last emergency abdominal surgery and woke up with it. It healed so fast. I was easy care. I am up for my first of 2 final reconstruction surgeries and am not at ease...Finding this place to know others have gone through this is comforting.

 

[TruBlu]

Wow! I can't believe I found this thread! I've had 8 hernia repairs in the same spot (only one with bowel resection). I've been good for almost a year now, then a couple of weeks ago I started to run a fever. I got really sick really fast and ended up in the hospital for 5 days. My mesh is infected a year after surgery!!!

So, my only option now is abdominal wall reconstruction (and removal of the mesh). I am terrified! My surgery is a week from today. Right now I'm dealing with a huge drain to keep the infection at bay until surgery. Not fun.

It seems so long ago that I posted that! I ended up in the hospital on and off for 6 months. Barely made it thru.

I've now had 2 bowel resections and 13 repairs!

I finally found a specialist & traveled a few hours away from home for the last surgery. That was back in July. I've been getting stronger every day.

In Jan we went to WDW and I was able to do things the old docs said I'd never do again...
Swim!
Ride Space Mtn, Everest and Tower of Terror!
Walk around with no scooter or wheelchair!
Have a fun relaxing vacation with my family!

My pain is still bad, but each day is better.

Please PM me if you would like a surgeon recommendation. My guy is worth traveling to see. He changed my life.

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[bushdianee]

I have a sister who hhas had 3 hernia repairs. They did the mesh with the fist one I think. then had to have it replaced with something else because her body rejected it or something. with one of hers the mesh actually poked through her skin in one spot. she now has the stuff made from a pig andthat is working except she has a new hernia in a different area.
I have experience with awound vac except it was on my leg. It saved my leg from having to amputated. It wasn't really a big deal except for the time I stepped on the tubing and pulled it off. My mom also had a wound vac that was in her groin area, nurses told her they can e put almost anywhere on the body.

 

[TruBlu]

I have a sister who hhas had 3 hernia repairs. They did the mesh with the fist one I think. then had to have it replaced with something else because her body rejected it or something. with one of hers the mesh actually poked through her skin in one spot. she now has the stuff made from a pig andthat is working except she has a new hernia in a different area.
I have experience with awound vac except it was on my leg. It saved my leg from having to amputated. It wasn't really a big deal except for the time I stepped on the tubing and pulled it off. My mom also had a wound vac that was in her groin area, nurses told her they can e put almost anywhere on the body.

If she is within driving distance of Charlotte, NC PM me. That's how mine went at first... over and over, bigger and bigger. This last time I had two that were the size of footballs!!!!

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[lousiana]

How have you been since the surgery? I had the same surgery a week ago and have been getting shocking stabbing pains. Did you have this?

 

[lousiana]

I have been getting shocking stabbing pains every since having a mass removed from my abdominal wall and having a mesh placement. Has anyone had this and how long did it take to go away?

 

[TruBlu]

How have you been since the surgery? I had the same surgery a week ago and have been getting shocking stabbing pains. Did you have this?

This was my 13th surgery, so I'm pretty messed up - but, it's been 9 months & I'm still having some pain. Not bad enough for meds (not even Tylenol), but it does hurt with a lot of movement. I'm trying to walk more & see if that helps. Yesterday I did two miles.

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[TruBlu]

I have been getting shocking stabbing pains every since having a mass removed from my abdominal wall and having a mesh placement. Has anyone had this and how long did it take to go away?

I have the biggest mesh they make. It runs along the bottom of my ribs & down into both hips.

9 months out I still have some pain but nothing like it was for the first month or two.

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