Inguinal hernia

[C40_guy]

Asking for a friend...

No recent discussion here, the latest seems to be about 7 or 8 years ago.

Not positive that the hernia is inguinal. Possible that it's a "sports" hernia, but my friend isn't sure...symptoms are a bit misleading - no real bulging per se, and some ball soreness, only on the affected side, after lifting stuff. Does feel like something is going in and out of place (or so he says...)

I think this is due to some fairly vigorous core exercises...core twisting with resistance.

I, er, I mean he's seeing PCP tomorrow. Will know more then.

In the meantime, does anybody have positive (or negative) reports about specialists in the Boston area? There's one group, Boston Hernia, that seems to be specialists.

Subject is in good health, late 50s. Interesting, his son had same issue as early teen. Wonder if it's (reverse) genetic...

Thanks!

[MattTuck]

PM sent.

[Chris]

Does seem to have a genetic component

[C40_guy]

Does seem to have a genetic component

I'll be sure to thank my son!

:)

[C40_guy]

Saw my primary care physician and she confirmed that I have an inguinal hernia, recommended a local surgeon (Boston area).

I did some further research, talked with a couple of knowledgeable Paceline members and found another local surgeon, one who specializes in hernia repair and is a cyclist.

I met with him earlier today, and despite my desire that he find something other than a hernia, that's what he confirmed.

The good news is that he gave me carte blanch to cycle, run, kayak, whatever. No interruption to spring/summer activities and work responsibilities (I was trying to figure out how to squeeze in training for my upcoming annual charity ride (Pan Mass Challenge) and fairly intense business travel in June...

So I'm back to regular training...hooray!... and as long as nothing changes, will plan to see the doc in the late fall.

[Louis]

The good news is that he gave me carte blanch to cycle, run, kayak, whatever. No interruption to spring/summer activities and work responsibilities (I was trying to figure out how to squeeze in training for my upcoming annual charity ride (Pan Mass Challenge) and fairly intense business travel in June...

So I'm back to regular training...hooray!... and as long as nothing changes, will plan to see the doc in the late fall.

I'm a bit surprised by the "no restrictions" from the doc, if only because of the highlighted section below:

Good Luck

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inguinal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351547


Causes

Some inguinal hernias have no apparent cause. Others might occur as a result of:

Increased pressure within the abdomen
A pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall
Straining during bowel movements or urination
Strenuous activity
Pregnancy
Chronic coughing or sneezing

[C40_guy]

I'm a bit surprised by the "no restrictions" from the doc, if only because of the highlighted section below:

Good Luck

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inguinal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351547


Well, I already have the hernia. :)

If any of these activities put stress on that area (making the hernia worse), I'll back off, or stop... And I am going to avoid heavy lifting. Still not sure about core work...we'll see how it goes...

It's small and nothing important (intestines) is currently involved. My intention is to keep it that way, and get patched before it grows substantially.

[C40_guy]

A quick follow up...

I did a good amount of research and decided that Dr. Michael Reinhorn was the surgeon I wanted. Great bedside manner, extensive experience with athletes (and a cyclist himself), not too far away.

So I had the procedure done 4 weeks ago. Went in at 7 am, was awake at 7:45, home before noon. I was uncomfortable for a couple of days, didn't really know how to move certain ways, but by mid week I was off the OTC medications (and hadn't taken anything stronger).

Two weeks later I was starting to do more than just walk and move...restarted my foundation building for the winter running season. This week I started spinning again. Next week I'll probably get out for some fall trail running.

I had a post-surgical follow up on Monday, four weeks after the surgery. Dr. Reinhorn gave me a clean bill of health.

Note -- I had the choice of scheduling the procedure either at a local hospital or private surgical center. I chose the latter. It was quiet, calm and easy.

And here was the single best part of the whole experience -- when the post-op nurse asked me if I wanted anything, I responded with "I'd love a latte." Two minutes later, I had a hot latte in my hand.

Great experience overall.

For more information, visit Boston Hernia (https://bostonhernia.com/).

[Elefantino]

Did you have the mesh thingy?

[gasman]

Glad to hear you had a good experience and it went well :banana:

[earlfoss]

I have had 2 repaired in the past 2 years. Recovery time was SHORT. Riding again in 1.5 weeks, and full effort at 3. Just take it easy and let pain be your guide.

Are they using mesh, or doing open technique?

[rnhood]

Open technique is the best, and has always been. But docs today like to take the easy way out, so they stuff mesh in there.

[C40_guy]

I think you guys are conflating things...

First, there's an option of laparoscopic versus open surgery. The latter seems to deliver better results and faster recuperation.

Then, there's the choice of mesh versus no mesh. According to my limited research, the "no mesh" option is fairly rare, with only young/thin people being considered. For everyone else, mesh creates a stronger muscle wall than before the tear.

I could be mis-stating things...but that's my understanding.

I had open surgery, and yea, the doctor stuffed a pile of mesh up in there and glued me back together. :)

Or maybe it was Tubasti rim tape and Red glue....I'm not sure, I was not really paying attention during the procedure....

[ERK55]

Open technique is the best, and has always been. But docs today like to take the easy way out, so they stuff mesh in there.

I hope this is an attempt at humor, otherwise it’s a pile of crap. I’ve placed a mesh graft in all of my last 3,000 inguinal repairs (except in children). This morning’s case was a man who moves furniture for a living. In his case 3 grafts were utilized. And I didn’t “stuff them in there”.
Maybe better stick to cycling topics, eh?

[Yoshi]

Just get it fixed. It’s really no big deal. I’ve had three of them. Including abdominal.
You’ll be back in no time.
Don’t wait.

[C40_guy]

Just get it fixed. It’s really no big deal. I’ve had three of them. Including abdominal.
You’ll be back in no time.
Don’t wait.

Thanks. It’s fixed, as per the thread above. :)

And yea, I wish I had done it right away, in May!