Has anybody had abdominal reconstruction due to recurring hernias?

[woodsprite]

I had surgery Friday, was released yesterday, and am pretty miserable. Including this, I’ve had 7 abdominal surgeries (1 a year for the past 3 yrs) and this has been by far the most painful.

Rib pain is pushing the top of the chart and the pain meds don’t really do much with it. Came home with a drain that may be adding to the pain on the one side. I don’t like the other side effects of the heavier pain meds (a headache and I have to take laxitives while I’m on them.) Part of the surgery was a transversus abdominus release along each side of the rib cage. I’m trying some ice for the pain today.

Anybody have any tips, especially for getting comfortable with the belly band I have to wear. I’m short waisted and it feels like it’s segmenting me like a caterpillar.

[MOMFUDSKI]

1. I am sorry you've had all this trouble.

Keep yourself as comfortable as you can. Things will get better with time.

[liberal N proud]

2. 2 years ago, I had hiatal hernia surgery coupled with a tumor pushing on my duodenum

This year, I have had gall bladder surgery and complications from lifting too soon. That led to a lot of abdominal pain followed by pain meds that caused bleeding ulcers. Still anemic from that.

I have struggled with abdominal issues for years.

Ice packs were the best for abdominal pain post surgery.

[kimbutgar]

3. I had a belly button hernia last January

And I kept a heating pad and pillow on my stomach which helped with the pain.

[NJCher]

4. is that a hiatal hernia?

My friend told me that they (medical profession) is mystified as to why so many women have them.

[kimbutgar]

6. I never had stomach intestinal pain but aching pain on my enlarged outie bellybutton!

[questionseverything]

5. Cut the band or roll it to fit you

Take the high level pain meds and laxatives for a few days, if you try and rush the process and power through it, you might end up needing surgery again….and every time it gets harder to heal

Good luck 🍀