Chronic Pain After Hernia Surgery

Dr. Harris discusses what patients need to know about developing chronic pain after hernia surgery as well as what can be done to minimize that risk.

[rossroble]

I've had chronic pain from a bilateral laproscopic inguinal hernia surgery for over 7 years. With all due respect, there are a much larger number than 3% of people with chronic pain directly from hernia surgeries, specifically with mesh. Every doctor I've been to, including yourself, has dismissed my pain because the hernia itself has not reoccurred; neglecting the fact that the pain is more debilitating after the surgery. The only recourse that has been suggested is pain pills, opiates and the like.

Outcomes such as mine should be discussed transparently when consulting with patients, and downplaying of this issue is a big part of why people like me continue to live with debilitating pain. You mentioned the mesh used it thinner now; however, teflon mesh is a known to leech into the body and cause massive inflamation. Patients should not have to refer to specialist after specialist when you are claiming to be the specialist on hernias. This is a common issue amongst men with hernia mesh, I hope doctors like you start to take our pain seriously instead of pushing the status quo on the current treatment of hernias. I felt rushed to get the surgery and did not weigh my options, due to your urgent suggestion to operate. Anyone who is considering mesh for their hernia surgery, I would recommend looking into other methods. I would rather have another operation to treat a recurring hernia than deal with the effects of mesh.

[samkperv]

Did a hurnia surgery 4 days ago, I'm in some serious pain rite now, and guys try not to sneeze, you'll be in a world of hurt!!

[AS--]

As one of the "3%" who have long term pain I find it offensive how many surgeons just focus on the 97%. It's been almost 2 years for me and I can still feel my hernia site and have daily pain that limits my activity and my life. Only answers I ever get from doctors are "well, unfortunately it looks like you're one of a small minority left with chronic pain" ...that's it, case closed for them. No fixes, just ushered out the door and forgotten, like all the many other "3%".
Wish I'd never had the surgery!

[katanamccargo]

Got my surgery Nov 17th 2023 and i am still in pain 3 months later. I cant take this anymore.

[Jay-eliz]

To those who’ve had chronic pain, when did it start after the surgery? have you also developed other "weird" issues or pain, especially affecting your digestive system? Had the surgery in 2017, was okay at first, then all of a sudden or almost, all hell broke loose and I lost my most intimate and trusted home: my body. I’m 23 and feel like I’m already at the end of my life. Would appreciate any insight. Sending strength to those who’re experiencing this or any chronic pain, especially resulting from something that was supposed to help you get better.

[rubawael]

I am still in pain it's been 3 months I'm 21 and it makes me feel like an elder lady I was so active and healthy before the surgery 😭

[mr.qty]

Please stop the background music which is really annoying. Thank you for your valuable videos. They are excellent. I had a left inguinal hernia without a mesh. And now it came back. Today is my second day in hospital after a mesh open operation. Let's see how things will go.

[EtinosaOsayi]

I had an hernia repair surgery last week Thursday. It lasted over four hours. Currently in recovery. It was an open surgery and a mesh was used.

[wesleyjohnclarke]

me and a good mate of mine had a hernia repair and both of us are having problems, the only thing is that surgical mesh is not safe and I wouldn't want anybody to go through what me and my mate are now having to live suffering in chronic pain and discomfort, we are both in our early 30's, my stomach is bloated rock hard with hard patches underneath the skin as with my mate he has been backwards and forwards to the hospital wanting answers. his mesh has twined around the bowel along with the scar tissue and has caused serious problems only the hospital has said that if the mesh comes out it makes the wound susseptable to a bigger hernia developing, everything he eats goes to the area and makes him feeling sick, with me I have a stinging sensation. so who ever reads this please look into research first and ask questions with your specialist before you decide, we don't want you to end like we did. these doctors and surgeons are playing with peoples lives.

[hvacworx]

I had lap hernai surgury 5 weeks ago still in pain with a 25 lb weight limit. Doctor canceled my follow up appointment. Been getting chills and hot sweats this past week.

[TomEllis-kn]

I don’t get Triggered anymore anytime I see a post like this, Cause I was once diagnosed with Hernia Disease and Type 1 diabetes but all thanks to Dr udoka on YouTube for helping me in eliminating both illness few months ago.

[jsbj]

Had robotic inguinal repair done yesterday. Today I am in awful pain and swelling; hurts to stand up, cough, or to touch my abdomen. Make sure you really need it done, but then be prepared. Not a breeze.

[jordanputz]

I want to thankyou for the encouragement. What do you feel the next course of action would or should be? Asking because I have pretty much run out of options.
Please..

[connorjohn]

I had hernia repair in my left groin area last year in December 2023. Pain just ended today after 6 months. I was taking constant pain killers and was about to go to a pain clinic to block nerves. A new method is that they are freezing the nerves that would last for 1.5 years approx. I am still lucky as it seems pain finally subsided. For those of you who still suffer, maybe nerve blocking can be the solution. Not permanent because that might end up being worse. Freezing the nerves for a longer time might actually calm them so that the pain will not come back.

[YourChannelOnYouTube]

The real hell on earth is feeling nerve pain that brings you to the point of prefering to die than to continue living with nerve pain.

[carriedennis]

Been a year, and its still sore AF. feels like my side is on fire. Still can't move right, just miserable, and they are cutting pain meds down, worried about addiction 🤦

[mazenbadawix]

You speak about high volume of H.repair procedures ayear
What if u expect nerve trap either by a stitch of fibrosis resulting in the area?
What about the dual mesh like Vypro?
What about HTS ?
What about the always un satisfied pt?

[Csidney]

Hi, I had left inguinal hernia repair with mesh. The surgeon that did the repair is no longer with the physicians office that performed the surgery. Before he left, he told me to take 800 mgs of Advil every 4 to 6 hours as needed, and that was pretty much the jist of it. Now, the surgeon that jas taken his place, has told me he doesnt see a reccurance. And its prob just nerve pain. He told me to tell my PCP, and see if she'd put me on gabapentine. I started taking that a month ago. It has not helped either. Im also having acid reflux, left side pain, as well as pain where the surgery site is. The gastro doctor is telling me it appears I have diverticulitis and distal colitis. But I dont really know what is going on with my abdomen. I just know it doesnt feel right. The pain has been ongoing for a year and 7 months now. What should I do?

[karbiebarbie]

I had hernia surgery 3 days ago and im in bed in pain and im jus hoping it calms down soon.😢 i am in alot of pain i dont recall the non robotic surgery leaving me in this much pain

[JMacTheFanatic]

I would not believe it's extremely low. I had mesh surgery - not from this dr but a top dr in the field - and I still have pain years later. that being said, it's better than having the hernia. my pain is like cramps or spasms that occur very infrequently but when they do occur it's very painful for a couple minutes at a time. they usually come in episodes of a few times in a row so in total maybe 5 minutes.