Living with hernias is challenging. I've started this thread so those of us who have them can comment here. I'm working hard on managing mine so as to avoid surgery, which sadly as a number of NT'rs and friends can attest to, often fail miserably.

Especially difficult are the Ventral (abdominal) incisional hernias. They are often due to the incision from previous abdominal surgery not healing properly, as well as straining; just among a few of the causes. Unfortunately; narcotic meds causing constipation also add to the worsening of these hernias. They can be particularly worrisome because of strangulation if not repaired. Unfortunately 15 - 20 % recurrence rate after repairs.

I am dealing with the aftermath of Abdominal incisional hernia repair surgery with mesh that took place in November, 2015. By Feb. 2016 I developed Diastasis Recti (separation of the abdominal muscle. This of course has now added to the fact of worsening due to straining; again from opioid constipation. I am taking up to 4 Miralax doses daily trying to keep a consistency that can pass with the least amount of straining hoping to keep the abdomen from worsening the widening/sagging due to the muscle separation.

I am sure there are some that have similar hernias as well as those in other areas. Pam is trying through managing hers in an attempt to avoid surgery.
Pray she is successful.


Gerry

Another bowel obstruction, been doing everything for months now to manage to avoid these. This one has come out of the blue, none of the usual well known signs (for me anyhow) and yet here I am. Been vomiting off n on for the past hour, got the bucket & towell by the bed, flannel tucked neatly (haha) like a bib into my nightie and hair held back by clip, I must look a sight. Just taken 5mg Oxy and 5mg Valium (on top of my normal meds) in the hope I can avoid the trip to emergency. On the bright side I've cleaned the toot (toilet) top to bottom 3 or more times and I haven't considered cushions to kneel on. Not happy!! I should have known when I said on Monday I feel off colour, nothing familiar, just felt off. Hindsight is such a glorious thing, I even doubled my Movicol last night so subconsciously I must have suspected something. Fingers xd I stay with it at home tonight, the thought of the A&E palava, xrays and nasal gastric tube is enough to encourage me to stay put but if these pains get much worse I will have no choice
Edit; just taken another Valium, have probably lost the first one while being ill.

Had to get an ambulance, unable to manage this one from home. Paramedics & Emergency staff have been brilliant. Just had xrays and about to have nasal gastric tube put in. Have been given Fentynal, Morphine & Buscopan for the pain, Ondancetron for the vomiting and something for the itch. They are considering moving me to another ward and give me ketamine. I definitely couldn't have managed this one from home.

Hang in there PamelaJune

Big hugs to get you through your ER and hospital trip.

If you haven't been discharged yet maybe you can get them to run your Endocrinology check up while you're there? Save queuing up later.

Oh Pam,
I am so sorry you are dealing with this again. Not sure how the obstruction occurs; but evidentially vomiting and pain must be the beginning of your obstructions.

I'm still taking 3 to 4 doses of Miralax and eating a special diet of fruits/vegies to help with the awful constant constipation because of my high dose of opioids. I have been dealing with pain under the breast down to pelvic area; but do manage to keep eliminating some thick liquid type BM's daily; just never empty enough. Had X-rays a few months ago for my hip pain. The diagnosis, among a few other things, showed an abundant of fecal matter. I worry about having to go to ER.

My first and only time I went to the ER because I was impacted was 4 years ago. I was admitted because the enemas and Movi Prep took so long to clean out. Once I cleaned out (after a couple of days) I was given a colonoscopy (my first); which was when the cancerous tumor was discovered at the top of the rectum. Major surgery the next day.

I hope you are hope and feeling much better.

Have you been given instructions/additonal meds/ recommendations attempting to eliminate these obstructions?? They seem so awful.

Love & Prayers,
Gerry