HELP! Hernia Pain

Hi everyone! Sorry I haven't been around. I have a hernia that I inured again on Monday. The pain has been unbearable. I called Dr.Barba's office Tuesday morning because he is fixing it during the WLS. I talked to Rosemary, one of the nurses, she told me to call the other office number. So, I did. 4 times up until 7:30pm, because they are open late. Each time I called I got a machine to leave a message. Noone ever called me back. So, I started all over again this morning. This time I got a person, who told me that he would get in touch with the doctor and they would call me back. He said they would probably call in a pain med to take until my surgery date. Well, it is now 5:48pm and still no call. I am so upset. I don't know what to do. I actually called back a few minutes ago, and left a message that I am really upset,and I am actually thinking of postponing my WLS, because how will they handle things if there is a problem after the surgery. That really scares me! Has anyone had to deal with anything like this. I don't know what to do? Please help! Christine

Hi Christine, I'm so sorry about your Hernia pain I just had surgery on January 13 and Dr. Barba was my surgeon. I'll tell you a bit about my experience with him and the surgery. I had a bit of a scary time at the hospital the day after my surgery. I was having a hard time breathing and they did many tests to make sure I didn't have any blood clots. Thank-god I didn't! The nurses at St. Francis hospital were absoutely horrible!! They wouldn't come to the room after ringing the bell once so I had to ring 3 or 4 times b4 they got to me and then when they did they acted like I was bothering them. I had my husband with me most of the time to help me reach things and clean up etc. I had my surgery on a Thursday and Dr. Barba was off for weekend. He checked on me Friday night about 10 PM right before he left for weekend so that made me feel better. The doctors that took over for him where very nice and where knowlegable and helpful. I had my one week appointment with Dr. Barba and the following day I started having this really bad pain in my back / side. I called the Dr. Barba and he came right to the phone to talk to me. He said he would call me in some more pain medication and to call back if it doesn't go away or gets worse. The next day I went to walgreens to get my prescription and it wasn't called in So I was pretty upset about that. I understand he is very busy but I really wasn't feeling good to go out to the pharmacy when it wasn't even there. So sorry I couldn't be of much help, I hope things work out for you

Hi Amy, Sorry things haven't gone well for you. Your post is not very encouraging. I never gave it much thought. As far as researching better, how the office may handle things or how the hospital staff is. I know Dr.Barba is busy, but to me that is no excuse for his staff not returning a call to let his patients know what is going on. At least for that reassurance that your not forgotten. Someone said that I should call the emergency number, but I don't think this really qualifies as an emergency. I mean yea the pain has gone from unbearable to uncomfortable. But I'm not dying or anything. Anyway, thank you for your input, and I hope things go better for you. Christine

Don't sit around in pain...go to an ED..and get treated...that's the first thing...and take a page from this book...it might be a foreshadowing of things to come....maybe not..but this is lousey and inattentive treatment. Sher'

Just remember that you always have options....there is more than one WL surgeon in the State... Feel Better Soon! Sher'

Thank you Sher' I am going to see how I feel tomorrow and if the pain is still the same. I am gonna go to ER. I should have done that in the first place. My PCP wanted me to go to Dr. Aranow. I didn't want to because Dr. Barba was closer and the reviews I've read are great! Wondering if I made the right choice. Dr. Aranow is not that much further. How are you doing? From the sounds of the posts I've read your surgery went well. Thank you! Christine

Hi Christine, So far I am doing really well..less sore everyday....walking..getting water in..getting used to this new tool..which is a very different experience...but I have not had any real problems..just learning to guage the perimeters...left side is a wee bit painful, but that is to be expected. I have received excellent office support and follow up care thus far. I did not have sutures to deal with..just surgical adhesive and that is peeling off and all incisions are clear and healed for the most part. Thanks for asking! I followed my PCP's recomendation and I have had absolutely no regrets...I know the whole WLS decision is nerve wracking enough. I guess we all gotta follow our gutt instincts and hope for the best. Hope you feel better soon. Best Wishes, Sher'