Update

Hi everyone!   I'm finally home. I was released pretty much because there wasn't anything more they could do for me there that I couldn't do at home. I had my gas, I had my bowel movement so..home I go. I figured I would get good pain relief cause I was prescribed percocet and I USE TO think that percocet was a pretty good pain med. This time though, It doesn't feel like it's touching the pain. So...I keep hoping it heals quickly. I don't go back and see Dr. Cacucci until the 14th so I'll try to learn more then (like was my tummy full of adesions this time again). All I do know is that she considered the surgery a success. To be sure the mesh didn't move again, she had sewn it in place good but attaching it to the muscle...which, I believe that is why this time hurts so much more. In particular, it really hurts on the right side. I've never had a broken rib but the pain is what I would guess is similar to what I'm feeling.It dawned on my this morning that the pain is very similar to that after I had after my hysterectomy. Then, they had shifted things back to their natural place that having kids had moved around. They had then put a few well placed stitches in the muscle of the right side of my butt. I couldn't sit on that side for 6 weeks or so. I don't have sitting to contend with this time, but sneezing, coughing (or a little tickle in my throat) and even breathing is the equvilance in this situation.   Other things that are affected (I hope temprarily) are my taste buds are screwed up again. I'm fairly use to things tasting different after a surgery anymore but this time, nothing tastes good at all. Not even my AchievOne protein drink. My sleeping pill which usually helps me to stay asleep for at least 6-8 hours is only doing the trick for 2 hours. With all the IV's in 6 days, I've also gained 10 pounds. I'm sure that isn't helping things. Oh..I've broken out with some kind of rask (their laundry soap maybe), Right nostrol has been bleeding (from the oxygen maybe). My blood pressure normally runs ~105/70. It kept kreeping up and was 159/82 the last time it was checked (From being in pain? Frustration at all the above? Or simply a side effect from the meds or extra fluids?).  Needless to say, I'm anxious for my first follow up. Oh...I was sent home with 2 drainage lines/bulbs also. Hopefully, I can get them out then anyway, She said it was possible that I might have to keep them for months. Ugh! I sure hope not. I don't know how much I'll be online. While I was in the hospital, I could had used my laptop since Tiff had it all set up for me but I just didn't feel like it. I will try to check my email at least on a daily basis.   Thank you to those who came to see me; Christie, Dana & Ellen, Denise & Joe, Tiffany, and of course, my loving husband. Ellen..thank you & Kat for the basket  (you ladies really got ALOT of neat stuff into it!!) and for asking everyone at the ornament exchance to sign the wonderful card.   If any of you want to stop by (call first) or if you would like to call, please keep in mind that talking is difficult for me right now. I know. Sherri have problems talking???? I'm not mad or ready for bed (well..usually not before 8 anyway, after that, I may be). So...be prepared to do most of the talking and please don't ask me alot of questions. So..if you feel like you never get to just talk about you, now would be a good time to visit with me...lol

Sherri  

I really understand your pain. I had to have an incisional hernia repaired not once but twice. I've had numerous surgeries but NOTHING compared to the hernia repairs! The pain was so bad... I would truly have an uncontrollable urge to get up and try to walk it away. Then I would literally almost pass out and just tremble with the overwhelming pain that would hit me. It felt as if every stitch, plus more, was being ripped apart. I will never forget the intensity.  Every time I start to think of possibly getting a tummy tuck I think of the hernia repairs. Your hernia was huge so I can only imagine what you must be experiencing.

 The second time the mesh was used and stitched like they did, it sounds, with you. I did heal but I have to admit it took awhile. I used a lot of pillows to keep myself propped up in bed. I used them under the back of my knees and also at my sides to rest my arms on. As hard as it is, be sure to get up and walk as much as possible. I'm sure the other things you are experiencing are due to the reasons you already have connected to. The rash could be from the pain meds. I always get a rash. Ask the doctor if you can take some Benadryl. My doctor was OK with it and I also take a sleep med daily. The Benadryl did give a little boost to my sleep but not much. A couple of hours at a time is probably good for now. 

The good news is the repair was successful! A few months before I had my RNY I thought I was  experiencing hernia pain again. I was in a panic but scans showed I was still OK. I had a pain block done which also helped with some new pain I was experiencing down my left leg.  My doctor said he thought I was getting adhesions and possible it was pinching a nerve. I came so close to not having the RNY as I was so afraid of having the same type of pain. My DH had a RNY in 2001 and kept assuring me it would not be anything like the hernia repair. He was right ! Dr. Diaz did find a lot of adhesions during my RNY. He took his time and pealed away at the scarring and now a year later I seem to be doing fine. Hang in there. The light at the end of the tunnel is starting to shine! I am praying for a speedy and full recovery for you.

Glad you are home and healing.  I am sure you are in lots of pain.  I had a 10 inch hernia repair across my entire abs before my RNY and you are right the mesh sewn into the muscle burns like fire and hurts bunches.  You are strong and I know you will pull thru this and be better than ever.

Hope to see you soon,

Huge hugz,
Tracy

Glad you are home and doing better.

Blessings!

Lois K.

Sherri,

I just got on the board and read your post.  I hope you are feeling better by now and that this surgery does the trick for you.  Here's wishing you a fast recovery!