FYI PETERSEN'S HERNIA
What is it? It could kill you!!
I have a horror story for you.
I was having abdominal pain about 4 years after surgery and I actually had intestinal malrotation caused by a Petersen's hernia where weight loss causes extra space in the abdomen. The small intestine wrapped around the large intestine and strangled the large intestine. I was about 2 hours from death when I had emergency bowel resection surgery losing 20 cm of small intestine and additional weight loss to 30 pounds BELOW my goal weight. I have recovered somewhat but my nutrition is all messed up. Apparently there is a fairly common problem with Petersen's hernias that I never imagined I'd have to deal with.
Get an MRI or a scan of your abdomen if pain persists at all but be aware the Petersen's hernias are usually not seen in an MRI or a scan. Mention your WLS to your doctor and mention a possible Petersen's hernia. I thought my pain would magically go away after a few days but it didn't and waiting almost killed me.
I wish I knew about Petersen's hernias when the pain first started that's why I'm posting here to raise awareness of this complication.
Good luck & God Bless!!
Dave
317/165
I have a horror story for you.
I was having abdominal pain about 4 years after surgery and I actually had intestinal malrotation caused by a Petersen's hernia where weight loss causes extra space in the abdomen. The small intestine wrapped around the large intestine and strangled the large intestine. I was about 2 hours from death when I had emergency bowel resection surgery losing 20 cm of small intestine and additional weight loss to 30 pounds BELOW my goal weight. I have recovered somewhat but my nutrition is all messed up. Apparently there is a fairly common problem with Petersen's hernias that I never imagined I'd have to deal with.
Get an MRI or a scan of your abdomen if pain persists at all but be aware the Petersen's hernias are usually not seen in an MRI or a scan. Mention your WLS to your doctor and mention a possible Petersen's hernia. I thought my pain would magically go away after a few days but it didn't and waiting almost killed me.
I wish I knew about Petersen's hernias when the pain first started that's why I'm posting here to raise awareness of this complication.
Good luck & God Bless!!
Dave
317/165
I know of several people who have also had a Persen's hernia. It is SO important for all to know the possibilities and more importantly to seek treatment. Thanks for sharing!
Maryellen
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/
To visit LIPO (Long Island Post Ops) bariatric support group website click here: www.liponation.org
"WLS is a journey, not a destination (don't get comfortable) ... it's a road that we must travel daily to succeed". Faith Thomas
visit my blog at theessenceofmaryellen.com/