Hernia??

I am currently 29 weeks pregnant (79 days left!!!!) and about 19 months post-op from Open-RNY. I noticed last week that when I'm lying on my back and I cough, I have a huge lump that forms in the top of my belly, right under where my incision line stops. Does it sound like a hernia? It doesn't hurt and I know its not the baby, as he likes to stay down below my belly button. Is having a hernia enough to be approved for reconstructive surgery? I'm going to ask the OB tomorrow about the knot, but I'm not sure if he'll know much about the surgery to remove all of the skin. Thanks!!! ~Jessi

It sure sounds like one. I would definately bring that to your OB's attention. As for the insurance, I don't know. Every company is different, but I wouldn't get my hopes up. Reconstructive surgery is a real buggar to get approved unless you have a huge panis, or severe skin issues. However there are a few that are better at approving it. I know that if you are having a c-section that sometimes they can do a hernia repair at the same time. But please be sure to tell your doc!! Good luck with your upcoming birth! Bless you all! BTW... you are counting the days are you? Valerie

I'm hoping to go natural with this one since I didn't have any problems delivering my first 2 sons. If I need a c/s, I'll beg to have the hernia fixed then too, if that's what it is. Yes, I'm counting the days, LOL. I am so excited to have him here, but sad at the same time. I know this is my last pregnancy and it has just flown by so quickly. OH!!! I forgot, I took pics of the knot last week. If you want to see it, I'll be happy to forward it. It looks really weird. I have an OB appt. in the morning and the knot is on my list of complaints for the month, lol. I haven't had any complaints so far, so he better be ready!!! ~Jessi

I remember that bittersweet feeling when I was pregnant with my Meagan. Who is now going on 14 years old! It does fly by. My kids are 18 15 and 14! Being that I am an OB nurse, I think your best best bet is to try to deliver vaginal, it is truly the optimal way, and that is what we strive for! All three of mine were c sections...AND I LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT!!! I had what one of our OB's refers to as kids with big brain cages!! Sure! Send the pics on! And if you haven't had any complaints so far you are way overdue my friend! Now's the only time you can complain and get away with it! Milk it for what it's worth! Val

Sounds like a hernia to me... It won't help you get approved for plastic surgery, but we've had patients who get the bulk of the combined procedure covered for hernia repair and then self pay a reasonably small amount for the TT. Good luck, Dr. C The Deaconess Surgical Weight Loss Center Cincinnati, Ohio (513) 559-2545

Thanks for the responses! My OB said it is a hernia and it will have to be removed, but probably not for a few months after Wyatt is born. Dr. Curry, do you perform reconstructive surgeries also? I would have no idea who to see for the PS. Do you have an idea of about how much I'd be looking at if I went with the way you suggested? I also found out I have a knot in my right breast that he thinks it is a clogged milk duct, but if it doesn't go away by my next appt. in 2 weeks, I'll have to have an u/s done on it. Cancer runs rampant in my family so I'm really concerned about it. Every woman in my (maternal) family has had a hysterectomy because of cancer or some other disease and my aunt just had a masectomy almost 2 years ago. I feel like I'm just waiting til its my turn. Just one more thing to obsess about I guess, lol. OH!!! I've gained 6 pounds this month, so I'm up to 14 pounds gained total. My clothes fit fine still, except for the belly anyway. My maternity shirts are getting too small. I'm not really worried about gaining the 14 pounds in 29 weeks, but man...after losing so much and then to start gaining..... its a hard thing to process and realize its ok!! lol ~Jessi

Dr. Dwayne Smith, a bariatric surgeon in Northern Kentucky who works here at Deaconess, does or TT's. If you were so inclined we could probably arrange a time when he could see you here in our clinic to save you some driving time. I'm thinking he said the cost of the tuck is $1500 on top of the hernia, but I wouldn't swear to it. Dr. C

That sounds fantastic!!! When do you think we should get the ball rolling on this? Wyatt is due on Jan. 20. I'm about an hour from Cincinnati, so not too bad. MY husband just started a new job and the new insurance (through Cigna) will start on Jan 8. I don't know anything about that company. For now, I have a Healthy Start medical card because of being pregnant. ~Jess

Check your email. Dr. C

Jessi You know that Dr. Buttefield does the TT and hernia repair. Almost eveybody from the butterfly group has had there surgery and paid for by insurance. I'd defintley check with her that's who I'm planning on going to see.