Question:
Has anyone else had an internal hernia?

I had a BPD/DS 2 years ago (1/01). About 9 months out I started to get these "attacks" of very bad pain. I initially attributed it to bad gas pains. I would get an attack about once a month or so. Eventually I saw my WLS for the problem and I started all the testing (endoscopy, cat scan, small bowel series, etc). It was found that my gallbladder was full of stones and so this was named the culprit and I had my gallbladder removed in 11/02. Lo and behold in 1/03 I experienced a pain attack so severe I had to go to the ER. They could find nothing wrong with me, but also admitted they were not familiar with the BPD/DS patients altered anatomy. I followed up with my PCP and my gastroenterologist and went for more tests. Then about 2 weeks ago I got a pain attack so severe I thought I was dying!!! I was literally covered in sweat, had the shakes, and was hyperventilating because the pain was so bad. It lasted 5 hours (the norm for these attacks are between 2-5 hours). I went to the ER but again, they didn't know what was going on. I have since contacted and seen my WLS and he suspects an internal hernia. My WLS says that it often won't show up on tests, but he feels confident that this is my problem. I am scheduled to have this repaired surgically within the next few weeks. Has anyone ever experienced these symptoms (or similiar ones) or been diagnosed with an internal hernia?    — S M. (posted on March 31, 2003)

June 18, 2003
I had an internal hernia. It was no big deal, major pain though until it was fixed. After it was fixed I went home within 4 hours.
   — sandieguy

April 12, 2004
I ust had surgery to repair an internal hernia 6 days ago. the pain I had at that time was the worst thing I had ever experienced. I was only admitted overnight after surgery. They did it laparoscopic and used the same five incisions from the by-pass. My surgeon told me that this can had at 9-12 months out after surgery. I don't ever want to experience that pain again, ever. I am doing well now and will be back to work in 3more days
   — linda5l

July 14, 2004
Worst pain I ever experienced! Had two "attacks." The first one was at 4 months post-op. Had the surgery to repair the internal hernia one week ago; had gall bladder removed at the same time. I am currently 11 months post-op, RNY LAP. Anybody know how long the healing inside takes?
   — Sally B.