Question:
Post-Op Plastic Surgery Questions!??

I had tummy tuck/hernia repair (BIG hernia + 17 pounds removed, cut all the way around almost touching on my back like a LBL) on July 19. That was 2 months ago....I still have PAIN, mostly from swelling, which is still substantial. I must wear my binder 24/7 or it HURTS. I tried to go to the movies last night wearing just a girdle-type garment with a high waistband and I was MISERABLE. How long should I be swollen?? It doesnt LOOK really swollen if you can understand that, but it FEELS tight as a drum, and it does pooch out. Im wondering if it isnt the TT pain at all and maybe its from the mesh used to repair the hernia..is it possible to be allergic to the mesh? Could the mesh be the cause of the swelling? I appreciate any and all input...just a postnote: I had in 2 drains to start. the first came out after 2 weeks and the 2nd stayed in for almost 7 weeks, if that could have naything to do with it..Also, does anyone think it would help to take a diuretic for the swelling? Thanks everyone. Donna 327/159 at goal    — donnalawbabe (posted on September 25, 2004)

September 25, 2004
My swelling wasn't really down until about 6 months. The end of the day was the worst. I can't remember now how long I wore my binder thingy, but it was awhile, or else I would swell up. I've heard it can be up to a year for all swelling to go away. I would check w/ my doc if you're worried, but it sounds like what I experienced.
   — mom2jtx3

September 26, 2004
I am 4 weeks po tt with muscle tightening, and I had 3 hernias repaired at the same time. I started out with 2 drains and it was pulled 1 week po. My other one will be pulled on 10/04 when I have my breast reduction, if it has been under 30cc for several days (so I didnt have to go back to the surgeon again next week) I still wear my binder 24/7 and I am still puffy. She tells me this is normal but I dont have any pain, except if I cough, or bend over. Do you have a fever? you could have an infection, or you may be building up alot of fluid and need to have it asperated out. Call your doc tomorrow and check with them, better to be safe than sorry. Good luck! Rosemary
   — wizz40

September 27, 2004
Donna, my husband had hernia surgery last year and had a problem with the mesh. He somehow split the mesh and his bowels were caught in it. It almost killed him. I would highly recommend seeing your doctor about any concerns. My husband thought it was the flu and it was poisons in his system. :( Hope this helps.
   — Angel S.

September 29, 2004
I do not have any mesh in me so I cannot be sure how that could factor in, but assuming that is not part of the issue then get used to the tightness. My guess is some of the pain is from the numb nerves waking up. I am 7 months PO from a LBL (19 lbs removed) and if I gain a few lbs I know it. I feel like I'm busting out of my skin. Two months is not uncommon to have some minor swelling yet and when you are cut all the way around, even minor swelling is going to be felt. Over time it does get better, but I still have days where the skin over my left hip bone is pulled tight and burns. I still have some numbness right along the incision line and every once in a while get some stabs as more nerves come back to life. Personally I feel being cut all the way around was the best thing I ever did as it's a great feedback mechanism to tell me when to eat better. Too many salty things and I know it also. The tight as a drum feeling is what you paid for. Trust me if it starts loosening up too much you'll be complaining the other way. Give it time!
   — zoedogcbr