Anyone had surgery for this. I had UC for over 25 years. Had 1st surgery 8/03 (did not go well) was in and out of hospitals for 3 months and always told doctors of my chronic abdominal pain. Had 2nd surgery 11/03 ( did not go well) and still have the pain. Now after 4 years I'm told I have a ventral hernia. Never showed up on CT in the past. Was told this was going to be very painful and a minium of 30 day recovery. How do I determine that I truly need this surgery?

You determine your need by your present discomfort and concern of appearance. Your surgeon can probably assess whether your hernia is at any significant risk of incarceration, and should be repaired regardless of other symptoms. They do tend to get larger with time, so that is another reason to repair sooner rather than later. Mesh repair is often required.

I had an incisional hernia repair on my midline incision and the pain was not bad at all. It was an overnight stay in the hospital and I was pretty much back to normal in a few days. But, it all depends on your presentation.

Jan

Jan..thank you for sharing. I am in the process of looking for a second opinion before I have the surgery. The surgeon I just saw (had visited with him many times before with same abdominal complaint but he never said anything about a ventral hernia or adhesions)indicated to me there would be at least four incisions, lots of pain and that I would be out of commission for at least 30 days. Normally, this would not be an issue for me but after my last two surgeries(with different surgeons)that had me out of commission for six months have learned to question and share with others.

On another note...I want to thank you and every other person that shares on this site. I started on this site in 2002 (never posted)and have learned so much. Kudos!

I understand the hesitation. I too have had 'problems' after surgery. I had a huge incisional hernia at the stoma site. It showed up shortly after my takedown. My surgeon told me it was an involved surgery and could be rough'. I would have to stay a few days in the hospital. Well my insurance thought otherwise and it had to be done as an outpatient. (talk about being 'shown the door'). I was so tired of being in the hospital quite frankly I did not fight the outpatient concept from the insurance company.
In short, the surgery was a piece of cake. I would much prefer to come home.
Jennifer

ja...thank you for your input. I do not feel as isolated and discouraged as earlier in the week but still scared of the "what if". I must just convince myself with the help of people like you that it may work out with a more positive experience than the past two surgeries.

Sherry

Just want to let all know that I went for a 2nd opinion yesterday (a GI...for this surgery)and this doctor did not find anything. When I mentioned that a surgeon had just suggested ASAP surgery he could not justify it. So off for a 3rd opinion. See if I can get two to agree. The pain is chronic.