Inguinal hernia - maybe. However, not knowing where exactly it is - hard to tell:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/dise...-hernia/img-20007189

Could be either an incisional hernia or, more likely, scar tissue extending from your incision under the skin. Scar tissue can pull and hurt all on its own.

If you put your fingers over the suspected spot and cough, does it feel like anything pushes out? That is often typical of a hernia.

Check with your doctor if in doubt. I was sure I had an incisional hernia and talked with the general surgeon who had fixed an inguinal hernia. He agreed to investigate from the inside after my CR surgeon was done with my adhesion lysis surgery. He didn't find a hernia, and over time the spot I thought was a hernia has become less painful and troublesome. I think it was just scar tissue.

Steve

Steve, thank you for your response! I tried coughing to see if anything moved underneath the skin and I really could not tell much a difference. And I suppose it is possible that it is scar tissue. Is it possible for scar tissue to extend a couple inches past the end of the incision? Or is it generally just localized to that area?

I'll be seeing a GI doctor in 3 weeks but I may try to set up an appointment with my primary care sooner. I suppose I'd be in more pain if it were a real issue (such as strangulation)?

PS. I noticed you hail from Kansas City. I live there as well.

I would say yes - scar tissue can extend out further under the top layers of skin. I'm not a surgeon, but I believe they sometimes stich the fascia and tissue under the skin when dealing with an incision like that - so possible to have more scarring in the deeper tissues.

If it was strangulated intestine - yes, you would notice I think.

And yes - I live in the Northland in KC. Love it. Who was your surgeon? I always tell people my surgeon (Dr. Lina O'Brien) is the best in the region. She is awesome. And she does all my post-surgical care too (no GI doctor). I asked her about how she managed that shortly after surgery, and she likes to continue her patients' care unless there are chronic issues. Then she refers to a GI to manage.

Steve

Steve,

Yeah, I’m starting to wonder if it is scar tissue. Another area on the other side of the scar is starting to bother me as well. I’m hoping that it is scar tissue rather than a hernia. Looking forward to my appointment to know for sure.

My surgeon was Dr. Lina O’Brien as well. I had my two J-Pouch surgeries in June and October of last year. She is a good surgeon, I agree. But I’ve had some issues with straining since the beginning which I am afraid is causing my current issue. Have you had any issues with emptying the pouch? Also, do you have any recommendations on a good GI doctor in this area?

Thank you!

Peter

Hi Peter,

I am hoping by this time you have found an answer to your issue. I just happened upon your post and thought that if you hadn't found a good GI doc in the area, I would recommend Dr. Stella Quaison. She is very knowledgeable and took care of my ulcerative colitis since for the past 6 years, until I had to have surgery. Good luck to you.

Hi - hope it's OK to add to this thread - Even before initial surgery for treatment resistant colitis in 2011, (leading ultimately to 3-stage J-pouch surgery completed in April 2013, all laparascopically assisted) have had small bilateral inguinal herniae - always thought probably most likely result from protracted use of steroids for nearly 2 years. Recently had repair of incisional hernia around old ileostomy site and just getting back in to exercise when my (L) inguinal hernia has become much more prominent. I guess my question is, does anyone know if it is possible to repair inguinal hernia(e) after j-pouch surgery. . . . ?

 

 

Yes, an inguinal hernia should be able to be repaired after J-pouch surgery. Have you talked to a surgeon yet?

Thanks Scott - no not discussed it with him yet but seeing him soon - Good to hear attempt at repair not ruled out. Thanks again for getting back to me so swiftly

 

Alec