Sunday, September 9, 2012

Hernia repair (updated)

July 21, 2012
My family is always looking out for me. My 3-year-old daughter said, "Mommy, when I get like a doctor I will get your mesh out with tweezers." 9 more days until surgery...can't wait to feel normal again!

July 29, 2012

30 more hours and my body will be mesh-free! I'm so anxious, I can't sleep:(

August 1, 2012
When I was feeling sad and angry about my current situation, my husband reminded me that God sees our pain and to trust Him. {← words I needed to hear right before surgery}

August 3, 2012
For those of you who don't know my story...
I've experienced chronic pain and complications for the past two years caused by an abdominal hernia repair with mesh. After obtaining a second and third opinion, I chose the surgeon who removed my varicose veins in 2011 to do the correction. I recently had the surgical mesh, permanent sutures, and excessive scar tissue removed. This time it was repaired using dissolvable sutures. I'm not fully recovered, but I'm hopeful for the future. The polypropylene (plastic) mesh did some permanent damage. The past cannot be undone, but I can try to prevent others from making the same mistake. I refuse to waste precious time complaining about my health. I'm ready to get my life back!

August 13, 2012
It has been two weeks since my hernia mesh removal and I'm feeling great! Each day I get a little stronger. Total recovery time is approximately 12 weeks. Thank you for keeping me in your prayers. 

September 9, 2012
Six weeks post-op and I'm slowly gaining my energy back. I would love to run and lift weights, although I'm not brave enough to step foot in the gym yet. My stomach feels slightly painful in some areas, which I'm assuming is caused by scar tissue formation. It feels better than it did with the mesh in, so I'm happy:) 

Click here to view an old blog post from my first hernia repair in 2010.

Patient advocacy organization - Truth in Medicine
Surgeon who specializes in mesh removals - Dr. Kevin Petersen
Facebook support group - Fighters and survivors of hernia and all vaginal pelvic surgical mesh


Words of encouragement

"That is why we never give up. 

Though our bodies are dying, 
our spirits are being renewed every day." 
- 2 Corinthians 4:16


"Those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
- Isaiah 40:31