Incisional hernia after transplant: Anyone else?

Hi Rosemary....its amazing how quickly time passes...my journey started in 2014, and here it is two year anniversary for my gift of life...my new liver😊🥰.
I'm a Kaiser patient, but my transplant was done at Mayo Jacksonville. I've never had an "anniversary " checkup. No one on my transplant team has seen my 'incisional hernia ' my melon. I had a video appt with my liver Dr last year. I've been told that the surgery to get rid of the melon would be more difficult than the transplant surgery and that if it's not hurting me, leave it alone. I did have an appt with my primary Dr and he saw it and said the same thing.
I have concerns because it is growing, there are small twangs of pain sometimes, but my medical advise is to leave it alone.
I do get labs done every 2 to three months, I'm always stable. I get an MRI every 6 months...no cancer or significant change with my melon.
I belong to the liver/kidney support group at Mayo Jacksonville and get alot of help and information from them.
To be honest, I hate this thing protruding from my body but not sure what to do😒.

@kathycaudle, I agree that time does fly by, especially after the wait for a transplant.
When I read that you belong to the liver/kidney support group at Mayo Jacksonville, that makes me think that you live nearby. I guess that I assumed that all transplant patients had annual checkups. But I could be wrong because I have a double organ transplant and that might make a difference. Or perhaps it is the pre-existing conditions or insurance coverage. Anyway, I'm glad that you are being monitored and following up with labs and MRI's. Those will provide the doctor with evidence of what is happening inside of your body. Especially good to hear that the liver is happy!

I would hate something protruding from my body, too. If it is the appearance that bothers you, have you experimented with unfitted tops?

As I learned from my transplant surgeon, all surgery carries risks and also carries benefits. What to do is a big decision, one that will require you and your doctor together. As a patient, a non medical person, I would think that when this bump begins to interfere with your daily living, then is the time to get into a serious discussion. The small twangs of pain that you are feeling could be an indication that you ready to begin a conversation.

What are some of the support group members suggesting?

Sorry to report, but not defeated, my appt. was cancelled with Plastic Surgeon because he wants me to see the Surgeon first for his latest interpretations. Waiting for that call now. I am 3 hrs. away, hoping they can get their schedules together.

On another note I also wanted to stress that my so called “hernia”, didn’t show up on any Ultrasounds, X-Rays, or CT’s. My persistence finally paid off when a Trauma Surgeon was called in to review my results, and even without an exam speculated and confirmed it was the abdominal wall structure. We have to put trust in the doctors we choose, but when your body is feeling out of sorts or your having persistent pain and all is not to the naked eye, sympathy gets lost to these conditions. If you feel it…Tell it! Then REPEAT! 🧏🤦‍♀️

Hi Melody...prayers that all goes well for you💚 please continue to update on this site...you are the only one who comes close to understanding what I'm going through also...blessings & prayers for you🤗💕

Hi Kathy, yes we do share something in common a “Baby Bulge (BB)”. Yes, I will continue with my stories as I appreciate this site/group and being able to relate to others who are in the same predicament as we are in. The most important thing for me from the beginning of my pre-transplant was to find a “Seasoned” team of believers to include ie; Dr.’s, Nurses, PA’s and Administrative personnel. I also make sure I respect and acknowledge their kindness and areas of expertise. Bring donuts, flowers, pizza a card, whatever in takes in acknowledging their goodness. 🎉🎈🪴 It also goes a long way when you are in need (they remember you in a kind way amongst their hundreds of patients) Stay tuned for more! Prayers and well wishes. 🙏

Hi Rosemary....most of those in the support group do not have a hernia, the few that do, of course feel the same way but get the same response. I absolutely wear loose tops....my melon protrudes passed my breasts😱. Sometimes I get really frustrated because the transplant and my new liver went so exceptionally wonderful...and then there's this ridiculous thing 😫 that I don't understand. Someone in the support group said as long as when I lay on my back and my melon stays soft, and of course no major pain....it should be ok. I've got a great family who are my biggest supporters...I keep a positive attitude 99% of the time, so for now it is what it is whatever that is🤗 Thanks to you & Melody for sharing💚

Hello All, Good News Update! I am finally scheduled in Dec. to have my hernia/abdominal wall reconstruction surgery. It will be extensive surgery staged over a 3 day period. On 12/21 the Trauma Surgeon will preform his 6+ hrs. procedure, at which time they will intubate me until 12/23 (1 full day for my body to heal somewhat) and then the Plastic Surgeon will preform his 6+ hrs. procedure. Sometime 12/24 I should be somewhat coherent. I am so “pumped” to get this behind me that the dates don’t matter. This is an answer to pray and I consider and will receive this Christmas gift. What better present could I receive. 🙏❤️

Yay! Happy Holidays!! 🎁

What a Christmas 🎄 gift!!!!

So much to be thankful for this year.