Incisional hernia after transplant: Anyone else?

My surgery is over a 3 day period with being intubated on the 2nd day to allow my body to rest a bit before the next part. After that it is ICU for 2-3 days and then onto the floor for approx. 5 days. Hopefully mine will be “a piece of cake” as you said. I will post on that when this is all in my rear view mirror.

Hi Rosemary...I did talk with the surgeon regarding the CT. She said it's like other ventral incisional hernias,and like the other Dr's unless it starts hurting me or I start vomiting or fever leave it as is. She said she would have to refer me to a different hernia Dr because she has never operated on one as large as mine. We had a telephone appt, so I'm going to make an office appt with my PC so I can see the CT and get his opinion. My concern is I'm going to be 73 in July, my overall health is ok but I'm obviously not getting younger. If the hernia stays the way it is, I can deal with the appearance, but if it gets worse as I get older can I survive a surgery? I've been dealing with my liver since 2014...I was blessed with a transplant in 2019...I want to live, I want have more time with my family.

@kathycaudle, I am smiling because I understand your concern about being 73 in July because I just turned 73 last week! During my 10th year follow-up for my liver/kidney transplant at Mayo, I asked about what I need to do to live another 10 years and the doctor responded; "Get your routine labs, take your meds, and no alcohol". It sounds pretty easy, but like you, I have my concerns about complications. I think that what he was really telling me was to remain alert and active in adherence to post transplant protocol.
Kathy, I am sorry that that you might have to live with this 'thing', and at least the modern fashions allow for loose flowing tops. Seriously, I commend you for getting it checked out. It sounds to me like a risk vs benefit situation, and that is not always a comfortable thing. I don't remember where you got your transplant or the cause of your liver failure. Does your PCP have any communication with them? Do they have an opinion on this approach?

When is your appointment with PCP?

Hi Rosemary...thanks for your concern. I was diagnosed in 2014 with non alcoholic cirrhosis, after years of being treated for GERD, stomach issues, etc. In 2016 I developed liver cancer. In January 2019 the tumor had grown enough to do something...the only answer for me to live was a transplant. I live in California and have Kaiser insurance. Kaiser doesn't do transplants so they sent me to Mayo Jacksonville...which was a true blessing. Other than many MRI'S, CT'S ,labs and nearly 30 ED'S I was basically asymptomatic. I received my transplant 11/19...all went great.
I came back home in January 2020. Three weeks after coming home I got very sick..bronchitis ,sinusitis, laryngitis...coughing day & night for several weeks,which was the start of my hernia. Because of all the antibiotics I developed C-def, later severe constipation... that's where I'm at with the hernia.
26 months post and I still have some issues, but overall feel good and very blessed to be alive. My appt with my PCP is next week...I really want his opinion. I'm hoping he can gaze into a crystal ball and advise me to go with surgery or just live my life as best I can.
Back in January 2019, the choice was simple..I wanted to live, the only way was a transplant. Now is somewhat different, can I live as I am with this growth inside & outside my body or as I get older will my chances of survival get less. I'm open for any advise.

Kathy, Wow, you have quite a story and I appreciate that you shared it. We transplant recipients know that the journey before and after transplant can be a bumpy road to endure. It is never the Hollywood version of what happens!
I don't think your PCP has a crystal ball! Mine doesn't either, but I trust his judgement . He was the one who noticed abnormal liver function results in my routine labs around 20 years ago and he sent me to Gastroenterologist right away to get it checked. And he is still my PCP. I think that you are wise to discuss thus with your PCP.

I am thinking about you and your appointment next week. Is there a family member who will be going with you?

Hi Rosemary...thanks for your concern. I was diagnosed in 2014 with non alcoholic cirrhosis, after years of being treated for GERD, stomach issues, etc. In 2016 I developed liver cancer. In January 2019 the tumor had grown enough to do something...the only answer for me to live was a transplant. I live in California and have Kaiser insurance. Kaiser doesn't do transplants so they sent me to Mayo Jacksonville...which was a true blessing. Other than many MRI'S, CT'S ,labs and nearly 30 ED'S I was basically asymptomatic. I received my transplant 11/19...all went great.
I came back home in January 2020. Three weeks after coming home I got very sick..bronchitis ,sinusitis, laryngitis...coughing day & night for several weeks,which was the start of my hernia. Because of all the antibiotics I developed C-def, later severe constipation... that's where I'm at with the hernia.
26 months post and I still have some issues, but overall feel good and very blessed to be alive. My appt with my PCP is next week...I really want his opinion. I'm hoping he can gaze into a crystal ball and advise me to go with surgery or just live my life as best I can.
Back in January 2019, the choice was simple..I wanted to live, the only way was a transplant. Now is somewhat different, can I live as I am with this growth inside & outside my body or as I get older will my chances of survival get less. I'm open for any advise.

I was just diagnosed with this. I have at least 3 sites on my right abdomen and middle. Very large protrusions. I'm scheduled to see a surgeon in the following months. My full liver transplant was Nov 28th 2018.