Incisional hernia after transplant: Anyone else?

Hello..you read my mind I was
About to send u a message..had a lot of surgery on tummy. This is a very difficult area to heal from,
Getting out of bed sitting up..
All..but I am off pain pills,
Just Tylenol. Getting better sleep is a challenge, can't
Sleep on left or right, I am not
A back sleeper...NY doctor give me a new pill which I will take with my tacrolimus to
Protect kidneys!!!I walk my dog and aim for 2 to 7 miles
A day..thank u for asking...so
Sweet...

Hi Rosemary, thanks for asking. I am wait listed for robotic hernia repair by a general surgeon chosen by my Transplant Team. Because of Covid the wait time here for non-urgent surgery is longer than usual. The surgeon said he really hopes he's successful wth the robotic repair because it would be so much safer and less risk for infection, etc. but the CT is showing a lot of scar tissue and he warned he may have to finish by doing an open repair.

I'm on Sirolimus which is known to impair wound healing so the surgeon is worried I'll have further difficulties healing after a repair. I can't take Tacrolimus so it doesn't leave my team many options, but I trust they will make the best decision for me.

I just hope in the meantime, the hernia doesn't incarcerate and become strangulated requiring emergency surgery because it would likely mean further repairs down the road. I say that because the umbilical hernia pops out all the time and I have to push it back in. I recently purchased a belt to support so fingers crossed that all continues to go well while waiting 🙂

@jackie421blfdgurl, How are you getting on while waiting for your surgery?

You mentioned in another discussion that you needed daily naps and I want to share that I also needed naps in the afternoon. Gradually my naps became shorter, and then not necessary everyday. However, I always permit myself to a good nap when my body tells me to slow down. Even now, after 12 years since my transplant and recovery, I like to treat myself to a good nap, sometimes I even plan my daily activities around it! I hope that you are also able to work a nap into your day when you feel you need one. I wonder if your energy will pick up after your hernia repair and recovery.

I had a surgical procedure at my transplant hospital after my 1st year of transplant. I was treated by my transplant team as they were the ones to diagnose my problem. My transplant surgeon was even the one who performed the surgery, and that made me real comfortable going into it. A real treat for me was to re-connect with some of the nursing staff on the transplant floor! It was like a reunion because I had spent so much time on that floor before and during my transplant. We had a few days to catch up on big events like my recovery and adventures, marriages, babies, etc.

I am sending my thoughts and wishes for a successful surgery and a comfortable recovery. I am here if you would like to chat or if there is any way I can help you to prepare for your visit.
Will your surgery be at your transplant hospital while you are doing your check up? Will you be able to have someone with you?

Hi Rosemary...how are you? I
Think of all the people connected to this mayo clinic
Website, and pray all is ok.
It has been one month and
13 days since my surgery. I stayed a little longer than I
Would wanted, but came down C-DIFF....more antibiotics...most important, I walk everyday at least 3 to 6 miles a day with my little booboo...and keeping my appointments with my docs.
Still soar, still cannot sleep on
Either side, but feel like it is on
The way.... after I walk or do things around the house, I need to lay down.....you all
Have a good week....

Hi, I am 1 yr. post liver transplant facing another surgery and recovery. Background: 1 day post transplant I was taken back to surgery for internal bleeding (1st Hernia), mesh was put in place to bridge the little bit a tissue I had and all was well. 6 mos. post transplant I was complaining of pain and it was decided it was just nerve endings/damage. Continually got worse and started gaining 8-10 lbs. a month. Long story, 40lbs heavier, looking like I am pregnant on right side only and many CT, US and other procedures and ideas. All tests were negative. Finally a Hernia specialist was called in even though tests all showed no evidence of hernia. He was my angel in a lab coat. Stated it was a hernia in the sense that hernia simply means “protrusion”. Said he couldn’t operate, however a trauma surgeon could. Trauma surgeon states I have to have a complete abdominal wall reconstructed. However, I need to lose 30lbs. Frustrated because this wasn’t found before weight gain and now determined to get it off, while in pain trying to exercise. I am half way there. Operation will have my surgeon, and also a plastic surgeon doing a tag team. Surgery will be very long and/or may be split into 2 days. Basically want others to not give up on yourself when you know something is really wrong. Be strong, as you are your own best patient advocate. Look forward to others comments, advice and pep talks. Thanks for reading.

I am Soo sorry for u...I will keep you in my mayo clinic prayers...I knew I had a bulge
By my liver. Started to really bug me, 1st radiologist said
Sonoma.. then my surgeon said hernia. I too had to have more surgery other than hernia repair,a plastic surgeon
Worked on left side cutting away fat deposits and sewing
Stomach wall to muscle and putting in 2 pieces of merch.
One month and 13 days later
I am healing..I can tell.god bless you....

I am Soo sorry for u...I will keep you in my mayo clinic prayers...I knew I had a bulge
By my liver. Started to really bug me, 1st radiologist said
Sonoma.. then my surgeon said hernia. I too had to have more surgery other than hernia repair,a plastic surgeon
Worked on left side cutting away fat deposits and sewing
Stomach wall to muscle and putting in 2 pieces of merch.
One month and 13 days later
I am healing..I can tell.god bless you....