Post colon resection abdominal hernia

I remembered my surgeon's warning at the last follow up visit after surgery. He said, "You don't want a hernia at the incision site.... No lifting or straining on the toilet." Well, when I noticed the area around my incision site added another two inches to my waist and was firm, I got worried. It didn't go away with any weight fluctuation, but DID disappear when I laid down. After a little over a month, I was examined by my surgeon and he confirmed I had an incision site hernia. He said he would repair it laparoscopically. He warned that if it got larger, the intestines could break through and cause more serious issues that would require emergency surgery. The choice.... do the repair while small, or take the chance of it growing and causing more serious issues.

In the meantime he said to wear an abdominal binder (girdle!) to support the abdominal wall, especially at the gym or while doing anything strenuous. He also told me to take Metamucil twice a day to keep from straining.

I'm leaning toward getting it done sooner than later.... bummer! Best wishes!

I had my initial colon resection in May 2019. I had three other abdominal surgeries (two open one laporoscopic) within a six month period that same year. In March it April of 2020, I noticed a bulge forming in my umbilical area, and one on the midline. It continued to get bigger. I had my regularly scheduled CT and they noted a decent sized umbilical hernia and diastais recti along with incisional hernia. Because i had a history of complications from surgery and had just survived sepsis (was in a medically induced coma and hospitalized for 6 weeks) a lot of surgeons were reluctant. I went to a general surgeon who is very skilled and had done my gall bladder surgery. She recommended not waiting as it continues to get bigger and can often make repair impossible. I had a complete abdominal reconstruction in June 2021. I would not wait too long because they don’t go away, just get worse. I would see a general surgeon who specializes in hernia repair or a skilled general surgeon.

It also is super beneficial to make sure you are in good physical shape and don’t have a lot of excess weight and it makes recovery harder. An abdominal binder can help with supporting your abdomen too

@terrihodges, @lucy155
I had my lower anterior resection in April, and the reversal of my ileostomy about 1 month ago. About 2 days ago I started getting a burning pain whenever I lifted anything heavy, or beared down. There is a slight protuberance, but that might just be scar tissue or still healing? I texted my surgery team and they said it may just be the incision site regaining lost feeling.
How did you know you had a hernia? My surgeon is 2 hours away, or I would just go in on Monday and have it checked.
Thanks in advance!

Just yesterday, my colon resection surgeon referred me to a hernia repair specialist rather than do it himself. No idea what's best. Just letting you know what one surgeon recommended. Good luck!