Signs of hernia post-RPLND?

[spinsta]

Dear fellow survivors/fighters,

I had an RPLND by Sheinfeld at MSK on June 26, 2007. It's been a little over 2 months and I still have some tightness in the incision area (although I am now able to stand up straight - yay!). Just the other day, I noticed that I experience some moderate pain/burning sensation along the incision right below my belly button whenever I flex my abs. I wonder if this is just part of the recovery process or is it a sign of a hernia. If so, what can be done to fix a hernia? If not, what are the signs of a hernia? If anyone has experienced having one post-RPLND and could shed some light on the issue, I would appreciate it very much!

Spencer

[dadmo]

Two months post RPLND is not really a long time. My wild guess on what your feeling is that it's internal scar tissue that's breaking up. Be carfeul about what exercises you do, do some nice easy streaching to loosen that scar up. Just make sure you mention it to you doctor at your next appointment. If it is a hernia the doctors can fix it with a few stiches, it shouldn't be a big deal.

[Russell's Mom]

I agree with Dadmo, I would think incision or possibly some long lasting disolvable sutures. A hernia would be bulging. It is usually soft tissue that is felt between muscle that has split. No matter what it is, if it is bothering you, check with your doctor. If it is something to be concerned with, dealing with it sooner than later is best, not to mention you peace of mind! Take care, Sharon

[Margaret]

I don't know how helpful this information will be, but about 4 months post RPLND they found another hernia on Boyce. He still has it, they are just going to watch it. But when they do your follow up scans, they will find something if there is something to be found. And I agree with the gang here, 2 months is a short amount of time and I am sure most of what you are feeling is recovery.

But when you get your next scan, tell your doctor to be on the look out for anything that concerns you.

best of luck and feel better soon!

[spinsta]

Thanks everyone for your responses - I'm pretty sure it's nothing but I will mention it to my doctor in my monthly checkup. So many weird side effects from chemo and RPLND, you're never sure if what you're experiencing is serious or not!

[Fish]

Hi spinsta:

Speaking from experience, my hernias did not develop until about 4-6 months after the RPLND. An OR tech told me many surgeons use long dissolving sutures, so you stay stiched for up to 6 months as they slowly dissolove. Of course, I don't know what your doctor used. One way to test for a hernia is to lay flat on your back and GENTLY try to lift you legs - IF THIS HURTS STOP RIGHT AWAY. GENTLY, press along the incision line and feel for bulges or bumps. If you find anything (or even if you don't, but are still worried) let the doc check it out. Repairs are relatively simple when the hernia is small.

To Margaret and Boyce and anyone else with a post RPLND incisional hernia, do not put off the repair, unless there are other medical concerns. Like an idiot, I waited 15 years (you know, never a good time for elective surgery), I was very lucky it never strangulated, by the time I decided to get it fixed, it looked like I was hiding a cantelope under my shirt . There were multiple other small hernias - the doc said the incision looked like swiss cheese. She reopened almost the entire RPLND incision - NOT FUN - and inserted a 6x10 inch piece of gortex mesh. I really think the repair was worse than the original surgery - 2 nights, 2.5 days in the hospital and 4 weeks off work!!!. Had it been done sooner, while it was still small, it would not have been nearly as bad.

[Margaret]

great advice fish!