Following is a detailed description of my hernia surgery and recovery after treatment by Dr. Goodyear at NPHI in 2010. This is text version. The original full version with pictures can be seen at:

http://www.spectrathought.com/hernia.htm

I had this chronology removed by Dr. Goodyear in 2010 after some posters attacked my integrity, but decided it might be of help to someone in a similar situation. It is factual, however every surgery and patient is unique and outcomes can vary widely.

This is in multiple parts due to character limits of the message board.

May 23 2010 at 11:47 AM RFE
from IP address 98.94.21.75

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In about an hour I'm hitting the road for the trip to NPHI from South Carolina. I will attempt to keep everything within this one thread to avoid clogging up the message board. The plan right now is to provide a good amount of detail, but how much detail will depend on my physical state and level of motivation.

I've had my right inguinal hernia for 2-3 years and most likely it is the result of lifting at the gym. It is about 3.25" in diameter and at it's maximum protrudes about 1". It is not painful or noticable in clothing, however it does interfere with various physical activities and has grown slowly but continuously. I enjoy lots of outdoor activities, running and going to the gym. Slowly my ability to participate in these activities has decreased. Certain social activities (especially the intimate ones!) can be problematic if the hernia is particularly irritating.

The process of setting up surgery with NPHI was easy and pleasant. You can get most of the info right off this website, fill it out, send it in. A phone call was all it took to confirm receipt of my info and to set up a surgery date. The cool thing is they actually answer the phone, unlike many medical establishments in "the information age." Then I received a couple more very simple forms to fill out and a packet of info. Made my motel reservations online and just like that everything is ready to go.

So after 2 years of considering options the car sits in the driveway washed and gased up for the trip!

SteveH

174.58.13.234 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 23 2010, 8:35 PM


I've had my right inguinal hernia for about the same length of time, but mine has been unchanged since I first noticed it. Sometimes it's totally gone; at worst it protrudes outward about 1/2". Mine is more like a cylinder than a sphere, so I can't quote a meaningful diameter for it.

It would be interesting to place you and me side-by-side and figure out why your condition has been deteriorating while mine has been 'in remission'. Of course, after you go under the knife that opportunity will be lost.

Good luck with it!


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Anonymous

70.200.151.39 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 24 2010, 12:25 AM


Mine sometimes disappears too, but will eventually work its way back out again. As for why it grew, who knows. Lots of factors of geometry, tissue thickness, and activities. I continued to run, weight train, rock climb,etc. Also had a couple of really bad colds during which the coughing and sneezing really worked to further degrade the situation (abdominal pressures).

We put 400 miles behind us today so calling it a night. Finish the trip to NPHI tomorrow.


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RFE

70.200.151.39 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 24 2010, 12:28 AM


Message above is from me RFE. I'm using a Verizon Aircard so my IP address will keep changing, especially in transit.


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SteveH

174.58.13.234 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 24 2010, 7:53 AM


Be sure to have your operation filmed and then uploaded to youtube so we can see what happened. Even better, have your doc set up a live webcam with real-time audience interaction so we can ask the doc what he's doing while he's doing it. For example, we can ask, "Doc, were his testicles really supposed to come off, or was that an accident?"

I probably shouldn't be joking about this. Unnecessary anxiety isn't good.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 24 2010, 3:25 PM


"I probably shouldn't be joking about this"
Correct!

RFE

70.201.86.3 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 24 2010, 4:53 PM


All checked in at the Comfort Inn Montgomeryville. So far it seems nice, clean and quiet and out out of the main traffic flow. Traffic coming into town wasn't bad but there is a bit of construction just after you get off the turnpike that causes some congestion and lanes are quite narrow. I'd avoid coming in during rush hours. Several nice chain restaurants and a mall very close by. So far so good. No food or drink after midnight!


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 24 2010, 7:37 PM


This is so great that you are doing this. In a month or so I will be going through the same thing. Your updates (along with everyone Else's that I've read here) will make me more confident. Thank you.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 24 2010, 7:37 PM


What time is your operation in the morning?


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RFE

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 24 2010, 10:07 PM


Nice little Italian restaurant, Giuseppe's Pizza, about a mile from Montgomery Surgery Center. Cute waitresses too! On Cowpath Rd near intersection of Broadway. Great pizza and caesar salad, followed by big chocolate milkshake at Friendly's ice cream! There's a Rite Aid pharmacy right across from Giuseppes so you can pick up last minute items. All of this stuff is within 5 minutes of Comfort Inn and very convenient. The people in the area have also been very nice! Surgery around 11:00 tomorrow. I'm a little nervous...

Anonymous

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 25 2010, 9:12 AM


Woke up last night thinking "What the heck am I doing 700 miles from home getting hernia surgery?" Obviously I am going through with it, but I do wonder if I should have just gone ahead and had it done locally like everyone else. Did I just get caught up in this website or is it the best choice? I guess I'll know better in about 8 hours.


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Anonymous

24.145.8.162 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 25 2010, 9:47 AM


Hahaha...don't even think about it. I traveled over 4,000 miles for my surgery. So, if you are thinking you're nuts, then I must be totally cracked and certifiably crazy.


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RFE

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 25 2010, 3:44 PM


Well, surprisingly I am back in my motel room and feeling quite good! Arrived at NPHI/Montgomery Surgery Center about 11:20AM, they got me in back quickly, Dr. Goodyear chatted with me, then I'm drifting into la la land. They ended up having to do general anesthesia on me because I was apparently doing all kinds of moving around and fighting. But aside from the wake up process there are, so far, no ill effects from general anesthesia. The local anesthia obviously has not worn off yet as I feel great right now. They gave me an oral antibiotic and 800mg x 2 (ibuprofin think) pain meds. Oh, and Fig Newtons with ginger ale while recovering. After a few minutes Dr. Goodyear came in chatted, looked at the repair and set up a post op exam. Now he did warn me that due to the size of my inquinal hernia I will have swelling in the area of incision and it was almost certain that my scrotum will swell too (oh boy, looking forward to that). That all should pass in several days. So, bottomline: I feel great, the staff was really nice and professional, and looking forward to full recovery over the next few weeks. Oh, Dr. Goodyear is a heck of a nice guy, very relaxed and confident. Surprisingly he has shaved his trademark beard and now is even more handsome and dynamic looking! Thanks Dr. Goodyear! So far it looks like a great job! Going out for some walking (weather is beautiful) and then some dinner.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 25 2010, 3:58 PM


Is your throat sore from the tube that they probably had to put in for general?
Amazing that you are out walking around!


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Anonymous

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 25 2010, 4:24 PM


Nope, throat isn't sore, at least not right now. Heading out to stroll right now in the beautiful weather. Feel good!

Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 25 2010, 4:50 PM


Well, this is amazing. You will have quite a story to tell the skeptics back home. My brother-in-law and also my boss had traditional operations and they were both laid up in pain for days!
I'm almost at the point where I don't think I will even be nervous when I go for mine. And, this is from a 71 year old male who faints at the sight of blood. Never operated on for anything. As most people have said on this site...the fear is all in your head!
It was my lucky day when I discovered this amazing website!


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Anonymous

24.145.8.162 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 25 2010, 6:02 PM


Squirming on the operating table, eh? I guess your subconscious was really trying to fight that scalpel - hahaha. All kidding aside, I'm glad to hear that you are up and about so early and feeling good.


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RFE

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 25 2010, 8:48 PM


Well, it's true! If I'd had this with on of my local docs, I'd probably be still in the hospital or feeling like crap at home. Instead it was a little over 3 hour interruption in an otherwise average day. Just got back from an afternoon consisting of long walks, dinner out, mall shopping, tooling around town. Doing basically all the lame stuff I usually do on a business trip. Just to be on the safe side I took one of the hydrocodone (sub for vicodin) pills at about 7:30 just to head off possible discomfort. Sitting on my butt watching TV, eating snacks. I do have an ice pack on the area now. Dr. G did warn me that there would be swelling and discoloration of scrotum, incision, and the incision area, so I am prepared to see and possibly feel that tomorrow and following day. I hope that goes away quickly. Right now I am probably in the "after glow" of local and general anesthesia and feeling super. Oh, and clothing for surgery for me consisted of a polo shirt and loose fitting warm up pants with running shoes. After surgery I found that the bandage and swelling were so minimal that I actually changed into loose fitting jeans (no I was not busting a sag) so you'd never even know I had a major brain transplant...oops I mean hernia surgery. Ask any (reasonable) questions you want, including about the "man equiment" pottie stuff etc. I'm not shy about that sort of thing.


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Anonymous

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 12:05 AM


It's been about 9 hours since the surgery still feeling fine. As for the repair area, as indicated by Dr. Goodyear, there is the beginning of swelling in scrotum, discoloration at base of penis, and the incision area is swelled a bit. It's basically caused by migration of fluid under the skin due to the cutting and manipulation. It tends toward the penis and scrotum just because of gravity. Can end up in other areas depending on one's static positions such as during sleeping, riding in car, etc. None of this is really painful and my mobility and energy are fine. Up and down getting snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) and going down to the lobby to BS with my friend. It's midnight here and I'm getting a little sleepy, but no different than any other evening really. Hoping for an uneventful night and good awakening tomorrow. So far I am very pleased with my decision to have Dr. Goodyear and staff of NPHI perform this procedure. Good night all!

Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 7:06 AM


It will be most interesting to see how well you feel today. I look forward to all your posts and you are providing great details. Thank you.


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RFE

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 9:17 AM


Feeling awesome! Stayed up 'til 1:00AM watching tv and talking. Slept great and only woke up to pee once or twice (drank a bunch of water post surgery). Woke up this AM feeling rested and ready to go. There is soreness around the incision area of about 2 or 3 on a scale of 10. It's about like being sore from exercising, but really very limited to that area. As forewarned, my scrotum is bigger and dark, some discoloration at the base of my penis, minor swelling at incision. No pain or discomfort other than the incision. Actually the scrotum is still within the "average" size range and looks good on me - lol. I feel like I can do anything really. Haven't had a bowell movement yet, so will facilitate that with some Philips Milk of Magnesia later today if that event doesn't occur. That was the docs recommendation, although I dont' anticipate any serious problems in that regard. OK heading out to get breakfast then thinking about doing some sight seeing. Oh, and I did pop one of the vicodin type pain pills just to be on the safe side, but probably going to stop that today.


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RFE

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 9:30 AM


FYI Walking is really good for you after this. I'm not saying you should walk 10 miles continously but walking moderate distances frequently really helps minimize discomfort by gently mobilizing the tissues. Do take breaks. Just make a point of walking at least once an hour and try to keep movin' around in general. By doing this you avoid the mild pain that can come from settling in one position. Major and fast healing is going on and you want things to heal in a configuration that is capable of being dynamic and flexible.


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Dr. Goodyear

76.74.114.162 Thanks May 26 2010, 11:22 AM


Dear RFE

Thanks for this dairy of your experience. I am sure it is deeply apprecitated by those considering hernia reapir in the near future.

Glad to hear you are doing well and proceding normally. I Will see you in the AM (ETA 6:45-7:00 AM), before you head back to S.C.

Dr. G


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RFE

70.201.90.37 Re: Thanks May 26 2010, 11:54 AM


Dr. Goodyear this is one of the best decisions I've made in quite awhile. At first I was wondering what the heck I was doing up here, but it was totally worth the drive. We left the surgery center and just carried on like it was a regular old business trip. I did pretty much anything I wanted and felt great. Still feeling great - amazing work you do sir!! We are on the road to take a tour of the Harley factory in York. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! PS Hope I wasn't mean to anyone when I freaked out under sedation! Glad you put me under!


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RFE

70.201.73.172 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 5:22 PM


Hey, hey, less than 24 hours after hernia surgery taking a tour of the Harley factory in York PA. Soooo, freakin' glad I got my surgery done at NPHI! Feeling good and no problem swinging my leg over the motorcycle.

SteveH

174.58.13.234 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 5:49 PM


Congrats on a successful experience so far.

It would be interesting to know how the absence of post-op complications immediately after hernia surgery relates to the probability of post-op complications after longer periods of time; e.g. 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, etc. If you don't have access to such data (I don't), then celebrating too heartily today may be a bit premature. I don't want to be unnecessarily pessimistic or ruin your party; I'm just counseling caution.

After agonizing over the relative risks of having hernia surgery done in SC vs. PA, I hope you don't kill yourself on a Harley


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Anonymous

70.201.86.158 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 6:09 PM


OK I'm done. I'm apparently making an *** of myself and providing none statistical information.


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Anonymous

24.145.8.162 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 6:12 PM


I, too, have to echo Steve's caution. It would be nice for you to keep us updated of your healing progress once scar maturation starts to occur. This is when you start to hear the stories of people searching for relief from pains that just won't subside.


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Anonymous

70.201.86.158 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 6:17 PM


I'm done. Good luck to you guys.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 7:37 PM


Is the "I'm done" from RFE or someone else?
and what does it mean? Done with what?


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RFE

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 9:10 PM


Done posting. Serves no purpose at this point. Every case is different and your surgeon is the best counsel. This is but one account and therefore has no statistical or scientific significance. There are others here who appear to have done more research or have a broader, more informed perspective. As SteveH and anonymous point out bad things can happen later. I'll close with a personal and subjective statement by saying my experience with NPHI and recovery, to this point, has been nothing but positive.


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Dr. Goodyear

68.39.229.152 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 9:50 PM


RFE:I for one totally appreciate your posts and recounting of your experience here. I also beleive that the overwhelming majority of readers have also enjoyed reading your journey. It is and remains a valuable contribution to this forum, and I encourage you to continue for the sake of other, quality readers. You are a gentleman and you have been, and are a great patient; the kind of patient any physician would be honored to have the privilege to provide care to, and cae about. For your sake, (and also to those nay-sayers), perhaps the best barometer of long term outcome is evident in the first few days after surgery. Ask anyone who has been a sufferer of chronic post-operative problems; they knew something was wrong almost from day one. You are doing well and will continue to do well.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 26 2010, 10:29 PM


Yes, I am one of them who has followed your every word. Please don't stop writing now. Keep giving updates. Forget the negative people and keep writing.
PLEASE!


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RFE

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 27 2010, 7:49 AM


Just had a house call (yes, he may even visit your hotel) from Dr. Goodyear for post op exam and he convinced me that there is value in posting.

DISCLAIMER: This is my chronology, not a prediction or recommendation of treatment or outcome. Please keep in mind that I am only stating my experiences as I perceive them and I am attempting to be open, honest, and accurate. I am not saying my results are typical, this is not scientific data, and it has no statisitical significance. Because I am not in the medical field everything I post is subjective and may even be incorrect. All of my entries here should be considered for entertainment value only. Aside from my surgery on May 25th I have no association with North Penn Hernia Institute or any of the staff or doctors there. I will be happy to answer reasonable questions about my experience and recovery, but really not interested in sarcastic commentary or warnings of possible dire results. I honestly don't care what you have read or what you think might happen. Right now, I am the one experiencing this. I did my own research the last 2 years and this path was my choice. If bad things happen I will post them as they occur, but I'm not going to anticipate them. Lastly, if you don't want to see my postings please just don't click on the link. There is no requirement that you read this.


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RFE

74.94.4.166 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 27 2010, 8:22 AM


Dr. Goodyear showed up bright and early to my motel room for a post op "house call" this morning. What a great guy! He did an exam and we had a dicussion about my condition. He stated that everything is progressing normally and at this point I can anticipate a typical recovery. I do have lots of discoloration of penis and scrotum as anticipated. This is an unfortunate consequence of waiting and allowing my hernia to get very large. It's harmless but a bit disturbing to see! Bottom line: Little sore, feeling good, progressing normally for someone who had a large hernia. Heading back home today.

From my perspective I did notice some changes that I was warned about in literature that NPHI provided and from discussion with Dr. Goodyear. Yesterday, for most of the day, I was very active sight seeing and doing pretty much anything. Well, as the day went on I did notice a bit more soreness, a little fatigue, and the sensation of some swelling. Turns out that I am entering the next phase which involves discoloration of my penis, scrotum and some of the surrounding area. When I got back to the hotel and checked it out yesterday I was actually a little shocked! "My poor dick and balls (sorry for the colloquial terms)!" I thought. Looked like I had been in a very bad fight with someone who hits below the belt! Everything was somewhat swollen and dark. There was some mild discomfort due to swollen scrotum, but nothing bad. This, it turns out, is the gravity effect that I had been warned about. Fluids are finding and migrating through different tissue layers based on the pull of gravity. With all the walking and other activity yesterday, I no doubt speeded up this process. OK gotta check out of the motel now and go grab some breakfast. I'll add more later.


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Anonymous

208.111.222.249 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 27 2010, 9:33 AM


Great. Happy to see you back writing.


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RFE

70.201.95.170 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 27 2010, 12:47 PM


Well feeling pretty good sitting in the car riding but the incision site is a bit tight today. Feels like more of a muscular thing. Stopping about every hour as recommended by the doc. First getting out of the car it takes just a bit to get moving, but once walking I'm fine. My genitals look pretty scarey right now! I kinda hate looking down there when I'm using the restroom. Overall feel good, just a little creepy in "the man parts." Heading south on I-81 now.


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Anonymous

70.200.133.126 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 27 2010, 5:58 PM


Took one of the vicodin pain meds this morning and have not taken any since. Now taking Motrin which seems to work great and I don't have that funky feeling that came with the Vicodin. As the day progresses there is a bit more fluid build up around my genitals, which is most unattractive, but not problematic. Stopping at most of the rest stops and talking a long walk up and down the parking area every hour. Things are moving very smoothly with minimal pain. If I cough or sneeze there is a bit of a pinch but not bad at all. Absolutely no internal sensation of discomfort or "mesh." Feeling very comfortable and clear-headed.


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RFE

67.233.99.144 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 27 2010, 10:15 PM


Checked into a motel on the route home and calling it a day. Feeling very good, walking and moving painlessly. Really feel good walking and the more I walk at this point the better I feel. Only talking Motrin now. My energy level is excellent, appetite good, and digestive/bowel system working well. I did take a dose of Phillips Milk of Magnesia yesterday evening to ensure regularity and easy bowel movement. It did it's job. Really pleased with my mobility and overall comfort level. The only thing that I don't like is the appearance of my genital area and associated swelling and fluid build up. I was warned about this by Dr. Goodyear and in the pre-op literature, but mentally wasn't prepared. I'm guessing that this is going to take awhile to disappear. Would not even consider any sexual activity and probably won't for at least a couple of weeks. Aside from that I am very please with my decision to travel to NPHI and results thus far.


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RFE

8.10.214.144 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 28 2010, 9:22 AM


Totally pain free today and moving just like always. I can even cough without discomfort. Not taking any meds at all. I am really amazed. Used the stairs and carried my luggage to/from motel room with no bad sensations what so ever. Still very buised and discolored but not much different than yesterday. Planning to return to work next week unless there is some sort of negative developmment over the long weekend.


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Anonymous

98.94.26.14 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 28 2010, 4:34 PM


Back home in South Carolina. Everything went so fast I it seems a bit surreal, but it really was six days ago that I set out on this adventure. Very happy with my decision and physically I'm doing excellent. There is no outward indication of my having surgery and I walk normally. Friends that have had hernia surgeries can't believe that I went walking and out to dinner right after my surgery. My travel buddy and I were discussing how totally uneventful the whole experience was and had we known we would have planned more side trips. He was somewhat bored! After my surgery he drove us around and back to SC. But honestly, after 48 hours (NPHI asks that your wait at least that long for sedation/meds to wear off) I could have driven with no problem. Now I am pain free and doing minor chores around the house. No twinges of pain and no sensation of mesh. There is still major discoloration and some swelling in the genital area, but aside from its appearance it does not cause any problems. I'm probably going to continue with the Mortrin for a couple of days for its anti infammatory effects on the genitals and incision area. Heading out in the sunshine to do some light yardwork and maybe walk in the park!


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 28 2010, 4:59 PM


That sounds incredible and don't stop writing.


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Anonymous

98.94.25.85 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 29 2010, 10:58 AM


Slept great last night. I think I was more tired mentally and physically than I realized. It was good to be back in my own bed. I awoke with a generalized aching under and around the incision. Probably about about a 4 out of ten. This is a different sensation than any previously experienced. I'm sure it is just another phase of the body healing process. Took a couple of Motrin and just took it easy around the house. The pain has stayed about the same level and I have a social committment so I went ahead and took one of the hydrocodone (substitute for Vicodin) pills about an hour ago. It's kicking in and feeling a little less discomfort. I've done a lot of physical activity over the last few days, including climbing in and out of the car, so thinking this is a little bit of payback and just another part of the healing process. I am walking fine and actually the more I move around the better it gets. Taking more breaks today since I am home and have the option of flopping onto the couch as needed. The swelling and discoloration seem to have peaked yesterday and those conditions are either about the same or even slightly less.


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Mike

68.94.15.137 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 29 2010, 4:15 PM


Just wanted to say thanks for all the detailed posts, has been bookmarked, and glad to see you are doing well.


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RFE

98.94.17.234 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 29 2010, 6:09 PM


I'm glad to provide the updates and answer any reasonable question. I'm not sure how useful they are, but glad one or two folks find them worth reading.

After a slow start today turned out great! I went to a horse event at a large farm and spent much of the day on my feet and walking around. No pain problems at all. Walking really is an essential therapy in recovery. It feels good to sit around and you might get twinges upon rising, but once you start walking you feel better and better.

Just now did an inspection of the surgery area and I actually think the swelling and discoloration are beginning to subside. As I mentioned above the swelling and dramatic discoloration I have is due to my hernia being very large. I was warned in pre-op literature and by Dr. Goodyear about this. If you want to minimize pain, discoloration and swelling you are better off to get your hernia repaired before it grows like mine did. Appetite, energy level, urination, bowel movements are all normal. So, progressing well and no surprises or setbacks yet. Ask anything you want regarding my surgery or recovery.

RFE

98.94.17.234 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 29 2010, 9:49 PM


Brisk 2.5 mile walk after dinner this evening. No problems at all. I can feel the adhesive bandage pulling just a bit, but that's it. Briefly considered a jog, but decided that it would be silly to risk a setback at this point. I'm going to continue with a conservative approach to preserve Dr. Goodyear's excellent work.


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Anonymous

98.94.24.2 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 9:29 AM


Just another day, feeling good. Going to keep with the extended walking and relatively light exercising.

Comments about Hydrocodone (Vicodin like pain med): It is effective in reducing pain, however for me (probably not everyone) it appears to have a couple of undersireable effects. If I take it late in the day it makes me extremely sleepy and seems to result in sleep apnea when I finally do far asleep. Last night in particular I noticed this apnea effect and it was a bit unnerving. I was very tired and wanted to sleep, but at the same time I was afraid to doze off lest I wake up gasping. So I walked the floor and watched TV until the effects began to fade. I'm either going to stop the hydrocodone or limit it's use to daytime. According to various medical websites Vidodin/Hyrocodone can indeed effect breathing and especially in those with sleep apnea or tending to that condition. I could never get addicted to Vicodin, I hate absolutely hate the apnea side effect!

This post is me being honest and open about my experience - good and bad.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 9:32 AM


So you still have enough pain day & night that you need to take meds???


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Anonymous

98.94.24.2 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 9:42 AM


No, there is almost no pain. Yesterday morning was really the last one I should have taken. I only took it then because I was going to be at a horse show all day and wanted to be completely comfortable. It was a misjudgement on my part to take the hydrocodone last night. I guess my thinking was that I would sleep really good and be assured of no incidents (turning the wrong way in bed, etc.), but that was a bad idea. I know now, at least for me, Vicodin/Hydrocodone is to be taken very seriously.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 9:47 AM


But there was most likely no way that you could have gone without ANY pain meds at all, correct? The side effects from pain meds concern me more than the operation!


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Anonymous

98.94.24.2 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 10:02 AM


Well, knowing what I know now I share your concerns about the prescription pain meds. I certainly could have done it with Motrin only. The pain was never anything bad at all. Look at all the stuff I was doing following the surgery! Don't worry about the pain. That said, remember everybody and every surgery is different. I would recommend discussing any and all concerns with your surgeon (Dr. Goodyear?) or anesthesiologist. If you have sleep apnea or any beathing problem be absolutely certain to let them know. This drug obviously has a relaxing/suppressing effect on the airway and involuntary nervous system. It was creepy for me. Once the hernia is all healed up I might talk to my regular doc about a sleep study to see if I'm developing apnea.

Please feel free to ask any other questions. Really, I'm fine and very pleased with the surgery. Just trying to post all the little details.


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bobby

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 11:12 AM


If you click on my name you should be able to send me an email. It would be nice to be able to communicate with you in the future when you might not be posting or reading any more posts on this website.
I am one of the people who have been asking you questions from the beginning. I would not drive you crazy with hundreds of emails.
Thanks in advance.


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Anonymous

98.94.24.2 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 12:09 PM


Well just finished up over 3 miles on the track in warm sun and humidity. Walking is simply no problem and feels good to help purge some of the meds out of my system. The reptilian part of my brain keeps tempting me to jog a little, but I'm going to resist that temptation for at least another week. G-forces and dynamic stressors are greatly magnified in running and that's probably not what the body needs right now. Oh, and I also stayed far away from people walking their dogs with those 50 foot long retractable leashes. The last thing I want is and 80 pound lab jumping up on me!

Note about exercising: NPHI provided me (probably most patients) with a waterproof cover bandage. As I exercise I can feel pulling on this and indeed a check just now showed some lifting at the edges. It is suppose to remain on for 10 days, so I'm going to ease up just a bit to avoid prematurely exposing the incision to water and the environment in general. Also, vigorous activity can result in sweating (esp here in SC) and I can't imagine that accumulating moisture inside a waterproof bandage is a good idea. It also probably results in some release of the bandage adhesive. So, I'm going to keep it light on the exercise for another few days. Maybe change my walking to the evening to avoid sweating.


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SteveH

174.58.13.234 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 6:43 PM


If I were in your shoes, I would go light on the exercise until whatever damage was done to me as part of the surgery is completely healed. What kind of damage was done, and how long will it take to heal? I don't know. However, it seems to me that the benefits of exercise are outweighed by the potential costs of exacerbating your existing injury. I would be inclined to take whatever advice the doc provides regarding exercise and divide it by 2 just to be on the safe side.

Yet more unsolicited advice from the peanut gallery. It's worth what you paid for it.


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Anonymous

98.94.24.2 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 30 2010, 12:14 PM


Bobby I will be glad to contact you by email, but don't hesitate to ask anything you want right in this forum. If you have a question there may be others that are wondering the same thing. I'm not shy about any of this and you can ask anything from how my man-stuff works to the sensation of bowel movements. It's all natural and all part of being human. Glad my posts are of use to someone.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 31 2010, 11:31 AM


No update today? Oh...it's a holiday.


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RFE

98.94.17.178 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI May 31 2010, 12:29 PM


Just in from 4+ mile brisk walk!

Yesterday was fine with observed reduction of swelling and discoloration. An interesting side effect of the reduced swelling is that my genitals are moving more freely and thus producing some sensations. In particular my testicles are relaxed and decended (they are no longer scared!) and movement, such as standing quickly or landing hard after a step, produced a quick, mild pinch as things settled out. Last night I was out to dinner and ended up sitting for 2.5 hours BS'ing. When I started to stand up I had to take it just a bit easy to let "the boys" find their place! I was also wearing jeans which kinda crowded things.

Last night didn't take any medication at all and slept great. Eased out of bed and once I started walking around everything was great. Honestly, when first getting out of bed I'm always just a bit cautious and note how I'm feeling before carrying on with daily activities. Today my genital area is really starting to look normal again and discoloration is fading to normal skin tone. By the time I finished walking the first mile I was moving just like always and walking at a very fast pace. It felt great. After 4 miles I did a brief jog to see how it felt. It wasn't bad but the impact definitely jostles things around and tugs on the adhesive bandage. Few more days of low impact stuff in my judgement. Oh, and for me anyway, a good clothing combination for exercise is a good support brief that holds things in place with loose fitting atheletic shorts over. Actually that combination works well for everyday clothes too. Keeping things comfortable and not "knocking around" is a good idea to avoid irritation and possibly later soreness. Boxer shorts are not a good idea unless you are just relaxing. If you sweat, shower off and change clothes. Don't want to risk any sort of rash with everything else going on.

So this is the best day yet! Was going to mow the lawn later but it's raining now. Oh darn, and I was soooo looking forward to that - not!

FYI: This is all just my opinion and personal experiences. I'm not qualified to give advice in health/medical so these postings should only be considered for their entertainment value.




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Gordon

12.1.219.177 THANKS RFE!!! June 1 2010, 11:12 AM


Hey man, THANKS so much for your detailed blog of your experience!! You ROCK!! I understand and appreciate your disclaimer, but also value your personal experiences. I'm scheduled to have my inguinal hernea repiared tomorrow with Dr. Goodyear. It was supposed to happen 2 weeks ago, but fool that I am, I had morning coffee the day of surgery and found out how serious an issue that is. The folks (Dr. Goodyear and the anethesiologist) at Montgomer Surgery Center were gracious but unyielding on allowing ANY risk for elective surgery. I had to reschedule. This backed up my surgery date to this week (Wednesday), just 2 days before a multi-family camping trip we have planned for this weekend.

I've been telling folks that I plan on basically "normal" activity (sans workouts or running) after surgery and have gotten so many horror stories from everyone who has either gotten hernia surgery or knows someone who has that I was starting to wonder if I were nuts.

What I've read or induced has indicated that "best practice" hernia repairs do NOT involve long, painful recoveries, and in fact, continuing light activity with lots of walking actually HELPS the recovery - just as your experience confims. That is why I'm going to see Dr. Goodyear rather than a local surgeon who may be "good", but not a hernia repair specialist. I feel I can count on Dr. Goodyear to provice a "best practice" repair.

Everything you have posted confirms that my expectation to continue "normal" light activities is not unreasonable. Yay!

I'm NOT cancelling our camping trip, but I am showing my wife how to do some of the hookups and may restrict our hiking to easy trails.

I've copied and pasted this entire thread into a Word doc that I can show my doubting family and friends as well as any local folks who are wondering about where to go to get this done.

Thanks again,

Gordon


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RFE

98.94.23.147 Re: THANKS RFE!!! June 1 2010, 1:12 PM


Gordon I sent you an email. Thanks for the comments and I'm glad my posts were of some use to you. Please keep in mind that I am just one person with no medical background and may exhibit poor judgement from time to time. Consider my posts only for their entertainment value and listen only to Dr. Goodyear, his staff, or other qualified personnel. Follow all the guidelines Dr. G and his staff provide for you. Call them if you have any problems or questions. They are the experts! As my disclaimer says, I might be totally wrong in my choice of activities or recommendations! I have been clinically diagnosed as being a total goofball.

As for your surgery, you will be in excellent hands. Everybody at Montgomery Surgery Center was nice, efficient and quick. You will probably feel just great when you walk out of there. I sure did. Now, it is likely that you will have dramatic discoloration of the incision area and genitals. Be ready to see and to a lesser extent feel this! I hated to look down when I went to the bathroom. It really surprised me and it would be shocking for for anyone else to see. It takes about a day for it to start to occur and peaks at about day 3-4. Most of my discoloration is gone now but I do still have an area on my thigh and one on my side. Also your scrotum is going to swell. Doesn't hurt, but looks bad and you are aware of it when moving around. When your moving around briefs are a better choice than boxers for underwear. Just keeps things from rubbing and banging around.

As for camping, I think you would be far better to stay home or in a motel, but you'll probably survive. You need to be comfortable and be able to rest when needed. Have ice available for periodic use on the incision area. Take both the prescription pain meds (hydrocodone) and Motrin with you. You will thank goodness you have the pain meds if you start to have a bad day. Don't go nuts and walk like I did. Better to walk 10-15 minutes every hour and just relax in between. Take a couple of naps during the day because your body is under stress as it works hard to heal. Don't strain, lift heavy stuff, run, and avoid quick motions. Do not let anybody or anything bump the incision area! So avoid situation where kids, pets, or objects might hit you. That would be terrible! Don't try to be a tough guy. You absolutely are going to have some pinches, pokes and you will be aware that you had surgery! Be careful and baby yourself so your recovery is uneventful. My recovery was great, but this is SERIOUS BUSINESS! Good luck and contact me anytime!





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bobby

75.97.206.135 RFE: June 1 2010, 1:29 PM


RFE...I also requested an email from you a few days ago...just so I have your email address for any future questions I might have (yes, I know I can ask them here). If you click on my name my address will come up.
Thanks in advance.

Anonymous

98.94.23.147 Re: RFE: June 1 2010, 1:41 PM


Hey Bobby, thanks for the reminders. Sent you an email just now.


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RFE

98.94.23.147 Re: THANKS RFE!!! June 1 2010, 7:51 PM


Gordon and others:

One more thing. You might want to have some Phillips Milk of Magnesia handy. Anesthesia and the pain med hydrocodone (which they will give you) can cause mild constipation. I took about two table spoons the evening of the second day just to get things moving. The next day it was smooth sailing (if you know what I mean) with no straining. While it is unlikely that straining during a bowel movement would cause damage, it's a whole lot easier to go the Phillips route. Follow the directions and don't exceed the recommended dosage. Just a little tip.

I'm not in the medical field or qualified to make recommendations. Ask your doc before doing this.


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Gordon

74.60.128.200 No Problem, RFE! June 1 2010, 8:39 PM


Thanks again for all your words of advice and for relating your experience! Please, DO NOT worry about any undue influence you have on me. I'm a very independent-minded knucklehead who takes full responsibility for my own actions.

I understand that "results not typical" applies and YMMV. I just chose to belive and hope for best-case until proven otherwise and believe I've made the best decision to make this possible by going with Dr. Goodyear. I quite understand your disclaimers, and no worries from my end over your influence. I can be my own bad influence quite well enough!

I promise to "be good" and do all I can to minimize recovery problems.


Gordon
www.sweetnancy.com


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Gordon... June 1 2010, 10:26 PM


I trust that you will share your own experience with us as well. Maybe in a new thread or here.


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Kerry

174.42.209.42 Re: No Problem, RFE! June 1 2010, 10:28 PM


RFE - Your experience @ Lansdale mirror mine. I made two trips, one for the right and one for the left. Dr. Goodyear and the hospital staff are one of a kind, top notch. Two months from the first surgery on the right side and can hardly tell it was done (except for the short hair). One month from the second surgery on the left side I can still feel the Healing Ridge. All things are back to normal, except for the short hair. I too will accept any email questions or forum questions about my experiences.


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Kerry

174.42.209.42 Re: No Problem, RFE! June 1 2010, 10:37 PM


FYI - My posts are 'Round one' and 'Round two'


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RFE

98.94.26.33 Re: No Problem, RFE! June 1 2010, 10:55 PM


Hey Kerry, Your posts are very much appreciated. They were an influence in my final decision to choose NPHI. Thanks and glad to hear you are still doing great!


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RFE

98.94.20.13 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 2 2010, 9:37 AM


The following post contains information relating to sexual function. I am posting it as a point of reference for those, especially men, that may be curious as to the effects of inguinal hernia surgery on male sexual function. If you are uncomfortable with this topic or disapprove, please read no further and close this link..
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A brief and gentle test of the male sexual function was performed last evening. All functions and sensations were satisfactory. The overall quality was somewhat diminished by nervous anticipation of possible failure and/or pain upon "conclusion." However, at this point there appears to be no detrimental effect to the male sexual function due to inguinal surgery on May 25, one week ago. There was no discomfort other than in tissue areas directly effected by the surgery itself, e.g. the incision. As the curiousity and anxiety surrounding this has been relieved, I will likely refrain from further sexual activity for several more days just to avoid unnecessarily disturbing the tender and sensitive areas still healing. I felt that this was a beneficial exercise to "purge" pathways and to provide a level of comfort knowing that no damage to sexual function was incurred during the surgical hernia repair.

Prior to my surgery I was very curious about this issue and I'm sure many other guys are too. I hope this posting provides useful information and is reassuring to those curious or feeling anxiety around male sexual issues. Many times people are afraid to ask about or discuss such issues related to sex, which is actually detrimental. I am of a different mind and feel that this is all part of health and being human. If there are any questions relating to the subject of this post please feel free to contact me.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 2 2010, 1:01 PM


EXCELLENT!


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Anonymous

98.94.20.13 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 2 2010, 4:18 PM


Walked 3 miles in the park this morning. Went to the gym this afternoon. Did very easy 15 minutes on eliptical machine, 10 minutes treadmill. Went through an full upper body work out, but with almost no weight on the machines. Basically going through the motions. It all went really good. We shall see how I feel tomorrow. I'm sure this is not recommended 1 week from surgery, so I do not recommend it for anyone else. I'm just documenting my personal activities and how my body responds.


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RFE

98.94.20.13 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 4 2010, 9:01 AM


Everything progressing as predicted by Dr. Goodyear. Yesterday I decided to just take it easy and do light work around the house and run some errands. I figured that it might be good to not plan specific exercise and just allow my body to take it easy. It is interesting to note that in the night I notice various, mild, sensations/tinges. Not sure but thinking maybe it happens when moving a certain way, laying in one position too long, or maybe just the body doing it's thing of healing. Turns out reducing my activity for a day was a good idea. The area feels really "normal" today and I'm moving very smoothly.

There is still some minor discoloration and the "healing ridge" has appeared as predicted and described in the pre-sugery literature. My particular hernia was quite large and therefore surgery resulted in more than average discoloration and fluid migration. The residual discoloration is minor and I'm thinking it is in areas where it will just take time for circulation and/or absorption to eliminate it.

Overall things are really progressing very well. People can't believe the story and a friend at the gym thought I must have canceled the surgery because I was already back on the eliptical machine! Still weeks of healing ahead, but at this point I have to say the long trip for SC to NPHI was absolutely worth it!


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Gordon

71.245.11.80 Great Report! June 4 2010, 11:41 AM


Great Report RFE!! It's cool to track your progress - being 1 week ahead of me, I can see what to expect.



Gordon
www.sweetnancy.com


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RFE

98.94.20.13 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 5 2010, 7:00 PM


Best day ever since the surgery on May 25th! I actually got out of bed and was totally unaware of the surgery area. I didn't even think about it until I got into the shower and saw the "healing ridge" (looks like they sewed a small banana under my skin! lol). Today I ran, did the rowing machine, cycled and wrapped it all up with 30 minutes on the elliptical machine! Great workout and smooth sailing all the way. Still no pain, pinches or sensations of any kind in the surgery area! I might have a long way to go before my next 10k race but that stupid hernia won't be slowing me down anymore! NPHI ROCKS!


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Dr. Goodyear

68.39.229.152 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 5 2010, 8:39 PM


Thank you for the valuable feedback and information. It is appreciated.


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RFE

98.94.20.13 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 6 2010, 3:43 PM


Not quite two weeks since surgergy on May 25th. Super good workout today! Did full lower body weight training, followed by 2 mile run, and 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. I was conservative in amount of weight resistance used and continuously doing a self check in all activities for stressors or discomfort. Everything went really well. The only machine at the gym I that I decided to back off of was a thing called "Torso Rotation." You kneel on turntable and hold your upper body stationary. Then you rotate a your lower body +/-90 degrees with a set resistance. I works the core and abdominal muscles. On this machine I felt some very minor pulling so I moved very slowly and only did one set. Honestly, I think the sensations were just do to normal stretching of tissues that haven't been exercised to their full range since surgery. No after effects what so ever and I have every intention of working up to my normal resistance and 3 sets on this machine. Stangely I still don't feel like mowing the back yard...hmmm, better recover more first. lol

A friend snapped a pic of me after my run today, just to prove I'm still alive. Yes, I know I look like a dork and have pasty white legs!

Gordon

74.60.128.200 Healthy Dork! June 6 2010, 4:04 PM


Look like a Dork? I don't think so! Look like a healthy guy! Thanks again for the reports, RFE. I'm following in your footsteps. Great job on the workouts. Sounds killer even without a hernia repair to consider!

Gordon

Gordon
www.sweetnancy.com


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RFE

98.94.20.13 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 6 2010, 5:29 PM


Well, if you have been following this thread you may have noticed I didn't say anything about taking the bandage off. I have actually been totally avoiding it and kept moving the deadline (10 days) forward several hours at a time. I am such a chicken! My fear was that it was going to hurt or damage the healing incision or so disgusting that I would pass out on the floor. Well none of that happened.

After my sweaty workout today I did some things in the yard and in the house for a couple of hours. As I was removing my gym shorts I looked down and the bandage was just hanging off! The adhesion was almost complete lost and I was able to just pick it up and throw it away. No pain or hair pulling. So in my case all the physical activity and sweating facilitated easy bandage removal! After 10+ days I'm sure hair growth, normal skin exfoliation, and adhesive decay were also factors.

The incision area is raised as expected and, in my case, still a little discolored. The incision itself is about 2.5 inches (as mentioned previously I had a big hernia) and quite thin. No stitches, strips or attachments of any kind, very clean. The area isn't exactly pretty, but looks well on the way to getting back to normal.


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Gordon

12.1.219.177 Bandage Removal June 7 2010, 7:36 AM


Ha! I'm actually considering ripping it off early so I can see what's under there! That's the kind of thinking that always gets me in trouble.... I'm going to follow Dr.'s orders and leave it on for anther 5, I guess.

Glad you had no problems with yours coming off. I'm surprised how mine is still holding after 5 days with showers every morning. They've really got a slick, well developed system and process, including bandaging.

Gordon


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RFE

98.94.27.120 Re: Bandage Removal June 7 2010, 10:10 PM


OK, I'm going to start cutting back on the postings just because things are really returning to normal. My "normal" life isn't really post worthy!

Anyway, bandage was off yesterday. Today the incision and healing ridge look much better due to being exposed to fresh air. Depending on what I'm wearing I can feel my underwear rubbing against the ridge and newly emerging hairs, but it's not bad at all. I find that wearing a specific style of briefs (underwear) minimizes the rubbing. Otherwise I am pretty much back to normal.

I'll probably cut back to posting maybe once a week unless there is a noteworthy change of some sort. I have enjoyed documenting my experience and I sincerely hope that it is useful and provides some level of comfort to those facing this surgery and specifically those fortunate enough to visit NPHI for their procedure. Actually the experience was fun in a strange sort of way and I am full of gratitude for everyone that took care of me and made the great outcome possible!


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RFE

98.94.27.120 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 8 2010, 11:59 PM


Well there does appear to be some change. The "healing ridge" seems to already be subsiding a bit and the residual redness around the incision has faded substantially. I've run 10 miles this week and I'm thinking the increased circulation in the area is assisting in removal of excess fluid in the area therefore reducing swelling and simultaneously returning normal skin tone. Whatever is going on it is healing really well. The running is going great, without any awareness of the surgery at all. Cautiously increasing my mileage and pace with a goal of getting back to a reasonable 10k run in about 8 or so weeks. It is a very gradual progression and I will back off immediately upon any indication of trouble with the surgery site or elsewhere. Every other aspect of the repair is solid and pain-free also. Stirred up a dust in the lawn shed and let out a big sneeze today and didn't feel a thing in what was previously the hernia!


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Gordon

12.1.219.177 Good Report! June 9 2010, 8:04 AM


Running 10K's? Yikes! That's great, RFE. Way beyond my meager and feeble attempts at running. 5K's are more than enough for me. Ughhh....

Good report! Staying active does seem to be the key. I really don't think you can hurt the repair as it's a physical barrier - not a healing process - that protects the hernia opening. Of course, the incision site needs to heal, but since there is no pressure from the hernia, activity only needs to be limited by your own comfort level.

Glad to hear you're feeling no pain and all is resolving well for you!!

Gordon


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RFE

98.94.21.227 Re: Good Report! June 9 2010, 11:06 PM


As I ran through my third mile this warm South Carolina evening it began to rain. I have not had the pleasure of running without the pain and discomfort of the hernia for almost 3 years. I was overcome with a feeling of gratitude for Dr. Goodyear and the people at NPHI that healed me and made this painless and pleasureable run possible. I pressed on through the rain and it felt awesome!! God bless people who practice their profession with compassion and superb skill.

2 weeks and 1 day since my surgery.


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Anonymous

24.145.8.162 Re: Good Report! June 10 2010, 9:07 AM


Dr. Goodyear uses a variety of meshes for his repairs, according to his website. Could you share with us specifically which mesh he used on you?


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RFE

70.202.218.19 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 10 2010, 1:02 PM


UltraPro mesh was used.


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Anonymous

24.145.8.162 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 10 2010, 2:37 PM


A single sheet of Ultrapro or the 3-piece Ultrapro system?


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RFE

70.202.211.112 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 10 2010, 3:12 PM


Per the NPHI surgical report "...a large UltraPro Hernia System was used..." As for the exact dimensions I would have to call for that info and I really don't want to bug them too much. Later I might order a copy of the report through my family doc just to have it. In my earlier posts in this thread I describe the dimensions of my hernia so one would have to assume something about 3"-4", but that's just a guess. Anyway, I feel absolutely great and there is no sensation of mesh or anything "in me."


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RFE

98.94.19.99 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 13 2010, 9:20 PM


Everything is progressing as expected. No pain, pinching or strange sensations. The repair area is normal skin tone now, flexible and totally normal feeling. The "healing ridge" actually appears to already be shrinking and is certainly not an issue in any activity I have done to date. The third week consisted of normal work, rowing, cycling, wieght training (I am puny), running a total of 18 miles. Today I did a 10 mile hike with 2400 foot climb to one of my favorite places in the world. Hernia? What hernia? Dr. Goodyear made it go away! Here is where I was a few hours ago:

RFE

98.94.19.242 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 19 2010, 11:10 PM


Healing ridge is continuing to shrink and is without any abnormal sensations. Aside from the healing ridge I have noticed that the right testicle (I had right inguinal hernia) is higher than the left. I'm thinking this is partially due to the temporary dislocation of various structures due to the healing ridge distention. Doc? Useless trivia: Pubic hair appears to grow at about 1/2 inch per month...or at least it does on a pasty white guy like me.

Physical activities, including the intimate stuff, are essentially unlimited. This is a wonderful change as over the last 2-3 years I've had to adapt everything to accomodate the hernia and associated discomfort. Today trimmed hedges, mowed the lawn, house chores, full upper body weight training (sadly I'm still a whimp), 20 minutes rowing, brisk 4 mile run. All this without any awareness of the hernia repair.


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Dr. Goodyear

68.39.229.152 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 20 2010, 10:42 AM


The elevation and asymmetry of the area is temporary, and occurs as the result of some ongoing 'inflammation of healing', a normal and in fact necessary process which also contributes to the healing ridge. In large and complex hernias, this process may take a bit longer to resolve; but resolve it will. The repair at this point is strong and resilient, and resumption of activity as desired/tolerated is the general rule.

Be Well.


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RFE

98.94.26.119 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI June 25 2010, 9:00 AM


Today is one month from my surgery by Dr. Goodyear. The outcome has been excellent. There are no lingering effects from the surgery and certainly no awareness of mesh that so many people warn of and worry about. I am very pleased with my decision to travel 700 miles to NPHI and have Dr. Goodyear do my surgery.


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RFE

98.94.17.10 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI July 1 2010, 10:14 AM


Week 5 sees more fading of the healing ridge and absolutely no sensation of hernia or the surgery. The scar is a straight, thin line which I am confident will fade nicely with time. It is now occuring to me how incredibly uncomfortable I was dragging around that hernia and how it interfered with almost every physical activity. I can remember getting out of the car and walking slow or limping for the first few feet to "get things moving." Whenever I sneezed or coughed it was always with a bit of anxiety and sometimes with a discomfort. I was very literally crippling myself with fear of surgery!!Yet, all during that time I told myself that I was fine and could adapt! It is soooo freaking good to move about without limitations and without having to worry about doing "something wrong" to exacerbate the hernia or cause myself pain. I have my life (such as it is) back! Any reasonable questions are welcome. Good luck everyone!

PS I am real and have a witness that traveled with me to the surgery. Also I have graphic pictures or my genital area before surgery and at stages during the recovery process. I will not post the pictures, for obvious reasons, but you are welcome to come to South Carolina and I'll drop my shorts for you to see my scar! Still, like the moon landing, there is no way I will convince some people that I actually had surgery at NPHI or that my accounting of the experience is truthful. That said please feel free to ignore my postings and/or assume that this is all a story. Oh, and yes it is a lot of postings, but I enjoy writing and have made an effort to limit my comments to one or two threads.


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Anonymous

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI July 1 2010, 12:14 PM


As I stated before...keep the posts coming. Don't be deterred by one or two "unbelievers".


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Dr. Goodyear

76.74.114.162 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI July 2 2010, 12:57 PM


Thank you again so very much


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RFE

98.94.18.66 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI July 7 2010, 8:01 AM


Week six and everything is fantastic! No problems at all and scar/ridge fading. So nice to work, play, and socialize (oh and sneezing without drama!) without having to worry about holding in or accommodating a stupid hernia. Routine activities since May 25th surgery include, running, weight training, rowing, swimming, biking without any "mesh issues" at all. Had a blast over July 4th weekend and I hope everyone else did too!


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RFE

98.94.26.87 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI July 8 2010, 10:17 PM


Finishing up week six and all is well. I think I'll cut back with the postings unless something changes. This site has pretty much become a one man show anyway and with a very ominous tone. For some odd reason I'm starting to feel kinda bad about my experience, not in a physical way, but reading the posts here has added a darkness to my perception. I think I'll avoid reading the message boards for awhile. There really is no point now since my surgery is already done. Thinking my hernia diary doesn't really serve much statistical or scientific purpose in light of the serious discussions taking place. Looking back at my posts some actually seem a bit silly. I'll be sure to post if something does change. Good luck everyone, whatever path you choose.


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Anonymous

192.33.240.30 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI July 9 2010, 8:58 AM


Good luck to you too! I have been following your progress so I know at least some of what to expect when I finally have to do something. Yes, it's not scientific, but still useful as an overview of the process. Certainly post something if problems do occur as that would be very important. Thanks for taking the time to record your experience and I hope it continues to go well for you. Oh, and nice pics!


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bobby

75.97.206.135 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI July 9 2010, 9:17 AM


RFE...don't be turned off by this negative stuff going on. Your posts are even MORE important now so we can see if time changes anything for you. I'm sure there are many like I (and Dr. Goodyear) who found there was nothing silly at all about any of your posts.


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RFE

98.94.18.95 Re: My Inguinal Hernia Experience at NPHI July 28 2010, 9:50 AM


Just passed the 2 month mark. All is fine. Scar is now a thin line, no pain. A lot of not so happy family things going on so haven't been thinking about the hernia stuff too much. Per my original plan I'm just updating the account of my experience so please don't attack. It's just one account, a story, and not scientific or representative of anything. I don't have an opinion to offer on the current debate here. In my case the hernia was just too uncomfortable and interfering with almost every physical activity. I'm just a regular middle class schmuck, not a researcher or debater. Getting treatment at NPHI just seemed like the best approach for me to reduce the discomfort and regain various physical abilities. Right now, at this point, I do feel good and don't have any limitations due to the hernia or surgery. I accept that there could still be problems and no procedure is without risk. I'll update again in about a month or if something changes.


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Hi RFE,

I have followed all of your posts since your surgery and must say that I really enjoyed them. Your story was detailed and well explained and I would recommend anyone contemplating hernia surgery to read it (especially is they are considering North Penn Hernia Institute). Glad to hear that you are doing well! Keep up the accolades for Dr. Goodyear and North Penn Hernia Institute.