I have a searing pain six weeks after open surgery inguinal hernia

May 11, 2015 9:54 AM

I had a hernia in the left of my groin, which was operated on about six weeks ago. It was open surgery, where a 2-3 inch cut was made and then a mesh piece inserted. It was getting better until the last 2 days when bending over is now excruciatingly painful (feels like someone is stabbing a knife into my groin) and I don't know what it is. Does anyone know what it could be or have had a similar experience?

(Sorry, the explanation is rather long, but I wanted to include all of the details.)

Hi, I had a hernia in the left of my groin, which was operated on about six weeks ago. It was open surgery, where a 2-3 inch cut was made and then a mesh piece inserted.

The pain was horrible in the first 1-2 weeks post surgery, but after that it gradually got better. After about 3 weeks, the wound had healed, but got a bit a bit infected/red around it, which cleared up after putting on antiseptic cream on it 3 times a day for a few days. After 4 weeks I noticed that I had a swollen vein at the base of my penis (don't know if that's related, but I thought I should mention it).

For the last two weeks the pain was almost gone and it feels like my muscles have healed nicely internally. I walked about 2-3 miles (the longest I have yet) 2 days ago and it felt fine, apart from the last 50 yards oddly enough, when it started to really hurt. And now for yesterday and today I feel fine most of the time, but when I bend over, for example, to tie my shoelaces this morning (I could do that with ease until yesterday), I get this excruciating pain that makes me yelp in pain.

The only thing I can think of personally is that I felt like at least 2 nerves had been cut/damaged from the operation (one at the base of the wound and the other near the top) as I can feel the pain spreading out down my leg and up to my rib cage, but the main pain comes directly from where the wound (now scar) is. I did go to the doctors (3 days ago) about the swollen vein mentioned above and asked him to look at my groin whilst I was there, but he said it was fine.

Does anyone know what it could be or have had a similar experience?

posted by sockpim to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Two days is too long to wait - get to your doctor! You have a new symptom since you last saw him. If you are in the US and have health insurance, your surgery fee includes 90 days of global coverage, which means your doctor will see you without any additional cost.

Call your doctor. He or she will likely fit you in sometime today.
posted by amaire at 9:59 AM on May 11, 2015 [10 favorites]

I don't know what specifically could be causing that, but you should go to the doctor again and mention this new pain.
posted by Juffo-Wup at 10:00 AM on May 11, 2015 [1 favorite]

In my experience, doctors take post-surgery pain very seriously. Call your surgeon's office.
posted by something something at 10:01 AM on May 11, 2015 [6 favorites]

CALL THE DOCTOR NOW.

However, six weeks post-op is just around the right time for internal stitches to begin sticking to each other and that can really hurt.
posted by kinetic at 10:50 AM on May 11, 2015 [1 favorite]

Nthing the advice to see your surgeon ASAP, and also adding that you should stop exercising until you get the all clear from him/her.
posted by tatiana wishbone at 3:18 PM on May 11, 2015

Mesh implants are notorious for trouble, some of which is very serious, some not.

Absolutely don't fool around here - GO to the doctor's office or Urgent Care or the ER - don't just call or talk with the PA or nurse. This needs immediate attention.
posted by aryma at 10:17 PM on May 11, 2015 [1 favorite]