Re: Umbilical Hernia after colectomy

[Guest guest]

I have not had a colectomy but I have developed a hernia that somewhat resembles a doorknob that I could hang things off of. My hep doc told me the same thing about repairing it. They were concerned about it returning if I were to have it fixed now and wanted me to wait for transplant. I do wear a belt to protect it but understand the discomfort. Hang in there! Serbrina UC '01/PSC '04Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: "Karyn" Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:20:42 -0000To: < >Subject: Umbilical Hernia after colectomy After having a Colectomy done laparoscopically, I developed an umbilical hernia. Has anyone else had this problem and were they able to have it fixed without causing more liver problems or Ascites? My hep. Dr. does not want me to have it fixed, she says I could develop Ascites after. She also doesn't think I should go under a General anymore. I was wondering if maybe I could do it with a local? She believes I am approx. 2 years to transplant. I do not want to have this very uncomfortable Hernia sticking out all of that time. She would like me to wear a hernia belt or some sort of compression, but everything I have tried makes me itch like crazy. Anyone have this same problem and if so what were the Doctors reactions to having it fixed?

[Guest guest]

I have not had a colectomy but I have developed a hernia that somewhat resembles a doorknob that I could hang things off of. My hep doc told me the same thing about repairing it. They were concerned about it returning if I were to have it fixed now and wanted me to wait for transplant. I do wear a belt to protect it but understand the discomfort. Hang in there! Serbrina UC '01/PSC '04Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: "Karyn" Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:20:42 -0000To: < >Subject: Umbilical Hernia after colectomy After having a Colectomy done laparoscopically, I developed an umbilical hernia. Has anyone else had this problem and were they able to have it fixed without causing more liver problems or Ascites? My hep. Dr. does not want me to have it fixed, she says I could develop Ascites after. She also doesn't think I should go under a General anymore. I was wondering if maybe I could do it with a local? She believes I am approx. 2 years to transplant. I do not want to have this very uncomfortable Hernia sticking out all of that time. She would like me to wear a hernia belt or some sort of compression, but everything I have tried makes me itch like crazy. Anyone have this same problem and if so what were the Doctors reactions to having it fixed?

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your reply Serbrina

Did you already have Ascites? Is that why you had the hernia in the first

place?

I'm a fairly small person and this hernia sticks out like crazy. It's hard even

finding something to wear that doesn't look silly on me. Thank goodness a lot

of the fashionable tops right now are loose and flowing almost like a maternity

top.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your reply Serbrina

Did you already have Ascites? Is that why you had the hernia in the first

place?

I'm a fairly small person and this hernia sticks out like crazy. It's hard even

finding something to wear that doesn't look silly on me. Thank goodness a lot

of the fashionable tops right now are loose and flowing almost like a maternity

top.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your reply Serbrina

Did you already have Ascites? Is that why you had the hernia in the first

place?

I'm a fairly small person and this hernia sticks out like crazy. It's hard even

finding something to wear that doesn't look silly on me. Thank goodness a lot

of the fashionable tops right now are loose and flowing almost like a maternity

top.

[Guest guest]

I started with ascites and then gradually the hernia became worse and worse. I too am very tiny and so its been very embarrassing having people ask " When are you due?" Especially when I wear the belt. I've had a tough time finding clothes to hide it and make me feel comfortable. I was told that if I began to have problems with it, then they could do the surgery to remove it but they'd rather not before transplant and I'm beginning to wonder when my turn for transplant will be. Take care!SerbrinaSent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: "Karyn" Date: Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:17:06 -0000To: < >Subject: Re: Umbilical Hernia after colectomy Thanks for your reply Serbrina Did you already have Ascites? Is that why you had the hernia in the first place? I'm a fairly small person and this hernia sticks out like crazy. It's hard even finding something to wear that doesn't look silly on me. Thank goodness a lot of the fashionable tops right now are loose and flowing almost like a maternity top.

[Guest guest]

> Did you already have Ascites? Is that why you had the hernia in the first

place?

>

I had ascites after my transplant due to a blocked hepatic vein and that caused

me to have an umbilical hernia. My Drs waited until they cleared the blockage

and the ascites went away and then repaired my hernia. I was so glad that they

did so because I hated that it could be seen under my clothing and was painful

at times. I also had an incision hernia, one that was directly on my transplant

incision. They repaired both at the same time. I will say that unfortunately,

my blockage returned two months later and the ascites returned even worse and we

were so worried it would cause the hernias to return, but thank God they did not

and now I have a stint to keep the blockage from happening and no ascites and no

hernias!!

Tammy

PSC 01, TXP 05/06, UC 08, rPSC 08

" Organ donation works.....I'm living proof. "

[Guest guest]

> Did you already have Ascites? Is that why you had the hernia in the first

place?

>

I had ascites after my transplant due to a blocked hepatic vein and that caused

me to have an umbilical hernia. My Drs waited until they cleared the blockage

and the ascites went away and then repaired my hernia. I was so glad that they

did so because I hated that it could be seen under my clothing and was painful

at times. I also had an incision hernia, one that was directly on my transplant

incision. They repaired both at the same time. I will say that unfortunately,

my blockage returned two months later and the ascites returned even worse and we

were so worried it would cause the hernias to return, but thank God they did not

and now I have a stint to keep the blockage from happening and no ascites and no

hernias!!

Tammy

PSC 01, TXP 05/06, UC 08, rPSC 08

" Organ donation works.....I'm living proof. "

[Guest guest]

> Did you already have Ascites? Is that why you had the hernia in the first

place?

>

I had ascites after my transplant due to a blocked hepatic vein and that caused

me to have an umbilical hernia. My Drs waited until they cleared the blockage

and the ascites went away and then repaired my hernia. I was so glad that they

did so because I hated that it could be seen under my clothing and was painful

at times. I also had an incision hernia, one that was directly on my transplant

incision. They repaired both at the same time. I will say that unfortunately,

my blockage returned two months later and the ascites returned even worse and we

were so worried it would cause the hernias to return, but thank God they did not

and now I have a stint to keep the blockage from happening and no ascites and no

hernias!!

Tammy

PSC 01, TXP 05/06, UC 08, rPSC 08

" Organ donation works.....I'm living proof. "

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Sounds like you've had a tough time of it all. I'm glad things have settled

down for you.

I don't have Ascites yet and am not sure how hard to push my Doctor to have this

hernia fixed. I'm having a hard time mentally thinking of how I will deal with

this for another two years, with it probably getting bigger and bigger.

It just seems to be one thing after another with this disease. Aside from the

itchyness, the sleeplessness, the pain, the lack of energy.... now for me and

I'm sure a lot of others it's constant pressure with this hernia. I'm also

going through menopause (lucky me) and this of course creates constant heat,

which in turn makes the itching so much worse.

I've never been one to feel depressed, but I'll be honest and admit this is

getting to me big time these days. Oh to be able to have a glass of RED WINE...

ah well...

Sorry for complaining... I know so many are at a much worse stage than I am and

I feel for each and everyone of you.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Sounds like you've had a tough time of it all. I'm glad things have settled

down for you.

I don't have Ascites yet and am not sure how hard to push my Doctor to have this

hernia fixed. I'm having a hard time mentally thinking of how I will deal with

this for another two years, with it probably getting bigger and bigger.

It just seems to be one thing after another with this disease. Aside from the

itchyness, the sleeplessness, the pain, the lack of energy.... now for me and

I'm sure a lot of others it's constant pressure with this hernia. I'm also

going through menopause (lucky me) and this of course creates constant heat,

which in turn makes the itching so much worse.

I've never been one to feel depressed, but I'll be honest and admit this is

getting to me big time these days. Oh to be able to have a glass of RED WINE...

ah well...

Sorry for complaining... I know so many are at a much worse stage than I am and

I feel for each and everyone of you.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Sounds like you've had a tough time of it all. I'm glad things have settled

down for you.

I don't have Ascites yet and am not sure how hard to push my Doctor to have this

hernia fixed. I'm having a hard time mentally thinking of how I will deal with

this for another two years, with it probably getting bigger and bigger.

It just seems to be one thing after another with this disease. Aside from the

itchyness, the sleeplessness, the pain, the lack of energy.... now for me and

I'm sure a lot of others it's constant pressure with this hernia. I'm also

going through menopause (lucky me) and this of course creates constant heat,

which in turn makes the itching so much worse.

I've never been one to feel depressed, but I'll be honest and admit this is

getting to me big time these days. Oh to be able to have a glass of RED WINE...

ah well...

Sorry for complaining... I know so many are at a much worse stage than I am and

I feel for each and everyone of you.

Karyn

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Our group of friends goes to Mexico for a week each February. I actually bought

a really cute maternity tankini bathing suit to wear there this year. My

husband said I was the cutest 54 year old pregnant woman on the whole beach.

Anytime I looked in the mirror and got upset... he said I looked wonderful and

besides who cares what anyone else thinks, you are beautiful to me. It is tough

though when you are tiny, it's harder to hide things like that.

I'm glad you've been able to wear the belt. I just can't do it. Within 5

minutes I am so itchy I'm screaming. I'm still trying hard to find a solution

that will compress the hernia without making me hot and itchy.

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Our group of friends goes to Mexico for a week each February. I actually bought

a really cute maternity tankini bathing suit to wear there this year. My

husband said I was the cutest 54 year old pregnant woman on the whole beach.

Anytime I looked in the mirror and got upset... he said I looked wonderful and

besides who cares what anyone else thinks, you are beautiful to me. It is tough

though when you are tiny, it's harder to hide things like that.

I'm glad you've been able to wear the belt. I just can't do it. Within 5

minutes I am so itchy I'm screaming. I'm still trying hard to find a solution

that will compress the hernia without making me hot and itchy.

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Our group of friends goes to Mexico for a week each February. I actually bought

a really cute maternity tankini bathing suit to wear there this year. My

husband said I was the cutest 54 year old pregnant woman on the whole beach.

Anytime I looked in the mirror and got upset... he said I looked wonderful and

besides who cares what anyone else thinks, you are beautiful to me. It is tough

though when you are tiny, it's harder to hide things like that.

I'm glad you've been able to wear the belt. I just can't do it. Within 5

minutes I am so itchy I'm screaming. I'm still trying hard to find a solution

that will compress the hernia without making me hot and itchy.

[Guest guest]

> Sorry for complaining... I know so many are at a much worse stage than I am

and I feel for each and everyone of you.

>

> Karyn

Karyn,

Trust me I understand how you are feeling!! Have you been listed yet? It does

get very discouraging having to deal with all the stuff PSC has to offer us. My

first go round I only lived with the PSC for 5 years before transplant so I know

others have it many more years and have to deal with everything so much longer.

My last two years were the worse with the itching, ascites, mental issues,

fatique etc.... I too am small framed so I looked like the due any day pregnant

woman!! I got to the point when people asked me when was I due I would kindly

respond with, " I am hoping my new liver comes in any day so I can get rid of

this water baby. " It was my way of nicely educating people not to always think

people are expecting. I have gone through so many " water babies " pre and post

transplant, at least ten times with draining and then it returning.

I say all this to say, it is not " complaining " to express the trials of our

lives with PSC. PSC is truly a terrible disease, one that no one can ever

understand unless they have lived with it. It is good to express to see that

you are not in it alone and I WILL TELL YOU, after transplant it does get

BETTER. The FIRST thing gone is the itching and then soon after the energy

returns. You will still have some hiccups but life is so much better. My PSC

has returned but thank God the worse of symptoms have not returned yet.

Stay encouraged, and remember, " you are expecting a new liver any day. "

Sorry I went so long!

Tammy

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Thank you for your encouraging words. It's so true that no one else can really

understand what it's like unless you also have PSC. I'm a year and a half to

two years until transplant (that is what my Dr. thinks at this point). As much

as I'm very frightened at the thought of a transplant, some days I wish the time

would come faster. I

I'm so sorry your PSC has returned. Hopefully you are a long, long time before

the symptoms rear their ugly heads again.

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Thank you for your encouraging words. It's so true that no one else can really

understand what it's like unless you also have PSC. I'm a year and a half to

two years until transplant (that is what my Dr. thinks at this point). As much

as I'm very frightened at the thought of a transplant, some days I wish the time

would come faster. I

I'm so sorry your PSC has returned. Hopefully you are a long, long time before

the symptoms rear their ugly heads again.

[Guest guest]

Tammy,

Thank you for your encouraging words. It's so true that no one else can really

understand what it's like unless you also have PSC. I'm a year and a half to

two years until transplant (that is what my Dr. thinks at this point). As much

as I'm very frightened at the thought of a transplant, some days I wish the time

would come faster. I

I'm so sorry your PSC has returned. Hopefully you are a long, long time before

the symptoms rear their ugly heads again.

[Guest guest]

Karyn,

Please please please, never, never, never apologize for complaining. I can't

imagine how awful the hernia is for you. I totally understand about the hernia

truss thing. I can't even have underwear or bras on me because of the

itch/pressure problem. There is no way the dr knows if 2years is all you have to

wait. Personally, I would push really hard to have it fixed. I am very thin

right now also. I can't imagine having the pressure on my abdomen that the

hernia is causing. BTW, I had a hysterectomy at 48, but they left my ovaries in.

It was the best thing. I've had virtually no symptoms of menopause and no

additional estrogen. I hope you can find some relief soon. BTW, I'm 50 now will

be 51 in August. It seems the only relief we might get is what we can generate

from our own minds. I would love a little relief from my ill-health. Take care,

Cheryl ID PSC, UC '01

Re: Umbilical Hernia after colectomy

>

> Sorry for complaining... I know so many are at a much worse stage than I am

and I feel for each and everyone of you.

>

> Karyn

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

Thanks for your understanding words. Don't get me started on the whole " Bra "

thing. For the first time in my life, I'm so happy to not be well

endowed...lol. Also can't wait for the warmer weather (live in Toronto) just to

not have to wear socks and long pants will be a relief.

I'm 54 and started the menopause thing about a year and a half ago... oh what

extra fun that is. I'm generally a happy, upbeat person, but some days... I cry

at the drop of a hat... and it could be because I'm sad, or not feeling well and

even sometimes when I'm happy... a real emotional rollercoaster. Luckily my

husband is a great sport and just hugs me. I hope you manage to miss the whole

experience.

I've made up my mind to talk to my Dr. again about operating on the hernia...

she's a stubborn woman though and I know she just wants to do what's best. But

I think maybe what's best for some is not the best for all. There is only so

much one can deal with at any given time in their life.

Karyn UC '69, PSC '99

[Guest guest]

Cheryl,

Thanks for your understanding words. Don't get me started on the whole " Bra "

thing. For the first time in my life, I'm so happy to not be well

endowed...lol. Also can't wait for the warmer weather (live in Toronto) just to

not have to wear socks and long pants will be a relief.

I'm 54 and started the menopause thing about a year and a half ago... oh what

extra fun that is. I'm generally a happy, upbeat person, but some days... I cry

at the drop of a hat... and it could be because I'm sad, or not feeling well and

even sometimes when I'm happy... a real emotional rollercoaster. Luckily my

husband is a great sport and just hugs me. I hope you manage to miss the whole

experience.

I've made up my mind to talk to my Dr. again about operating on the hernia...

she's a stubborn woman though and I know she just wants to do what's best. But

I think maybe what's best for some is not the best for all. There is only so

much one can deal with at any given time in their life.

Karyn UC '69, PSC '99

[Guest guest]

Karyn,

I am currently dealing with a problem that seems to be directly behind and

surrounding my stoma. My colectomy was done laproscopicly (2005) and for the

past year or so, there is a pocket of fluid or a mass that has been seen on a

couple of CTs that I have had. My current hep wants me to go back to my surgeon

to have the fluid/mass released. I am not sure if it is ascites but the right

side of my abdomen is noticably larger and harder than the left side. I had

another lapro surgery done Dec. 2007 and the incision from that surgery actually

hurts due to its close proximity to the stoma and the surronding area. I have

to wear a bandage over it because that incision often hurts. I am now thinking

of writing a book called " Incisions 101: How Not to Wear a Bikini " . I hope

that you find relief soon.

Deb

GERD, UC 1993, cholecystectomy 2004, PSC 2005, colectomy 2005, CKD 2007,

SBO April 2008, one fat and happy golden retriever

[Guest guest]

Karyn,

I am currently dealing with a problem that seems to be directly behind and

surrounding my stoma. My colectomy was done laproscopicly (2005) and for the

past year or so, there is a pocket of fluid or a mass that has been seen on a

couple of CTs that I have had. My current hep wants me to go back to my surgeon

to have the fluid/mass released. I am not sure if it is ascites but the right

side of my abdomen is noticably larger and harder than the left side. I had

another lapro surgery done Dec. 2007 and the incision from that surgery actually

hurts due to its close proximity to the stoma and the surronding area. I have

to wear a bandage over it because that incision often hurts. I am now thinking

of writing a book called " Incisions 101: How Not to Wear a Bikini " . I hope

that you find relief soon.

Deb

GERD, UC 1993, cholecystectomy 2004, PSC 2005, colectomy 2005, CKD 2007,

SBO April 2008, one fat and happy golden retriever

[Guest guest]

KarynI'd have to agree with u on what a sight we all would be at the beach. At least we would all get a great laugh at our own expense. You are right about this group, its nice to know we are not alone in our struggles with this disease. I feel so lucky that I found the group.SerbrinaSent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: "Karyn" Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:11:12 -0000To: < >Subject: Re: Umbilical Hernia after colectomy Deb, I'm sorry you are having a difficult time as well. Let's hope the surgeon can find a way to help you out with this. The great thing about this support group is that it's a way to let us know we aren't alone with all of our weird little problems. How about a trip to the beach for all of us with protruding bellies and hernia etc. We would be quite the site.... but I think we could all laugh together. Karyn > > Karyn, > > I am currently dealing with a problem that seems to be directly behind and surrounding my stoma. My colectomy was done laproscopicly (2005) and for the past year or so, there is a pocket of fluid or a mass that has been seen on a couple of CTs that I have had. My current hep wants me to go back to my surgeon to have the fluid/mass released. I am not sure if it is ascites but the right side of my abdomen is noticably larger and harder than the left side. I had another lapro surgery done Dec. 2007 and the incision from that surgery actually hurts due to its close proximity to the stoma and the surronding area. I have to wear a bandage over it because that incision often hurts. I am now thinking of writing a book called " Incisions 101: How Not to Wear a Bikini " . I hope that you find relief soon. > > Deb > > GERD, UC 1993, cholecystectomy 2004, PSC 2005, colectomy 2005, CKD 2007, > SBO April 2008, one fat and happy golden retriever >