Joe has a possible stomach hernia

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Nancy

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 9, 2001
Messages
9,896
Location
upstate New York
Joe has a possible stomach hernia, right near his diaphragm. His breathing is sometimes compromised by it, we think and it causes him some pain. Bending over is especially difficult. I guess this can happen from multiple surgeries. Anyone else had this?

He goes to see the surgeon on Thursday to check it out.
 
OMG Nancy. He just goes from one problem, to the next. Please give him our best wishes. And, please let us know how you make out!

Marybeth
 
Hi Nancy

I never had a "Stomach Hernia" but I do have a incisional hernia by my diaphragm. It does create problems when bending over and is kind of ouchy if pushed upon.

The part that I don't like, at least in my case, is that it was repaired and it came right back. The Doctor told me that it most likely would and that he really didn't want to fix it. Isn't that special? Here I sit with the big ol lump sticking out just slightly above my stomach. Sort of between the stomach and diaphragm.
 
Hi Nancy

So sorry to hear about Joe's hernia. I was told earlier in life I was hernia prone, so far no problems.

I hope for the best for you and Joe on Thursday.

Chris
 
hi nancy!
i'm so sorry to hear about your joe's hernia. please let us know what the surgeon says on thursday. hope all goes well and that it is just a small obstacle. God bless and be well, sylvia
 
Hi Ross-

Sounds like the same exact thing. I'll let the surgeon put the medical words to the condition, and let you know. Joe wants to have it fixed, I hope it's a possibility.

Thanks for the info.
 
Nancy, I'd certainly be interested in what the surgeon has to tell him about fixing it. I know when I had mine repaired, it hurt much less then the inguinal hernias that I've had repaired. Mine seemed to be fine for quite a while after repair, but one day, a cough caught me off guard and now my "Alien" is back, big as ever. :(
 
Nancy said:
That's funny Ross, just a few minutes ago, Joe referred to it as the "Alien"
Click to expand...
Hehe, well anyone that's seen the movie and has one of these, can certainly relate it to that. I'm going to get worried when I see it actually moving like one! :p
 
Joe had his appt. regarding his "Alien" diaphragm and some lung pain which might be related to scar tissue from the multiple surgeries.

He's scheduled for a CAT scan on Saturday, then they can put a diagnosis on the problem. It looks like it might be a weakness in the abdominal muscles, but also might be an incisional hernia.

He's got an appt. w. a general surgeon in a couple of weeks if a repair is in his future.
 
Thanks Nancy
I was going to ask if I didn't hear anything.
They may fix it, but I'm really wanting to know what that surgeon says about th repair. I've had 3 different ones now, tell me that "Yes, we can, but it's likely to return".
 
Nancy:

So glad to see your post! Joe certainly has a "long list" doesn't he? I didn't realize he was having "lung pain" as well. Does this mean he has discomfort when breathing? You folks were smart to get the surgeon appt, ven before the CAT scan.

Please keep us updated! (And keep the dog away from the frog pond.) Give Joe our best wishes for Saturday!

Marybeth
 
If it's a hernia, the cardiac surgeon (today's appt.) feels it should be repaired. He recommended the general surgeon for the repair, had us make a CAT scan appt. and had Joe set up a surgical appt. just in case. He said that they cover it with something like Goretex, but a newer material which I cannot remember the name of, so it doesn't open up.

His main concern was to avoid any bowel tissue from getting into a strangulation situation in the hernia opening if there is one.

So we'll see what the CAT scan shows and what the general surgeon has to say on the 21st.

Joe's lung pain is more like spasms and some pain on breathing. He's had a lot of lung work done also several thoracotomies, a thoracentesis, a decortication plus the last valve surgery was through the lung, adding to the scar tissue. So the CAT scan is just to be sure there isn't anything else going on. If it's just scar tissue, I'm not sure anything can be done and it might be a LWI situation. But I'm not sure.
 
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Nancy:

Thanks for the info regarding the lung situation. It is always so scary though, with these guys. They just aren't the "normal" situation for these doctors. Sounds like your doctor was right on the ball, though. The nice thing, is these guys do get extra special attention!!!! Keeps em on their toes!!

Keep the faith, Nancy. I am sure you will see him through this one with the same competance as in the past. I think maybe Joe was just missing the hospital food..what do you think?

Marybeth
 
Well you know I pray for the best possible outcome.

I know I have some lung pains and I know mine is from the darn scar tissue. When mine acts up though, it could also be the start of Alveolar bleeding, so I have to watch it carefully. If I spike a fever, I know I'm in trouble.

Keep us updated and tell Joe not to feed the "Alien" after midnight. :D
 
Well, if he does have to have surgery, at least he isn't going into it half dead like the last two or three surgeries. He'll be his impish self, buzzing the nurses, etc.

After heart surgery, I'm not going to get too worked up about it. I guess they can do it with a scope, so that would be good.
 
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Dear Nancy:
You are right on. He certainly sounds like he is in better shape for this one, if it is necessary.

We will all be looking forward to seeing future memo's, post CAT scan tomorrow. We all wish both of you the best.

Marybeth
 
Darn it...

Darn it...

In my humble opinion, life needs to cut Joe quite alot of slack now!!

Good luck on tests and doctor visits! Hope surgery will show to be uncalled for! And if a necessity I hope the experience will be an easier one than previously!

Take care,

/Jessica
 
No one we know at home has been through so many procedures, that's what makes this site so great. There are people here who've been through this much and more, plus so many, many caring and understanding folks.

It's a terrific source of support. Thanks :) :)
 
Hi Nancy,

I wanted to add my thoughts and concerns for Joe and for you as you deal with this new problem. I hope and pray that this will work out with minimal disruption for the two of you.

From all I've read, I think that Joe is a pretty tough guy who has lots of support at home and from the members of VR.com. He'll handle this too.

We're all with you. Keep us posted about how things are going, although it sounds like you may not know anything definite until the 21st

Ron K
 
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