Hernia after c-section. :(

[nicolewi]

I have a pretty large, painless bulge on my right side just above my c-section scar. It has become more obvious as I've slowly lost baby weight. Today I got it checked and it is a hernia (we figured but I was hoping maybe not). Anyone else have this happen? The repair surgery scares me b/c you actually are put under, and then you can't lift anything for six weeks!!! I am hoping to make it a year or two before I have to do the repair, b/c it would be extremely difficult not to lift my one-year old. I can hold off as long as I don't start having pain or other complications.

My doctor says I can wait until it becomes an issue, or until it's a better time, but I do have to have it repaired someday. I am hoping to wait at least a year.

[Deleted]

Don't beat yourself up, you did what you thought was best, and who knows how any birth would have turned out if we did things differently?

My SIL had all three of her kids by C-section and had a hernia after the last one. The surgery went smoothly for her and wasn't a terrible recovery, from what she talked about. I think her baby was mobile by that point though, so she didn't have to carry him around, and her other two kids are older, so she didn't have toddlers to run after either.

Sorry you're facing this decision, it sounds like a tough call! Did your doctor say it was okay to wait, as long as you feel ok?

[junebugmom01]

I have had two hernia repair surgeries. My first hernia was an umbilical and the next was due to the first surgery. I do believe my first surgeon sucked and did a terrible job. I had a hernia within 7 months of having the surgery the first time. It's been a year since my second surgery and no problems yet. I had to get mine repaired (it was insanely bulging and I also believe it was giving me issues).

Yes, could not lift for 6+ weeks. That was tough but got through it. The recovery for both was pretty rough. I was in a ton of pain (the second surgery there was other complications and ended up staying in the hospital for 5 days). It sounds like your hernia is in a different area though..so I don't know if that makes a difference as far as surgery/pain.

Wish you the most of luck with whatever you choose to do!

[Deleted]

Ah good luck to you! I have an umbilical hernia which my ob says she can repair during a repeat c section. She recommends I wait until I'm sure I'm don't having kids since another pregnancy would prob pop it or a new one out Try not to think what if, probably just pregnancy made you prone to it, but either way, I would see if your dr thinks you're ok to wait of its not a good time to be down for the count!

[dizzycooks]

No experience. I'm so sorry you're dealing with that though, it sounds like a pain

[trizzie]

I have an umbilical hernia that I am putting off repairing for the same reasons (down to the one year old). They were going to repair it during my c/section but the surgeon said he was going to put me all the way under and I said no. It isn't bothering me as much, so I am putting it off as long as I can.

[nicolewi]

Yeah, I ALSO actually have an umbilical hernia, but that one is very small and I may have just been able to live with it. I've had it since my first pregnancy (DD1 born in Jan 2009). They will repair both at the same time.