how long can one go without surgery?

[Charles]

How long can someone live with a hernia? There has been no research done on this because surgery became so routine. I believe that once the "surgery cycle" begins, it often never ends. Study after study now reports roughly 1/3 end up with chronic, pain, often severe and debilitating.

It's actually amazing, and deeply disturbing, that this is considered "acceptable". The operation is a "success" -- however the patient lives with unbearable pain for the rest of his/her life, and cannot function. Great....

It really does appear Watchful Waiting is gaining credibility thanks to the very high rate of chronic pain and other complications (mainly due to mesh). The statistics are really alarming.

See this site: http://www.bmj.com/cgi/eletters/336/7638/269#190862

I currently know 4 guys who are avoiding surgery, two of whom are doctors (!). One of them initially had bilateral, had one repaired 12 years ago....but has not repaired the other one (?!).

My question is, what do you do if painless, asymptomatic hernia(s) suddenly start causing problems? How do you avoid surgery?

What if you can't get to the Shouldice Hernia Clinic in Toronto? I'm in Brighton, UK. No way could I get there.

I live in constant fear of "something happening" and I find I'm gearing my life around the hernia(s).....mine are bilateral. I've had them for a year, at least that's when they were diagnosed. They may have been there for quite a while before that.

As I told the surgeon (the one who suggested watchful waiting) I don't want surgery, but I don't want this thing to run my life....& that's what's happening. Mentally I'm having a real problem with it. I suffer from very severe depression as it is, and this has added immeasurably to the problem.

Any advice on this? Very interested to hear your views, and everyone else's, as to "how" they live with it..... (????)

I currently know 3 guys who are avoiding surgery, two of whom are doctors (!?). One of them initially had bilateral, had one repaired 12 years ago....but has not repaired the other one (?!).

[Charles]

PS -- I know 3 other guys living with it. The 4th guy is me. Sorry.

Finding this website a bit difficult to use. Anyone out there want to chat, please email me: cwdf38@btinternet.com

[eddyg123]

I've had a reasonable sized hernia for about four years left untreated haven't worn a truss but will be trying the flat pad support and have not had any pain or problems don't know how long this will go on for though. I did have acupuncture when i first had the bulge and it definateley helped maybe that is why it' been good?

[brianuk46]

Hi, Charles, Have a read of my recent experience with an Hernia operation. It may just help you decide...........
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Mature retired gay guy in Cornwall with many interests.

[tonks001]

Hi, thanks for sharing much info on this. My uncle is going to have his surgery and its best we know and prepare him for it.
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