At 09:58 PM 9/21/98 , Ivan Suzman wrote:
> I may be scheduled for inguinal hernia surgery in October.. A 1982,
>right-sided hernia surgical repair has partially failed, and has to be
>done again. A robin's-egg -sized protrusion sometimes forms.. It can be
>reduced manually if I lie on my back and slowly manipulate it over the
>pubic bone.
>
> The laporoscopic method requires anaesthesia It leaves a tiny pair of
>scars, and heals within a week.. The external approach (traditional
>method), I am told, takes two weeks or so to heal. I'm trying to figure
>out what will be less stressful for me.
>
> I wonder if anyone on the list has had experience and could comment.
>There is moderate discomfort.
>
Ivan, I had inguinal hernia surgery last October. I was given no choice,
so I guess I had the traditional method. I live alone and am 14 years your
senior. May I share these observations:
1.) Traditional surgery requires anaesthesia - (not the Russian princess)
- I was "out" for over an hour.
2.) I had a thorough discussion of my Parkinson's problems with both
surgeon and anesthesiologist the day before the surgery . As result, I
was given a "bracelet" that read "Allergic to Demerol."
3.) It was considered "day surgery" - not over 23 hours in the hospital.
I was not ready to be released that night, but when 23 hours came around, I
could get up and walk. The only reason that I did not leave just then was
that the paperwork had not been processed.
4.) On the way home from the hospital, we had to stop at the pharmacy to
get pain pills. Coulda, shoulda been done the day before.
5.) Friends were thoughtful enough to bring in food for the first several
days, and I had the gallon containers of milk and orange juice downloaded
into smaller bottles. But from then, I needed no outside help.
The laporoscopic method sounds less invasive. Aside from the fact that
less invasive sounds better, and the faster recovery sounds better, I know
nothing pro or con about it that would allow me to recommend it. Dr.
Heitman asks, "will it work?" Otherwise it certainly sounds better from
the little I know.
Good luck!
Art
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Arthur Hirsch {} [log in to unmask] {} Lewisville, TX {} 972-434-2377
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Always Remember This: Happiness Is Right, So Choose Happiness
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