I am deeply saddened that your hernia repair failed. I am praying for you and for your acceptance of this misfortune. I watched all of your Inguinal hernia videos so many times before my surgery three weeks ago that I feel like I know you and that you are my friend. You need to know just how much valuable information I got from your videos and how much they kept me calm throughout my surgery. I watched your videos EVERY day for a week after my surgery! The failure of your hernia is about as unbelievable as the reason that I got mine from constipation from hydrocodone from dental implant surgery! I'm a very active 70 yr old woman who was in great shape before this surgery and I've been walking my feet off since I heard you talk about how you walked after your surgery. I appreciate everything you have done for me. Wishing you happiness and great health! 🙂

Doctor, thanks for this very enlightening discussion. As you know they call it "practicing medicine" for a good reason. I'm a research psychologist who worked in a medical office for years and recognize that even the best of surgeons aren't miracle workers. In fact, I had a radical prostatectomy where my surgeon allowed a resident to perform the procedure, which ended up very badly. Several years ago after they botched prostatectomy, I developed a hernia (after repeatedly punching myself in the gut, hoping to strengthen, my abdominal muscles -- Yeah, stupid). My hernia was never painful, however. I then spoke with the general surgeon who pointed out that only about 1% of these types of inguinal hernias strangulate each year. So he suggested that I might want to just live with the issue rather than undergoing surgery. I'm now 80 years old but in very good health. Tomorrow, I meet with another general surgeon, and thanks to your explanations, I'll have many questions. Hopefully, they'll be able to re-repair your hernia, and you'll be able to get back to full activities in the not-too-distant future. Thanks again for your candor and I'm sorry for your problems. Alan E. Diehl, Ph.D.

This turns my stomach in the way a horror movie would. It truly humbled me this random Friday afternoon about how delicate our flesh and bones are.

I had my hernia surgery 7 weeks ago it was an open repair with mesh. I was told to not lift anything for six weeks and not to ride my bicycle for three months to let it heal. I live in the uk so far I haven’t had a problem and feel great. Good luck and take it slow

Thankyou, at 79, I have to stop thinking and acting like I'm 55. Thankfully I will be able in a few weeks to get back to the Rail-Trail and do my 7 miles on my Lectric 2.0. I have been rode hard and put away wet due to my Get-er Done attitude, and now I will have to find that fine line before 'When You Rest You Rust".

Thanks for the update.

Thanks for sharing, Doctor. It is a nice thing to hear what others have experienced, either good or bad, and helps us all make choices. Wishing you no problems and all the best with your upcoming races.

Thanks for the level of details you are sharing with us. I have been living with mine for almost 9 months and trying to manage without surgery with some days better than others. I’m going to keep managing it until I no longer can. Hang in there Doc.

Just had mine yesterday. Right side, open surgery . I plan to take it easy, for ever, to prevent this from happening to me. Once repaired my surgeon told me it’s only 85% as strong an original. And if repaired again, even less. Good luck!

Sorry to hear this, but thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing this. You have a great channel. I appreciate all the information you share.

Thank you for this video. I had a hernia surgery 2 months ago, and am experiencing similar problems.....I was a little worried and still concerned. I didn't know what to do. But now I'll set an appointment with my surgeon and have a conversation to see what my options are. This video really helped me and I dont feel alone in this issue anymore. Ty.

Sorry to hear that the repair has failed. I had laprascopic surgery with mesh just over two weeks ago. I truly hope mine is successful. I am very active though so we shall see how active I am once recovery is complete....all the best.

I wish it had turned out better for you. You'll know what to do about additional surgery in time. I look forward to watching more of your excellent videos.

Thanks for sharing this with us Doc. I'm sorry for you as I know how it is to be a fitness person and have a setback. I like how you're going about it and it makes sense to me. I am 73 days post op myself. I had a r/s inguinal hernia repaired and I decided to get an old umbilical hernia done at the same time. My surgeon recommended laparoscopic with mesh for the inguinal and decide on the umbilical mesh at the time of surgery - which it was so small we did not do the mesh for the belly button. It went well. Before surgery the surgeon told me I would have a 1 to 2% risk of recurrence for the inguinal and the umbilical could be as much as 20% because of where it is and no mesh. After surgery I felt good but held off my strength training and my gravel bike riding completely. Still havent done anything really and my wife is doing al the chores. At 2 weeks, i went to see my surgeon for post op review and it was a different person. They had a surgical resident do the surgery. I wish I had known. Also she was guarded on the risk of reoccurrence. No mention of the 1 to 2% risk -- instead it was "we can't predict if or when - everybody's different." I was like, but it's 1 to 2%......!!! Percentages do matter dont they? Anyway, I still feel like I have a balled up sock down there still and my right side inner thigh and hip flexors hurt every time I stand up. I am now 18 pounds heavier as the only exercise I get is walking on the treadmill because I dont want to tear it up. No one in the hernia surgery business can give you a glide path on how to ease back into it either. So I am on my own. She told me if it reoccurs I cand do whatever I want -- laparascopic for the right side since they did open already and laparoscopic or open for the left. I feel like a walking time bomb. LOL I suspect it's time for a new hernia outcomes metadata study...... the current ones tell a far too optimistic story I'm afraid. Edit: I am going to tell my PCM/GP doc in a few weeks when I see them for my annual exam that I am passing on my ten year colonoscopy for a year anyway. I am due this year and I see no reason to go passing a roto rooter down through there right after open mesh. Let's give it a rest. I hope this makes sense to him or her. I know they can be dogmatic about their timelines for screening.

Nooo! Man this is humbling.

🙏🏻's for you DR Dave

I had a right and left side Inguinal open done 3 weeks ago. I had the mesh done. I am also a cyclist and was thinking about getting on the bike soon. I think I will hold off until next season. My surgeon did say it takes a full year to 100% heal. I have been doing mostly walking for now, but I am anxious to at least hit the gym, but this makes me think twice.

So sorry to hear, I hope the next time is the last time.

You’re so strong dude, we are proud of you and you inspire us. Ps so good they could see your hernia… as opposed to it being occult

I had bilateral inguinal and umbilical hernia surgery almost two months ago. So far so good. I would say that you're probably in a better position than others that might be in a similar situation. At least you have some medical knowledge. I would put some effort into really trying to figure things out. I'm always digging for answers and I have none of the medical training that you have. I hope that you figure out the best solution and work through what you need to do.

Sorry you are experiencing a failed repair. As a former lousy Cat 3, bike messenger, and currently, a recreational rider, I feel your pain. I am two weeks out from a Desarda repair. Hoping that it holds up! No cross racing for me, but i will wait three months before I try any sprinting. Hoping you will have better success with any subsequent procedures.

Thanks for sharing. I pray your hernia problems are solved. I’ve had 2 hernias for at least 30+years. Each has grown considerably but with little to no pain. I use hot and cold therapy to ease occasional soreness. I’m 76 years old and will get surgery only if in great constant pain or bowel obstruction. I know I’m rolling the dice and hope to die with it and not because of it😂

Thanks for sharing Dr. I also have a very small inguinal hernia and the surgeon said I need it to get it fixed. I researched it and was alarmed but what I found out with mesh procedures- so I was considering the non-mesh techniques like the "Liechtenstein" or the "Desarda" techniques. Then I decided to buy a good hernia belt and in the instruction diagram, it says that after wearing the hernia belt for a while the hernia mouth would be healed. Of course, this is not the medical opinion, nevertheless, my hernia has gotten a lot better and I truly believe is going to heal. I know is kind of crazy considering what the surgeons said. But Dr. I decided to go this route and skip the surgery. I don't regret my decision so far anyway. Will keep you posted every 3 months if you like. Thanks again, Al

My inguinal hernia mesh procedure ( fully cut) has only lasted six months, no pain as yet thank goodness. I think there are limitations after the operation which is frustrating if your very active especially in the procedure area. I hope our corrective work goes well.

They told us only 1% of surgeries fail !

Take extra good care of yourself.

I had open surgery, for right inguinal hernia, with mesh plug insertion plus a mesh patch, 16 days ago. So far, so good. It feels like a solid repair. I have been walking but intend to refrain from doing anything athletic for a while.

I just got one last night, had been burning for a while and I guess finally tore. Protruding about half the size of a golf ball. I can’t meet with my PCP for another 5 days and then the surgeon. I appreciate your videos on this as I’m concerned about it happening again as well.

Good morning sir! I’m really sorry about what happened and I do wish you a speedy recovery. Would it have been better to just get an open hernia surgery from the beginning ?

I heard they lift exercise restrictions for the sake of the insurance companies, which is just sad. I hope you are feeling better. Thank you for posting. At this point, I have to give up singing after already giving up dance for the next month or so anyway. I'm 6 wks post-op from bilateral inguinal plus right side femoral laparoscopic robotic hernia repairs. I'm having a lot of groin pressure after eating and diarrhea every morning. I recovered from diverticulitis last week. I am otherwise a healthy person. I've lost 10lbs through this, which isn't much, but I was barely at normal BMI to begin with. I'm on a water fast right now, with the intention and starting a very light, high fiber diet tomorrow. This is my normal diet, too, but I'm gonna start with just one meal a day and see how that goes.

Wow thanks

Hi. I’m 77 and a fit dude hard core mountain biker hard core kite surfer. I researched this a bit after I got an inguinial hernia and have three friends that have failed mesh surgery I decided to get no mesh hernia surgery in Florida by Dr Tomas who specializes in the Desarda technique I had this done four weeks ago. So far I think it’s one of the best decisions i made I’m still taking it easy and listening carefully to my body

I had robotic bi-laterial inguinal hernia repair in June 2021 and just like you, about two months ago, I noticed a bulge on my right side. My previous surgeon moved, so I went to a new surgeon who ordered a CT scan with contrast. The CT scan did not show an obvious recurrence but I got a bulge like a golf ball. So the surgeon desires to perform open surgery. I do work out a lot but no squats or deadlifts - lots of pull-ups and push ups. Very disappointed and not looking forward to repeating this process again.

Dang sorry for u man just remember to these doctors aren’t perfect neither are u it’s something we have to deal with. Hope nothing bad happens to you.

My first hernia was in 2014. Got it repaired with mesh. Mesh gave me cancer. Had it removed, went into remission holistically. 2024 other side (inguinal) had hernia. Had it repaired two months ago with just stitches. Hernia recurred. Now, I'm between a rock and a hard place--have pain of hernia and can't do a whole lot physically, and possibly at some point needing an emergency repair, or get possible cancer again.

Bard makes a Phasix mesh now for Inguinal Hernias, which dissolves in 12-18 months, allowing collagen and scar tissue to form in that time frame. We also learned that open surgery is better because the surgeon can fully see all issues at time of surgery. My husband just had the open Phasix mesh Inguinal surgery and it went well, very little pain.

Same for me, mine was the umbilical hernia, and it pretty much failed in a couple of months. The money is a very frustrating part, too. My hernia is way bigger and worse than it was prior to the surgery.

Very sorry Hope for your healing I am suspicious of mesh but do not know alternatives I hope there are braces My Mom had one many years ago. I wonder if techinque was different. Maybe hers was less serious.

My mother wore a hernia belt for years for her huge hernia. We worried & tried to get her to have it repaired because we thought her intestines would twist during the night. But she absolutely refused because of all of the mesh failures & terrible complications resulting in lawsuits over the meshes used. She was terrified to go through with the surgery. I understand your disappointment. Makes me wonder if other countries have a higher success rate, and if so, what surgery method are they using? Something newer or a tried and true method? Thanks for sharing an update with us. Dang, I though for sure it was repaired for good. Wishing you good luck with the race(s)!👍

I had mine 7 years ago just don't want this I agree but thank god we have dr that can help us.the burning in bellybutton

Thanks for the stream. Like yourself, six months ago I had my Inguinal hernia repaired robotically and I immediately got back on my road bike and unfortunately my pain has returned. Would you be so kind to explain or provide a linky that explains the symptoms of when hernia surgery fails? Thanks Joe Florida

Hi Doctor thank you for sharing your experience. I just had my inguinal hernia six days ago The first three-day was not great not in term of pain I have not had any pain so far and have not taken any pain killer or any kind of medication just too many times bowel moments because of the surgery effect and beside you can not strain yourself You are a surgeon yourself with a wealth of knowledge at the same time you have a love for cycling do you think it might have had some kind of impact on your hernia recurrence. I had my first hernia 31 years ago with the old technology and open cut this time it was laproscopy with five incisions. So far so good . I got to see how it progress.but took me five months of suffering pain here in canada waiting for a surgery takes so long and in Bc canada the government does not allow private clinic to perform any hernia surgery. It is a long painfull waiting and suffering. By the way I do a lots of walking and lots of deep breathing.

It is advised to have open surgery and wait three months before beginning physical therapy because laparoscopic surgery, unfortunately, has a higher failure rate than open surgery.

Did they both come back or just one?

Sorry to hear about your experience Next time its better to go for more experienced surgeon than going back to same surgeon

What I'm gathering watching a bunch of these videos is that hernia surgery is more complex and difficult than one would expect. Maybe it's best to go to a hernia clinic instead of a general surgeon where hernia surgery is basically all they do and is their specialty.

Had left side inguinal hernia mesh 6 weeks ago. Right away it didn't really take. The size of the lump went down but I can feel it poking back out now already, appointment next week with surgeon.

My open in Greenough hernia repair from 18 years ago failed but the new surgeon now wants to do an open surgery again which we’ve come along way with laparoscopic surgery. I don’t know why she can’t do it laparoscopically think I might have to find a new surgeon.

I suppose with age comes more time needed for recovery. It's really rough for those of us who enjoy fitness activities.

Have you had the repair done? Mine was done open and it just failed after 3 months. I’m disappointed as my quality of life wasn’t so bad without the repair.

I would look into Shouldice repair as an option if possible. Hope you’re feeling better these days

So does doctor cover expenses??

The shouldice technique with Dr. Grishkan in Ohio! Did the mr. Olympia bodybuilders

I'm very sorry to hear this The robotic laparoscopic is only as good as the skill of the "operator".Did he use a 3×6 mesh and how many tacks? Most general surgeons do not have the skill to remove all of the mesh and all the tacks correctly The mesh should never be cut and part of it left behind I would only have a hernia specialist do this repair Waiting 12 weeks before vigorous exercise should have been recommended Not 6 weeks as less cautious surgeons would say Personally,i would avoid the Poorly designed Bard 3D max mesh for your repair

I have been putting off a hernia op for a while. Any surgery has risks. Are there any genuine natural repair options ?

time to get on an excercise regiment that will reduce your hernia and almost eliminate it. there are a fair few youtube channels which have done this with great success. good luck

Dr Todd Harris is the best

What did you feel when it came back? I am now on 11 weeks and it had been intense..

Thx for sharing. I've been thru the same thing. I'm also a cyclist and workout 5-6 days a week. I've had 3 of them. Not a big fan of the mesh it's not fool proof. However your sharing helped. And wish you health, wealth and happiness to you and family. 305 miami fl

Mine was fine exactly a month ago / was open surgery Now I’m a bit afraid 😢😢

My first hernia repair lasted 8 years. Now 4 years after second surgery it is bothering me again. Every surgery makes your abdominal weaker so it gets really frustrating.

I got a repair 14 year ago and still have pain. I pretty sure my mesh is failing get a pulling pain and fresh blood from my bowels. Just found out a lot of meshs are geting recalled

Had my inguinal mesh surgery laparoscopically it failed after 2 months they did at again but opened up the area this time ended up with a massive hematoma and bleeding from the area now its back again and bulges even more I think its time to sue

Could you give us the details of your surgical prodedure, and what exactly failed? Was it the TEP or TAPP approach? Was the mesh secured with sutures or staples? Did the mesh move, or did it tear? Was there infection? How soon after surgery did you return to exercise, and did that gave anything to do with it? I'm looking at laproscopic repair, TEP approach, non-robotic, with mesh in a couple of months, so I'm really anxious to know.

Wow.. so didn't know the technology isn't were we all want and need it to be. I think we should all poo by leaning forward to mimic a squat..as it requires significant less pressure that way.

With insurance why was your deductible so much ?

MAYBE TIME TO GO EASY BRO OR SWITCH TO BETTER SURGEON !!

6 ???!!!

Shouldice hernia center Canada

I just had a inguinal hernia done 6 weeks ago and i been having pain since and the bulge is still there

did u lift heavy weights or exercise too early???

I would consider a shouldice repair instead

This is very common , surgeons all say mesh is best because it is all they know how to do. Mesh is not natural to our bodies and does not belong there. Ask a surgeon if he will remove it and you will see a look on his face of terror , they don't know how.😅 Go no mesh !

Go to Shouldice in Toronto. Get it done mesh free. Get it done right. The best in the world!

Go to Shouldice hospital in Markham Ontario and get a non mesh natural repair.

Training in the first year then complaining is pretty stupid.

Stop do not have mesh installed. You are young and fit. I also was young and fit. I had 4x repairs with mesh. I now have severe mesh issues.

So if you've had mesh and you get a recurring hernia , whats the options??? . Regards.