Yeah, I got hurt at work about a week ago, went to the doctor, and I've got a hernia. I wasn't even doing anything overly strenuous. I may have had it -or a predisposition for it for years, who knows?
(Graphic disclaimer notice) For years, I've had a slight swelling or rise or something in the groin area, on either/both sides of the pubic hair triangle, but since it was symetrical and not painful, and there was no apparent issue, I never thought anything of it. I don't really know exactly what other males look like in that area, and have never been overly inclined to ask.
But I felt something pull or pop, and when I get to the doctor, he pointed out an obvious NON-symetrically swelling, and tells me I've got a hernia, and that it needs an operation.
They treated me pretty lousy in the clinic, especially since I got there at the last minute, had peed (never spelled that before, but somehow WRITING piss seems vulger) before I left our home, and then they wanted me to be in a cup to dignity test me, and when I told them I didn't have anything, boy, did they treat me like a criminal.
Anyway, my girlfriend and I researched the subject on the internet. I found out they're pretty common. Both she and her brother and several friends have had them. But anyway, it's an inguinal or groin hernia, and it goes back in when I push. I guess it's not that bad as far as they go, but it needs to be fixed. No word back from the insurance/workman's comp people yet, but the clinic people treated me with skepticism as a result of (1) me being on the (new to me) job for only a week; (2) not being able to pee on (their) demand, and honestly telling them that the falling boxes I caught weren't very heavy. I don't know if insurance/workman's comp is going to cover it or not. If not, I'll have to pay out of pocket because I don't have insurance.
What I'm looking for is advice from anyone who has knowledge/experience with this. After researching it on the net, it has become clear that I want to use a mesh repair -which is apparently somewhat new, yet clearly proven- as opposed to the traditional method of stitching, which is dehabilitating, and tends to have lot's of side effects as well as a high rate of recurrence.
My leading choice thus far is the British Hernia Centre in England, which apparently would cost about $3900 total for a single hernia repair (including airfair and hotel). They use a mesh system, which is a simple outpatient procedure that takes about 45 minutes, and most people walk away and go right back to work. There is another specialty clinic in Florida that charges about $5000 for a single hernia repair (NOT including airfair and other costs). I may actually have a double (or the other one might be waiting to happen) which is more expensive.
Anyway it's unpleasant and scary, although I understand (conceptually) that (at least the mesh procedure) is actually a fairly simple and safe (though financially -for me- crushing procedure. Fortunately, I have no debt, great credit, about $500 in savings, and a partner willing to help in any way.
I was hoping for advice/information on a few things. Can anyone with experience (good and/or bad) in this area share their thoughts? Has anyone else had hernias fixed? With what method, stitch or mesh? What should I expect. Can anyone recommend any particular surgeons/centers that are well-qualified in MESH hernia repair. (I'm totally sold on the mesh system as it is clearly a simpler, safer, and more reliable method. And both the British Hernia Centre and the place in Florida that I spoke with have lifetime guarentees against recurrance which is good. I've got asthma, which is rarely an issue, but I'm reserved about going under, which is another draw of the mesh system, as it requires just a local.)
I need to take care of this soon. While I am of course interested in the cheapest option, getting the job done right by people with experience is clearly more important.
Also, I'd prefer to do this in the country, but I'll be happy to go outside the country if I can get equal or better treatment for less $ -although it's unlikely I'd go to any non-English-speaking country, just because I'd want to be able to communicate with the person/people cutting me and giving me a repair that I need to last for the rest of my life. I'm going to do more research, but I'm posting this now to get any advice from any who have any to offer.
My girlfriend and I want to see New Zealand (and possibly move there) and I was hoping Steve (CrazyKiwi) or Toby (TBrannon) might know if there are any New Zealand centers that specialize in mesh hernia repairs -although air fare is typically expensive, and I don't know if that would be cost-effective. I will research more of this myself.
I need to make arrangements to deal with this soon. Right now, I'm wearing a very uncomfortable and most undignified truss-belt to keep my guts in, and I'm looking forward to dispensing with it as soon as possible.
I realize this isn't a typical thing for this site, but I would be very grateful for any advice/information fellow club members could pass on to me -again, especially regarding specific doctors and or centers with experience in MESH hernia repairs, and places where it can be done cheaply -especially if there were in or near to Nevada, so airfare/traveling would be a minimal issue.
Thanks in advance, Mark, the 8-String King.
