I'm finding it really hard to find actual people to discuss how they've recovered after having a mesh removed.
I had an umbilical hernia. They inserted a 10x5 cm mesh in me, and it has ruined my life.
I'm going to have it removed but it all sounds a bit dangerous.
I want to find ANYONE that's had theirs removed and how the healing and recovery went?
It would be a godsend to find someone else.
Thanks,
-Justin-
Hello Justin, I had mesh removed inguinal hernia repair. Physically the surgical site has healed up well and looks good. Unfortunately I had damaged nerves in this area which caused chronic pain, although I believe in time this pain will recede. I am having more good days than bad of late.
Hi Justin
There is a huge On going thread of this being discussed. Hope you find answers. Lots of us have taken part, Adele in particular has some amazing, helpful things to contribute
Hi Adele
A few people ahve suggested talking to you about it. I also have nerve damage but I'm sure the mesh being removed can only be a good thing. I have a few questions if you don't mind.
How long has it been since you've had it removed?
How long did it take to recover after taking the mesh out? They're going to cut me open to make sure they get all the mesh out.
Are you able to work out? My biggest complaint now, aside from pain, is that I'm so out of shape. I used to be exrtremely active and hope to be able to get back to that way of living.
Is there anything that's changed that I might not be thinking of? Random stuff like numbness, lack of sex drive or appetite - anything really that they didn't tell you before you had the surgery?
Thank you so much. It helps me relax a bit to find someone that is better after the mesh has been removed.
-Justin-
Hi Ed
Thanks for getting back to me. I saw this convo but not all of the hernias were similar to my own, and it's so much info to go through I was kind of lost. I was trying to narrow it down a bit. Thanks again.
Hi, I will try to answer your questions.
Re: few people have suggested talking to you about it. I also have nerve damage but I'm sure the mesh being removed can only be a good thing. I have a few questions if you don't mind.
How long has it been since you've had it removed?
Nearly 5 months now, but I have had several surgeries over the past 12 months or so, an emergency laparotomy/hemicolectomy - bowel resection and three for the inguinal hernia. Mesh was used the first time, but I had problems with it from day one. The second to remove the mesh and entrapped nerves and the third to complete a triple neurectomy and groin reconstruction again. I am happy I had the mesh removed.
How long did it take to recover after taking the mesh out? They're going to cut me open to make sure they get all the mesh out.
My biggest complaint now, aside from pain, is that I'm so out of shape. I used to be exrtremely active and hope to be able to get back to that way of living. Are you able to work out?
The actual surgical site healed up well and I was doing physio after 3-4 weeks. I do still have residual nerve pain on and off with some days good and others bad. I am in pretty good shape with low body fat and could work out now if I wanted. I prefer going for walks and low impact exercises it depends on what my pain levels are on a particular day.
Is there anything that's changed that I might not be thinking of? Random stuff like numbness, lack of sex drive or appetite - anything really that they didn't tell you before you had the surgery?
The nerve pain is the only thing that is bothering me. My doctor said this time next year I will feel a lot better. Nerve damage can take a long time to heal. I am functioing a lot better gradually day by day. Time and patience and I hope there will more days I am not noticing the nerve pain. I still think I am better off without the foreign mesh in my body.
Don't be hard on yourself and concentrate on your recovery.
Hi, I'm in the same situation you were in and I need to have my mesh removed because I'm having alot of complications. Have you gotten your mesh removed or spoken to anyone that has? I want to prepare myself as much as possible for the surgery and anything afterwards.
Hi Mary
Sorry for the late response. I did have mine removed. Are you in the UK? I had the surgery at KIMS hospital in Maidstone. The surgeon was Mr Simon Bailey: https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/consultant/mr-simon-bailey/
He's very open about options and no BS when it comes to most things. He'll give you an honest assessment and help.
It was a life changer. It's been almost a year since the surgery and I'm pretty much a normal person. I need to get back into working out again though. I used to be super fit but after three years of not being able to work out it's been super hard to get enough energy. I'll get there though.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Hi Justin,
I’m glad to hear that you are ”pretty much a normal person” after you had a mesh removal 
. I’m afraid I don’t feel like a normal person... I had my hernias repaired with mesh almost two years ago and it has been really bad from day one. I’m in Sweden and have to travel abroad to get them out. I’m searching for the best surgeon in Europe. They were put in laparoscopally and I have heard that is also the best way to have them removed. Are you still happy that you had a mesh removal? Do you still have some pain? Did you have an open or key-hole surgery? I’m getting desperate and it feels like my life is over... I would really apreciate to hear from you or from anyone else who had a mesh removal!
If you look at my comment above you'll see who I recommend. He's a great no nonsense doctor. It won't be key hole. You'll have a decent scar but it's worth it. I occasionally have a bit of pain in the scar area but nothing like how it was. Usually caused from being hunched over at a computer.
Hi Justin,
My name's Henry - 27 from the UK and in much the same boat you were I think (though inguinal rather than umbilical).
I'm not experienced with these things but am certain I need this mesh out. Did you have the operation done privately with Mr Bailey? If so can I ask how much it cost?
Many thanks.
I had private insurance through my work. I just had to pay out of my allowance for consultations with Dr. Bailey which I think was £250 (only had to pay £100 for all consultations) but the operation was completely covered because it was major surgery so you don't have to pay for that. Might depend on the insurance but I didn't have the greatest insurance so should be covered...
Hi Justin,
I had an Umbilical hernia mesh repair last year and have been having alot of complications since... i was curious as to how your mesh is affecting you? I am wondering if it is similar to how mine is. I am considering getting the mesh removed but would like to know more first.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Hollie.
Hey Hollie
It felt like I had a corset on. A constant tightness to where I could never get comfortable. And occasionally a sharp jolt of pain or a dull ache. It would just be there always. Like a drone of pain. Three years I put up with it. The doctors strung me along because I was scared of another surgery... they drew it out long enough that I couldn't sue them. I couldn't do anything after 3 years, that's the law. 
But I got it taken out and feel like a normal human again. I actually go out running with my puppy and everything when I could barely do anything before.
Hope that helps.
-Justin-
I had bilateral mesh placement with tacks 6 weeks ago.
I’m an elite runner and triathlete.
Soccer coach. Therapist.
Pain everyday. Depressed.
Anti social
I’m demanding the mesh be taken out. Advice ?
I had bilateral mesh placement with tacks 6 weeks ago.
I’m an elite runner and triathlete.
Soccer coach. Therapist.
Pain everyday. Depressed.
Anti social
I’m demanding the mesh be taken out. Advice ?
I had bilateral mesh placement with tacks 6 weeks ago.
I’m an elite runner and triathlete.
Soccer coach. Therapist.
Pain everyday. Depressed.
Anti social
I’m demanding the mesh be taken out. Advice ?
Hi Sheri
Please look at my previous comments in this thread and you'll see a doctor I recommend seeing about removal of the mesh. 6 weeks isn't a long enough healing time... but I feel for you. The mesh ruined my life for 3 years.
Hi, I just wanted to find out, why did you decide to have the mesh removed? How did Mr. Bailey examine you to determine that it should be removed? was your hernia repaired laparoscopiclly but had the mesh removed with open surgery? how long after the mesh was put in did you have it removed?
I'm sorry about all the questions, I'm really trying to determine whats best for me and its difficult. The mesh was put in 3 years ago and is very much part of my body now but the pain I am in is too much to endure at times and I have been in and out of hospital many times over the past few months. I cannot exercise, and even driving causes sharp nerve pain. I'm really worried about surgery as I'm not sure if I would end up with more nerve pain than I am in right now.
I haven't seen Mr. Bailey yet but I have been in touch to see if he would see me when I travel to the UK this summer but I am trying to get as much information as possible first. where I am, the doctors have tried local injections, pain medication and nothing worked but they cannot perform the removal surgery here.
Thank you in advance for your help!
I had the mesh for 3 years. Constant pain just like you. Did all the injections, nerve block, etc. Didn't do anything of course.
Had me mesh removed with open surgery. Leaves a decent scar but not too bad. I'm pretty much a normal human being now.
I was like you scared to have a second surgery to ruin my life more... but I wish I had done it sooner because I missed out on years of my life.
Good luck and I hope it works out for you. Btw, dr. Bailey is no nonsense doctor that will only operate on you if he thinks he has a chance to make you better.