I haven't, but I totally feel where you're coming from. I have an incisional hernia from the hysterectomy I had in February. I noticed part of my belly was portruding and freaked out thinking it was a tumor. The CT/PET scans showed a hernia. I'm also really interested in finding out if anyone has had surgery to repair their hernia. And if so, what was their experience? My doctor told me I wouldn't be able to have surgery to fix it since I'm going through chemo right now.

I actually had an umbilical hernia repair this summer, with mesh. That's actually how they found the cancer. I've had absolutely no problems with my hernia repair, even though I had the hysterectomy after the repair. My surgeon didn't have to displace the mesh put in earlier. Are there specific questions you have regarding hernia repair? I know don't have quite the same thing I did.

Yes. I had my incisional hernia repaired using mesh back in June, 2010, and it's been fine. This is not the same mesh that all the lawyers are yelling about that was used in vaginal prolapse. (Hernia was from original surgery in July, 2007.)

The surgery is tough and painful, but doable. You must listen to your surgeon about when you can resume activities, or you'll pop a new hernia. This is one time you REALLY have to follow the guidelines.

Surgery is only necessary if the hernia is becoming a problem. I waited 1 1/2 years, and could have waited another year. However, in my case, they knew it would eventually need to be repaired, and the hernia was causing discomfort, so I scheduled the repair at my convenience. Until it was repaired, I made sure I wore supportive undergarments when I was being physically active.

Have spoken with the surgeon about my hernia repair and I suspect from what he said that the mesh is the only solution for one as huge as mine - about the size of a cantaloupe. I understand what you're going through with this issue - who needs it, on top of everything else! I have been told not to contemplate surgery until at least the 1st year anniversary of my surgery - just not up to full strength after that and all the chemo. Don't know if that helps.

Thank you for your responses. My hernia is getting a bit bigger every day. I have decided to go ahead and have surgery. Dec. 6th as an out patient. I feel this is a better option than waiting until I have an emergency situation pop up (pun intended). We are planning a month long trip to Europe in the late spring so I want to be healed by then.

Iwish you success & a quick uneventful recovery from your hernia surgery.

Maybe and abdominal binder could help? I'd ask about one.