Lynne's Guestbook

Hi Roger, Perfect timing if I can say it. What did you do to cause your hernia? I have still been having spasms and cramping of the muscles, but less than before. I had sent a note off to my surgeon and said he was referring me to a chronic pain specialist. That's not what I asked him about but I guess there really isn't more that he or surgery could do and move you off to someone else. I have unfortunately developed some neck muscles spasms at the base of the skull (nothing to do with the pec muscles) , some hearing problems and vertigo. Since I have not been able to be as active as I was the muscle cramping and spasms of the pectorals have somewhat eased off. Now that I'm seeing a chiropractor for the neck he was made aware of the muscles and how they work with the upper body muscles, pectorals included. He has done some light releases along the top of the upper pectoral muscle. It hasn't changed the pain I get from a cramp when they happen but he has removed some of the knots in the muscle which could help with the cramping. I know as soon as I ask more of the muscles they will cramp and become sorer. Whether this time off will be of any help once I get the other issues under control is something to think about. Because it is such a thin muscle compared to most in other muscles it is just more painful when used. I'm going to pursue more once I'm feeling better from the neck. I do wonder really how much they are connected if at all. Sometimes I get a pinch and I'm not sure if it is the mesh on the bottom of the ribs or what. Doesn't last long, like a pin prick. I know that the surgery would cause some adhesion of the layers from the mesh out and I think at times there is some pulling. I'm not familiar with his method of repair, but I think the area of study is not well known but doctors are becoming more aware that this is a risk that needs to be made aware of and told to patients. I had told my doctor that I'm an active person and gardener so stitch me up well. Guess he didn't stitch it up well. So now that this is becoming a more known problem you will start to see other ways of fixing a potential blow out of the lung. I'm curious to know how you do if you get a chance at some point because I will need to have the valve replaced hopefully 20 years from now and they may need to use the same area. If this way works then it's an option in the future. Best of luck to you Roger and call anytime with questions. I'll do my best to help. Lynne Jeffreys

Thank you much Lynne. After my initial minimally invasive surgery my surgeon told me it was okay to stretch out the incision site to prevent favoring that area long term - as well as preventing adhesions to form. He also told me I was okay to work out again when it felt right. Being an avid weight-lifter, I was bench pressing 5 weeks later...& I suspect that's when the hernia formed (started having pain soon thereafter). Would get better in time - then hurt again when I would do certain exercises. Spent hundreds & hundreds of $$ on physical therapists - which would help some - but, the pain still resided because it was a mechanical issue that needs to be fixed. In the immediate ICU days after my 2nd OHS in April of this year the lung hernia got way worse. Now, it is almost softball size when I cough or engage my inner cavity (I hold it in as much as possible). Again, as you know, pain is a constant companion. I cannot continue to "wait & see if it heals on its own." However, as stated above, your neck & spasm issues do give me great pause in this decision (I cannot imagine how painful this must be for you). So sorry to hear this about your recovery. Greatly appreciate you taking the time to respond. Take care & pls. keep me updated!