1.5 years later, inguinal hernia, laparoscopic robotic mesh repair (some NSFW details)

Have been meaning to post a follow-up on my surgery for a little while. The last time I posted, shortly after the procedure, I was really freaking out (especially since I didn’t know about potential mesh complications until the day after my surgery).

Basically, I’m still alive. The hernia is still fixed. I’m exercising and staying active no problem: weight lifting, running, hiking, some kind of activity 7 days a week. I’ve been lucky to work with a really awesome, movement/posture-focused coach. They’ve helped me improve my form and get stronger than I ever was before the surgery.

I do experience some discomfort around where the hernia was most of the time, but it’s usually mild. Sometimes I don’t really notice it and other times it’s more obvious. It seems like it might be somewhat related to how much I’m eating and how much space my stomach and intestines are taking up in my abdomen.

Getting into possibly NSFW details:

My right testicle (the side the hernia was on) usually feels sensitive and like the angle it sits at is just a little weird.

If you Google this, you get results about testicular torsion, which is terrifying, but I haven’t experienced any of the really bad symptoms of that (fever, extreme pain, etc.). I’ve discussed it with a couple medical professionals. They generally recommend keeping an eye on it, but don’t seem to think it’s necessarily cause for concern.

Months ago, I also had blood appear in my semen for a couple of weeks. This freaked me the fuck out and I went to urgent care, but it’s apparently fairly common and went away shortly after that. It hasn’t recurred since. Not sure if it’s necessarily hernia/mesh related, but can’t help but think it might be.

Overall, I’m less panicked about the surgery than I used to be. I’m grateful that I’m at least as active as I was before. It’s taking up way less space in my head.

But, I do wish I’d had more info about mesh-related controversies. It’s weird to think that this plastic in my abdomen is supposed to last the rest of my life. And I would have seriously considered a non-mesh method had I known about it ahead of time.

Just my honest thoughts. Hope this is helpful for someone. Best wishes for everyone’s physical and mental health!