Over a month ago I attended an unusual appointment. It was unusual because it was an appointment for me. I rarely attend appointments for myself, usually they are for one of the kids. However, this one was with a surgeon to discuss the hideous hernia I carry around with me on a daily basis.
My problems all started soon after Anwen’s emergency caesarean delivery last May. Initially, I thought I was healing well but within the first 6 weeks post-partum, I noticed that I had an unusual swelling in my lower abdomen. It was right below my belly button in the area I was advised to inject the Fragmin into. I had hideous bruises all over my stomach and when I attended an appointment with the Nurse at my GP practice she advised that it was a large haematoma. (I wasn’t convinced.) I took her advice and monitored the size and shape.
For two months, I felt the “haematoma” grow, even after I’d stopped injecting myself with Fragmin. Eventually, I was able to get an appointment with my favourite Doctor at the practice. (I fought hard to even speak to her.) I practically broke down into a sobbing heap when she asked me what was wrong.
I was so immensely paranoid by this point that it was something completely and utterly terrible, I couldn’t help my emotions. Within 5 minutes, she had put my mind at ease. It wasn’t great news, I mean, I had a hernia, but it wasn’t some sort of tumour or anything more life-threatening.
Fast-forward to my appointment with the surgeon and he confirmed that I do indeed have a “large hernia”. It needs repairing. But, we have a bit of a goal to achieve first.
My BMI is higher than 35, and it’s at that point that the failure rate increases exponentially. However, for me, he said the important thing isn’t the weight I lose but the focussed exercise.
I’m looking at as soon as September for the surgery. It’s not going to be a small procedure. Due to the size it’s going to be open surgery and a 2.5 hour operation. They’ll use a mesh similar to what mountain climbers use, it can support up to a tonne in weight BUT if my muscles aren’t up to the job then it’s pretty much useless.
So, the next 6 months for me involves Weight Loss, exercise and a journey to improve myself and my health. The recovery time will depend on me, it’ll be as hard or as easy as my preparation makes it.
Oh i wish you all the best over the coming months and hope you feel better very soon. Kaz
Thank you! I’m sure it will all go well!
Wishing you lots of luck for your fitness goals and your surgery Beth. Hope you start to feel better really soon xx
Thank you Wendy! 🙂
How scary it must of been for you, waiting to find out what it was! All the best for the weight loss! I’m sure you can do it!
Thank you Siobhan! Now I look back and think how silly of me it was to get so scared but I suppose the unknown is worse than the known.
Oh it must have been such a worry for you…. I’m not surprised you burst into tears. I love that you have given it a name though! Good luck with the weight loss and muscle toning…. and of course the procedure xx
The name is a little way to make light of the situation I’m stuck in. It’s like being pregnant. Haha!
Oh gosh it must have been such a worry – and even still is now I’m sure. I hope your surgery goes well (and all of the prep in advance)
I’m not as concerned anymore. I know what it is and the plan for fixing it. Surgery isn’t as scary as I thought it would be, it’s either have it or live like I am for the rest of my life… I know which I’d prefer.
Ha ha ha, you named it Blodwen! 😉 I still remember that moment you went to the docs for confirmation… I was sat in the car waiting for you playing Candy Crush! You can do this, you really can and I am behind you 100% on the weight loss journey and saying goodbye to Blodwen! Sim xx
It’s always good having you behind me… It’s a shame you can’t be constantly watching me though! Haha!
It must have been very scary but good to hear they can help you. Good luck with your weight loss and exercise journey.
Thank you Amy, I’m sure it will go quite well.
So sorry to hear about your health struggles. All the best for those next six months!
Thank you very much Jenni! 🙂
I really wish you all the best Beth – it must have been so terrifying not knowing and now at least you know that Blodwen will eventually be gone!
I know. It’s actually quite an exciting feeling knowing that soon I will be bidding goodbye to her.