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.
18 Comments
Kaz | Ickle Pickles Life and Travels
17th March 2018 at 6:48 pmOh i wish you all the best over the coming months and hope you feel better very soon. Kaz
Beth
17th March 2018 at 9:13 pmThank you! I’m sure it will all go well!
Wendy
17th March 2018 at 2:56 pmWishing you lots of luck for your fitness goals and your surgery Beth. Hope you start to feel better really soon xx
Beth
17th March 2018 at 3:21 pmThank you Wendy! 🙂
Siobhan | The Baby Boat Diaries
17th March 2018 at 1:47 amHow 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!
Beth
17th March 2018 at 3:28 pmThank 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.
Cardiff Mummy Says - Cathryn
16th March 2018 at 10:48 pmOh 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
Beth
17th March 2018 at 3:29 pmThe name is a little way to make light of the situation I’m stuck in. It’s like being pregnant. Haha!
Alex
16th March 2018 at 6:08 pmOh 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)
Beth
17th March 2018 at 3:30 pmI’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.
Sim @ Sim's Life
16th March 2018 at 10:56 amHa 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
Beth
17th March 2018 at 3:47 pmIt’s always good having you behind me… It’s a shame you can’t be constantly watching me though! Haha!
Amy - All about a Mummy
16th March 2018 at 11:05 amIt must have been very scary but good to hear they can help you. Good luck with your weight loss and exercise journey.
Beth
17th March 2018 at 3:47 pmThank you Amy, I’m sure it will go quite well.
Jenni
16th March 2018 at 10:35 amSo sorry to hear about your health struggles. All the best for those next six months!
Beth
17th March 2018 at 3:48 pmThank you very much Jenni! 🙂
Mandi
16th March 2018 at 9:44 amI 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!
Beth
17th March 2018 at 3:49 pmI know. It’s actually quite an exciting feeling knowing that soon I will be bidding goodbye to her.