Concerns Regarding Post-Surgery Abdominal Mesh
My husband, 35 years old, underwent surgery for an abdominal hernia located just above his navel around two and a half years ago. His recovery was smooth, and up until recently, he had not experienced any complications. About a month ago, he commenced a 5k running training program. However, this morning, after a few brief sprints, he felt an acute, stabbing discomfort in the vicinity of the surgical mesh, particularly noticeable with each impact of his left foot touching the ground. Otherwise, he reports no pain during regular activities such as walking, bending, or stretching. Should we be worried about this issue and seek immediate attention, or can we afford to wait a few days to see if it subsides on its own?
Answers (1)
7/9/2025, 12:30:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your husband's recent discomfort after surgery. The acute, stabbing pain he feels around the surgical mesh during running could indicate several things, but it’s reassuring that he doesn’t experience pain during regular activities.
Explanation:
Post-surgery, especially with the use of mesh, it’s possible for individuals to experience discomfort due to factors like changes in activity levels, muscle strain, or irritation of the surrounding tissue. Given that this pain occurs specifically during impact activities like running, it may suggest that he is placing stress on the area that wasn’t present during his regular activities.
Next Steps:
Here are some prioritized actions to help manage his symptoms:
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Rest and Modify Activity: Encourage him to take a break from high-impact activities such as running and instead focus on low-impact exercises like walking or swimming that do not aggravate the pain.
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Monitor Symptoms: Over the next few days, monitor if the pain persists or worsens. Keeping track of when the pain occurs and its intensity can help determine if it's a recurring issue.
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Ice the Area: Applying ice to the painful area can help reduce any inflammation or discomfort. Use the ice pack for about 15-20 minutes, several times a day, making sure to wrap it in a cloth to protect the skin.
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Pain Management: If necessary, consider using over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the recommended dosage.
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Seek Medical Attention if Needed: If the pain does not improve in a few days, increases, or if he develops additional symptoms (like swelling, redness, or fever), it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional.
Taking these steps can help him gauge the situation without unnecessary worry while ensuring he’s attentive to any significant changes. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!
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