SOCIAL MEDIA

Monday, January 18, 2021

Umbilical Hernia Repair and Diastasis Recti Repair Surgery Update

So I didn't want to put this out there until I was closer to the date, BUT I am having surgery next Monday morning (January 25th). I finally got everything rescheduled and with a different doctor. It is one of the original three doctors that I saw for a consult and I just feel like this is the safest option and I wasn't "pulled around" by them.

Let me back up...after my last surgery was postponed/cancelled, I was told that I would have surgery in January. I needed to follow certain steps to make sure I was healthy and could reschedule on January 4th. I was told that they were holding a time slot on January 21st for me, but to call on January 4th to confirm. This was after jumping through several hoops and after their vacation was over. 

I called on January 4th right when they opened, and was told that the first opening was on February 4th, but they had to call the hospital to make sure there was availability. I asked why the 21st, 26th, 28th and February 2nd had already been booked? She didn't have an answer for me. She said she would call me back that afternoon and I said ok. I never got a phone call back that day. Then I called the next day to pay my bill that was sent the day before, and was told that I would get a call back regarding my surgery that afternoon. Great. Guess what, no call. I even called her back and left her a message a day after.

And I still haven't heard back from that surgeon. When there is smoke, there is fire. I worry that even though I am a long time patient of hers (2 previous surgeries with her), that her front staff is just lacking. She is an incredible surgeon, but I feel like God is telling me that this isn't the right doctor this time. I also worry that they will mess up the coding with my insurance and have to deal with that on top of recovering from surgery. Or that my surgery will be scheduled for end of February (at this rate) and I have my sisters baby shower, Mexico and the pandemic could get worse and cancel surgeries. Plus the biggest concern is my pain. I have had a lot of pain over the last month. Sometimes stopping me in my tracks and contemplating the ER. I don't want to go that route as that means it is an emergency surgery with my intestines/bowels coming through the opening.

This wasn't a decision that I took lightly. This other doctor specializes in this and was recommended by the other plastic surgeon that I saw for a consult and did my hernia repair in 2016. He was fantastic and did an incredible job, but he felt that I was safer this route and had a significantly less chance of my belly button dying due to lack of blood supply. 

So I have umbilical hernia repair and diastasis recti repair next Monday. The diastasis repair (DR) is to close the gap in my abs from my sternum to the top of my belly button, so that another hernia won't (or has a less chance of happening) come back and to strengthen my abdominal wall. This is my third umbilical hernia and hopefully my last. During my second hernia repair, the plastic surgeon who recommended this new doctor, fixed my hernia and repaired my abs from my belly button down to my c-section scar. So that part is stable and strong, but my upper area isn't. 

I looked back on some blog posts from both hernia surgeries and after reading the second surgery post and recovery, it reminded me how hard this recovery will be. BUT hopefully this is the last time. Fingers crossed. 

If you could keep me in your thoughts and prayers next Monday, that would be amazing. 

31 comments :

  1. I'm really glad you found a doctor that you are comfortable with and can get you in. I hope the surgery goes well and you have an easy recovery! xo, Biana BlovedBoston

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  2. I will cross my fingers and my toes for you! I have an umbilical hernia but my surgeon said a few years ago as long as I don’t gain too much weight around the middle, I can avoid surgery. I hope he was right. I’m going to be praying for you next Saturday! And for a smooth recovery!

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    1. Oh that is great to know. I have actually lost weight, but it still hurts all the time. Mine is pretty huge.

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  3. I'm so sorry you've been waiting for this for so long, Danielle! I can imagine how exhausting and frustrating that must be! I'm glad you're going to have a great surgeon, and you know I'll be praying for you every step of the way. Hugs!

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    1. Thank you so much. I just have my fingers and toes crossed that it happens. I have been waiting forever for this.

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  4. I had this same surgery. It was very hard to recover but at least no one thinks I'm pregnant anymore. I'll be thinking of you for sure!

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    1. When did you have yours? That is something that I feel daily. My stomach pooches out for sure.

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  5. Oh my gosh - what fire hoops you have had to jump through. Sending you all the good vibes for a smooth surgery and recovery!

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    1. It has been a lot. So I am hoping this is it and I get it done finally!

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  6. My thoughts and prayers are with you.. wishing you a speedy recovery.

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  7. Wishing you a successful surgery. Praying for you next Monday!

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    1. Thank you so much. I will definitely feel those prayers.

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  8. Oh goodness; hopefully all will go well and you will never need to have another surgery for this ever again. I will praying for you for sure.

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    1. I sooo hope so. And thank you. I will definitely need the prayers.

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  9. Oh, Danielle, thanks for sharing all of this with us. I will for sure be praying!

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  10. I'm so sorry you got the run-around from that surgeon's office and it's good that you're going with your gut feeling. I'll be thinking of you on the 25th and praying. Thanks for linking up with Hello Monday! Tanya - The Other Side of the Road

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    1. I say that we have to always go with our gut. It was a hard choice to leave my other surgeon, but I have to look out for myself. And thank you so much Tanya. I will definitely need and feel those prayers.

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  11. You have my prayers, for sure! Just recently read up about DR and have followed a gal on IG who had a gap with width of her hand! I can't imagine. She went through it all like a champ and I'll be praying the same for you. Sorry you had to go through such a rollercoaster. That's gotta be stressful when having to have surgery is stressful enough. You got this!

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    1. Thank you so much. I definitely will feel them! Oh wow that is a crazy huge gap. Mine is only about 3 inches, but that is a lot too. Who is the gal on IG? I would love to follow her journey too. It was a rollercoaster for sure and I just want it to be done and over with so I can move on. It was a lot of stress and will be for the next few days.

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  12. Sounds like you are making the right decision to switch doctors this time. I hate when I love a doctor, but am not a fan of the staff because it really ruins the experience for me. Sending you prayers and hugs for a good procedure and quick recovery!

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    1. Yes to this. I love my doctor and she is fantastic, but the front staff is just awful. They called me back last Friday afternoon and wanted to schedule me for the end of February. Totally dropped the ball and not cool. Thank you for your prayers. They will be needed and totally felt!

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  13. Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry you have been through so much to make this happen. It sounds like you did the right thing by trusting your gut and going with a different surgeon, though. You will be in my prayers this next week. I pray your surgery is a total success and that you heal quickly and completely.

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    1. It was a hard decision to make, but I just couldn't be pulled around anymore. I need this surgery before I end up in the ER for it. I just hate that I had to change so late in the game. And thank you so much. I will definitely feel those prayers.

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  14. Here we go... finally! :) I'll totally be lifting prayers for you lady!

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    1. I know, right?! Thank you so much. I will definitely feel those prayers!

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  15. I'm sorry that there is uncertainty and anxiety surrounding this, but I really hope that this helps you feel your best...finally! Will be thinking of you! <3

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    1. I sure hope so too. I hate the unknown, but I just got to drive on and hope that this is it. No more surgeries!

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  16. Here's wishing you a quick and speedy recovery, as well as God's guidance through all of this!

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