Hernia, obviously, non-valk related

[Mike M in ohio]

     Last week, I returned from a long distance visit with two daughters and a beautiful grandson. As I rode the Valk around beautiful Schroon Lake, New York (in the Adirondacks) to catch up with errands, I developed severe pain in my lower left back. The pain grew so bad that I had to, reluctantly, return home with my beautiful black dragon.....and sit, scrunched over in non-ceasing pain, as I called the physician.
      Turns out, I was passing one kidney stone, and a second was about to leave the same kidney. I told the wife this was as bad as childbirth, and she should treat me royally, but, she gave me "the look" and went about her business.
     Luckilly, the stones passed within 36 hours, and I was back on the bike shortly thereafter, thinking all was well. HOWEVER...as days passed, I noticed that an ache in my groin still persisted, and twingy pains kept distracting me from life's enjoyment. Turns out, the intense gagging that accompanied the slow scraping movement of those stones (Did I mention it was far worse than childbirth?) resulted in an inguinal hernia developing. I now have a mushy lump on the left side that regularly twinges, to remind me how lucky I am.
     My question is: The MD says I may want to wait to repair it until things worsen. I feel it has nowhere to go EXCEPT GET WORSE. Anyone have one of these? And, how quickly did you address the repair?
     Sorry for such an off topic, but I know there's a wealth of world experience on this site. And, did I happen to mention that passing those kidney stones was FAR WORSE than any woman's childbirth experience???
                                                                                    Mike in New York

[Rams]

Personally, I'd get a second opinion.

I know the pain you are experiencing.   When it gets worse and it will, the pain quotient will increase also.   I now carry a nine inch scar because I was told to tough it out.   Your first doc may be correct but, I'd still get another opinion.

[John Schmidt]

Re. the stones, when I was in the hospital for a large one that wouldn't pass, I chatted with the nurses about it. Everyone that had experienced both childbirth and a large stone with no hesitation said childbirth is easier and less painful in most cases.

As for your future stones, have your doctor prescribe Allopurinol. It's used to help prevent gout, which is usually made up of the same type crystals as most stones. I've been on it for about 7 years with no new stones. Prior to that I could count on at least two per year, sometimes more often. I usually had them blasted but you still are in some pain for a few hours until you pass all the broken up but much smaller pieces.

[J.Mencalice]

Here's your second opinion: Get it fixed.
No charge.

[Rams]

Here's your second opinion: Get it fixed.
No charge.

Well, there you have it.   

[Raverez]

Had an umbilical hernia repaired in August. Get it done. Might be a little pain now but it's like that little oil leak you never get to fixing til it's too late.
And you did say you were riding when the pain started, so it's Valk related!

[Patrick]

I've had both. Never want either agin.

But, the hernia. I too would get a second opinion which kinda means, get it fixed.  I suffered having to use one leg to stand up and all the stuff that goes with it. PITA.
That said, get it fixed correctly.
The first scmho I went to said he would fix it lapriscopscly [ the new way] and had to put me out for it. Not knowing anything and trusting this jerk I went for it. Well they could not put me under because they didn't have an airway my size. Waste of time.
So the second doctor I went to kinda laughed at the first one and said I come in first thing in the morning, they would do it the old fashion way [ local mac] and I'd be home by noon. Apparently mine was big as he mentioned having a hard time getting one piece of screen to fit and he had to make a second cut, but, the whole thing was a piece of cake. Went home and raked leaves. Easy peasy.

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

Re. the stones, when I was in the hospital for a large one that wouldn't pass, I chatted with the nurses about it. Everyone that had experienced both childbirth and a large stone with no hesitation said childbirth is easier and less painful in most cases.

With regard to kidney stones-This ^^^^^^^ My experience with hernias (2) were when I was young and couldn't tell you what kind or what to do, but sounds like second opinion is in order for sure.

[G-Man]

Don't wait.  If it's affecting your daily activities, the doc can move it right along, and should.  Second opinion is fine, but get that done quickly as well, to avoid further disability (inability to perform life's daily activities).

I never understood the waiting until it worsens thought process.  Except maybe with orthopedic stiff in kids, or if the treatment could be detrimental by itself.

[Wizzard]

Had a groin hernia repaired 2 years ago. I was real uncomfortable for a month but it was worth it. I actually went on vacation to CO for a week one week after the surgery. Best thing I did in retrospect.
The surgery was a breeze.
As to stones,, had them too but eat and drink right and you wont get them again. My experience.

[R J]

I've had 4 of them.   2 doubles and 2 singles.

Was laid up for 6 weeks after surgery on all of them.   Then I had to hold down a desk job for about 4 more weeks before I could get back on a motor and go to my real job..

Had it done and then raked the yard that afternoon, I'd say you is full of it also.

[Wizzard]

RJ, I am with you,, I don't think I would be raking leaves either. At least for 3 weeks. 

[BobB]

I had one repaired a year ago.  It did not cause pain so I continued to ride through the summer.  But when the surgeon got in there, it was much worse than predicted.  Over two hours in surgery and I now have a six inch scar down there. 

Good advice here, don't wait, get er done...

[Wizzard]

I had one repaired a year ago.  It did not cause pain so I continued to ride through the summer.  But when the surgeon got in there, it was much worse than predicted.  Over two hours in surgery and I now have a six inch scar down there. 

Good advice here, don't wait, get er done...

I had exactly the same experience. I was told 10 years ago that I had a hernia the size of a dime and if it ever caused pain to let them know. By the time i let them know it took over 2 hours to repair and a 6 inch scar.

[Valkorado]

I agree with the advice about getting it taken care of, but I'd recommend researching your surgeon and perhaps going with one who specializes in GI procedures.  I had a double inguinal hernia laparoscopic surgery that didn't go so well.  The left side blew out shortly after the surgery.  I've dealt with this hernia for years now, but sometimes it really gets my attention.  I'm sure I'll have to arrange another surgery in the future, and I'm not excited about it.

[Master Blaster]

Had a right inguinal fixed back in the early 60s, and a nerve bundle got entrapped in the scar tissue as it healed.  Had the same symptoms off and on for years after and had to wear a scrotal support when it hit.  Thankfully it finally healed  itself.  I would say you need to get it fixed asap, and  would look for another Dr.  Its a weak area and if it gets worse, it could be much worse.  I wouldn't risk it.

[Jess from VA]

I was born with one, and it was fixed at age 4.  To the best of my recollection, it never gave me any symptoms of any kind.  My simple question would be why does it have to get worse before you fix it (it will need fixed sometime, why not now?  Will it fix itself?)?.  I bet the price will not go down if you wait a couple years.

I was pretty pissed off at my mom for leaving me at the hospital in the middle of my summer fun.  I was told (I have no recollection) that when they rolled me off the elevator on the gurney into the OR, I got one look at all those stainless steel tools and scalpels and white coated and masked adults staring at me, and jumped up off the gurney and went into full combat mode, running around, kicking, punching, screaming and biting anyone who got close to me.  It seemed pretty obvious to me they intended to chop me up, and I was not going peacefully.  Dad taught me the full combat mode.  Then came the liquid ether in the screen over the nose.  I woke up with a big bandage on my side that hurt like hell, so I naturally thought if I could only tear the bandage off, the pain would go away.  The white coat people were not happy with this either.

I've never been a good patient........... there's very little patience in me.  

[RDAbull]

Diagnosed.
Two weeks later, repaired.
Off the bike for four weeks and then never bothered me again.
40 years ago, it's easier now.

[czuch]

Get it fixed. NOW.
I drove my Jag down a dirt road at 80 in excruciating pain. I had to get home.
I would have driven the Jag at 80, but I want to enjoy it.
I had one and the Doc. sewed a piece of screen in there and it was all good.
I was laid up for a short time and it was worth it all the way.
Out patient, patient was out. Needed a driver.
Stone situation is a separate nightmare.