Input please from anyone who's had hernia repair with a patch

[Anya]

I'm 16 months post-op now from umbilical hernia repair where a patch was used to reinforce the suture. I believe the use of patch as a prophylactic against reinjury is very commons these days so I expect others on board with hernia repair can weigh in on the state of their own patch.

Just over the last month I've noticed the patch seems to be a bit more prominent. At first I thought I'd torn again as I touched my belly just above the button and felt a knot or bulge. When I pressed the knot though it was completely painless and I realized it was the patch I was touching.

It seems to have changed shape, definitely less flat, and seems to be a bit higher than before (maybe 1/2 inch). I italicize the "seems" in both cases as I don't know if this is even possible. The knot I press is totally painless so it cannot be a new hernia, but I also don't know if the patch could move.

So has anyone else noticed what appears to be changes in the shape or position of their patch over time? Much thanks for any input.

[any1uno]

This is one question I'd ask your doctor about. My only reason is that if the patch did move it could cause some issues but if you're not experiencing any pain it could also be scar tissue. Play it safe and get it checked out...no harm no foul but if there is a problem it's caught early. Just my take.

[Beverly McD.]

My husband Mike has 2 patches Anya. No problems at all even under a 1000 pound squat. Have you leaned out in the last few weeks? That could effect what you see and feel. If not, just call your doctors office and ask the nurse. She should have a good idea if you need to make an appt. to come in or not.
Any1uno has a good point about the scar tissue.

[Anya]

My husband Mike has 2 patches Anya. No problems at all even under a 1000 pound squat. Have you leaned out in the last few weeks? That could effect what you see and feel. If not, just call your doctors office and ask the nurse. She should have a good idea if you need to make an appt. to come in or not.
Any1uno has a good point about the scar tissue.

Actually I have leaned out significantly over the last 6 weeks, Bev. It had occurred to me this could be the reason for what seemed to be a size/position change in the patch but didn't want to lead anyone so I didn't mention it. I guess I'd dropped between 2 and 3% bf during that time.

[Anya]

This is one question I'd ask your doctor about. My only reason is that if the patch did move it could cause some issues but if you're not experiencing any pain it could also be scar tissue. Play it safe and get it checked out...no harm no foul but if there is a problem it's caught early. Just my take.

and get charged $250. :biggthumpup: May well come to that, but checking in with my peers first since there's no pain.

Now the scar tissue is a possibility that totally didn't occur to me. Thanks. This would be about the time significant scar tissue would build up I suppose.

[Killer]

I had one put in last Feb. I cannot feel the patch, but I have pain during activity and when I push around the repair. I talked to talk and apparently the screen keeps getting torn out of the abs a bit. Great..... I really had no pain before getting it taken care of, it was more of a visual problem.

[any1uno]

The doctor shouldn't charge you for asking the question..especially if they did the initial repair. A phone call should do...as Ms Bev stated.

[Anya]

The doctor shouldn't charge you for asking the question..especially if they did the initial repair. A phone call should do...as Ms Bev stated.

I'm afraid it's been too long for free follow-ups. I'd tried the phone call before posting. I suspect Bev nailed it though with the leanness comment. I suspect I'm feeling more of the patch now that there's very little subcutaneous bf above it.

[Anya]

I had one put in last Feb. I cannot feel the patch, but I have pain during activity and when I push around the repair. I talked to talk and apparently the screen keeps getting torn out of the abs a bit. Great..... I really had no pain before getting it taken care of, it was more of a visual problem.

With me that persisted for a year essentially, but did finally resolve. During both the initial follow-ups my surgeon told me there's a high incidence of discomfort, particularly when stretching the part of the muscle wall where the repair was made. Said it's not usually a concern provided you don't get persisting pain following the activity.