mysterious lump

Hello. I had a TAH/BSO in February 2005, and then an incisional hernia repair 7 weeks ago, and since the hernia surgery, I've been complaining about a pain above the incision. Surgeon said it was swelling, post surgery, etc. I went back again today, and he (finally) did a thorough exam of the lump/mass that is hurting me, and he finally acknowledged its existence, says it's about size of 3 peas, and thinks it's unrelated to the hernia repair or the hysterectomy because it's a couple of inches above the hysterectomy/hernia incision. BUT, he doesn't know what it is!!! That is not a good feeling. He says he would like to remove it, though. Will need a new incision because it's too far from the hyst incision. OK....so, tomorrow, i have a CT scan which is to cover the whole abdominal area. This will be so they can hopefully determine before surgery just what this 'mass' is! It's the first time I've had a CT. My TAH/BSO was for recurring cervical dysplasia (despite LEEPs, etc.). I'm quite anxious, to put it mildly. And, feel frustrated. Surgeon said though he doesn't know what it is, though cancer doesn't hurt. So, what is it??? Meanwhile, I also have a uti. Can I just say I feel crappy? Thanks for listening...
Joanne

Joanne, I dont know wnhat to say except hang in there sweetie. I am actually having surgery on 08/07 to "repair" the hernia repair I had on 09/07/05 for am incisional umbilical hermnia which developed as a result of my TAH/BSO on November 2004 for ovarian camcer. 3 surgeries in 20 months is NOT fun. I am thinking of asking for them to just put a zipper in so they dont have to keep slicing my belly open!

Thanks, Karin. I 'saw' you in another thread about the hernias, zipping/unzipping for repeated surgeries. It just seems so unfair. This surgery would require a new incision for me - no more bikinis, I guess. Hah! Right now, my mind wanders all over....what could it be? Did they leave something in me during the last surgery? Surgeon says it's not considered 'near' the other incision, but.... And, regardless, I think I should go for a second opinion. Like you said, 3 surgeries in such a short time is NOT fun...it's currently 17 months since 1st one, 1.5 since second, and who knows about another one at this time. Thinking more about it, I'm glad that they're at least checking all of the abdomen...let's see what's going on! Doctors so often treat us in parts rather than a whole.
Joanne

Hi Joanne

You have a lot to deal with at the moment. I had an incisional hernia post op from my hysterectomy in 1981. Unfortunately some things never change. Following having my ovaries removed 2 years ago, the incision split open and I ended up with an infection. When I had the incisional hernia I was in acute pain. There was also a lump near, but not on the incision line. It turned out that it was a haematoma which is somewhat like a blood clot. The area had to be cleaned out and after about 10 days or so the inflamation subsided. I had to have repairs of the repairs to my incisional hernia, but eventually it all healed and it is now a distant memory. Hang in there sweety, I know this is easier said than done.

take care

Kristy

in there, Joanne.
I hope your CT goes well and gives clues to solve the problem w/out further surgery.

Let us know how you are doing.
xoxo
K9

Thanks, everybody for your feedback. The ct scan showed nothing abnormal, so we (me, doctors, etc.) can feel this lump (actually, there are several), but nobody seems to know what it is. I'm hoping the surgeon is right that it will go away in 2-3 months. Right now, I'm just trying to accept it, deal with the pain (it's only when my tummy is touched.....), and go on with life 'normally'. Unfortunately, when it rains it pours. I already deal with depression, and this just adds situational stuff to it. Ah, well. Again, thanks for your replies.

Joanne