Opposite of a Hernia???

Had my 6 month followup today. Did the pap and internal, and am scheduled for the yearly mammogram. The gyn-onc also had me take a CA125 blood test, my first one ever. He said that again the major opinions have changed and feels that a CA125 test is important for uterine/endo cancer survivors as much or even more so than for ovarian cancer. That it is a more accurate followup test for uterine cancer spread. I am not scheduled for another checkup for 6 months, so I guess I too will have to either wait it out, or make that inquiry call within a week, providing they don't call me first (gulp).

OK, what's this about opposite of a hernia? (That's what I am calling it in laypersons terms.) For months now I have complained about a bulge in my belly, off to the side of my vertical incision that is growing. First GP said it was not a hernia, and that I was full of poop, literally. Then recently this local doc and a county nurse practitioner say I indeed have a very large hernia. Today at my followup appointment the doctor, partner to my gyn-onc that did my surgery (my original doc quit) said that my doctor had actually tightened up my belly/muscle when closing me up after the surgery, and this was not a hernia. THe bulge that I am feeling is the area that was not operated on and was looser body skin, muscle, and fat from the aging and spreading process of life. So, it is not from the incision, but from not having an incision. If that "continues to be a problem" they can do an operation and tighten that area up, like they would a hernia operation. Make sense? But apparently, since it is not believe to be a hernia then it supposedly is no threat to me, and fixing it would only be a matter of cosmetics and comfort. I just never heard of this. Anyone else?

THe gyn-onc also voted against having a ct scan done at this time. (I never had one done.) He believes that more false positives or "other things" show up on these scans, especially for women who had uterine cancer and at such low stages as mine. Unless I was presenting more symptoms, especially painful ones, than he advised against the scans. I actually think this doc is top notch, so I will trust what he has to say.

So that's that! The best to everyone!
LaterGator... Terri

dear terri...i hope you do phone next week and get the results of the ca125, just to put your mind at peace. i'm sorry i can't shed any light on the reverse hernia situation but i just wanted to say i love your subtle sense of humour in the way you describe things: "fat from the aging and spreading process of life"! yes, i have experienced that process also...lol!

glad you have found a dr. you trust...best wishes for a normal ca125 result.

Terri, you must stay on your toes with all these differing opinions on your state of health. The evidence seems to be pretty obvious, I am glad you have a doc that now seems to be on top of this for you. If this is considered 'cosmetic' would you have difficulty having it covered by insurance?
Best wishes on a looowww CA125, keep us posted.

Hey Teri,

I am glad you got some answers on this, from the doc you like and trust. hopefully, this won't be an issue for you, eventually???


Hoping your ca-125 is low low low.

in there,
k9

(((Terri))),

So glad you've found a doc you feel comfortable with, and that things seem to be cruising along pretty well. I agree with the other gals that I'd call to get my CA-125 results just for your own peace of mind.

Here's hoping they're super low!!!!!!


monami

hey there terri. i'm sooo glad that you've got another doctor whom who trust, and sounds like you 'like' him too, and that's a real plus. it's good that you don't have a hernia; did this doctor think it needed surgery. i thought it caused you discomfort? and i've heard similar things about being careful not to have 'too' many tests; we find these normal abnormalities in our bodies when we do lots of tests which can result in unnecessary additional tests and procedures. it's such a balance! did he have feedback for you on the pains you've been experiencing (in your legs, right?)? and, i, too, love your humor.

Hey gals, thanks so much for your thoughts about my CA125 results, and other comments and suggestions! Mucho appreciated!

Yeah, this gyn-onc is good, but he was just a substitute fill-in for his son (also a Dr. and gyn-onc researcher) who were both partnered with my original gyn-onc, who quit the county practice and moved to another state. (Now ya know why is it always such a long story with me??? Nothing is easy!) I may never see him again! I had actually met him before my surgery because he was substituting for my doc which was to be my pre-consult meeting. I only initially met my doc for about 20 seconds as they wheeled me in, before they put me under! Just the same... all these docs were duly googled after my operation.

Faithfirst: I don't have insurance, per/se, so I don't know if I would get financial assistance for this operation unless it was threatening my health in some way other than cosmetic. Only time will tell! I am a county patient, MIA (medically indigent adult) as it is known here, meaning I am on an ability to pay program. (I have BA degree but there just isn't any real work for "me" here in this town, and my freelance biz has all but fallen apart. I moved here 7 years ago from L.A. to take care of my dad after my mom died.) Sorry if this is TMI.

catwoman000: Nope, no real answer on the leg/knee pain, and it gets nasty sometimes! Both the GP and gyn-onc said I probably have lymphedema, but the GP, a resident who doesn't know his "you-know-what" from a hole in the ground (IMHO), just said there's 'nothing' you can do about it! The gyn-onc said since mine was intermittent, good days and bad days, I would have to wait until it was really debilitating to do something about it ...in other words, for now, wear support hose on the bad days. (hmmm ...I think I am reconsidering about how great I think this doc is...) Thanks!

Funny, most the time I don't even know I am being funny. And when I really try to be funny I can see that in general this planet is not an easy house!

hi folky...i see you're up late too...just got home from seeing the "mr. bean" movie (lol funny/silly), then getting a few things done before tomorrow as i'm having a birthday party for my 82-yr. old dad. thought i was done and was about to settle into a couple chapters of my book when i noticed the kitty litter was a mess, so cleaned that out (i use a dust mask now)! tomorrow i have to pick up the dog poops in the backyard...sorry, tmi!! you sure do have a great sense of humour...hope i'm laughing when i'm supposed to!!

anyways, regarding your possible lymphadema...i'm sure you already know this and have researched this, but what about trying some of the treatments for it? i read something about lymphatic massage and other therapies. i also read that it is advised to do something about it or else it could become chronic.

well hope you get yourself feeling better. going to read a bit now. enjoy the rest of the weekend. goodnight!