No pain , many gains after emergency hernia repair .
As a former journeyman machinist , the only thing that Christopher Hamel enjoys more than machines is people . He helps many of his neighbors with everyday necessities — rides , repairs , and even a good laugh . He even jokingly refers to his medical appointments as “ tune-ups .” And as someone with a history of mental illness , including PTSD , helping others helps Christopher . “ Making a difference in someone ’ s life means everything to me ,” he said .
But when he suddenly fell to the ground in pain , Christopher was the one who needed help . And he found it at Canonsburg , after his wife encouraged him to go to the emergency room . “ It was like something was blowing up inside me like a balloon ,” Christopher recalls . His instincts weren ’ t far off . A CT scan revealed that scar tissue from two previous hernia surgeries , as well as the mesh that was placed during the first , was obstructing his bowel . AHN Dr . Jennifer Rittenhouse-Puhak wasted no time in giving Christopher his options — manage pain and have hernia repair surgery tomorrow , or do it now . “ Shared decision making is a big part of my job . Giving patients all the options and possible outcomes , we can make the best choice together ,” she said . That transparency made Christopher feel seen and heard , which was especially important for his anxiety .
“ Dr . Rittenhouse- Puhak treated me like family . Like a real person , not just a patient .”
— CHRISTOPHER HAMEL
“ I was part of the process and had some control , which is huge for my mental health . She really listened and explained everything .” And with his mind at ease , Christopher was comfortable moving forward with surgery . Dr . Rittenhouse- Puhak performed open hernia repair , removing both the hernia mesh and the extensive scar tissue that was the source of Christopher ’ s immediate and chronic pain , as well as digestive problems . She also repaired the damage to his bowel and restored his belly button — a feature that had been lost due to his previous surgeries . Between the nurses who kept him laughing and the aides who helped him get back on his feet , Christopher said the way he was treated made all the difference in his three-day hospital stay , helping him to get well sooner . “ All that positive energy helped me recover . They made me feel like Superman .”
Today , life isn ’ t just back to normal , it ’ s better than ever . Christopher is able to do more of the things he loves with all the people he loves , especially his kids . “ I haven ’ t felt this good in years . I ’ m excited about life ,” he said . He credits this most recent surgery , and his care team of AHN doctors , with his new lease on life . “ I would recommend them over any other system . They make you feel special . Make an appointment and see what it ’ s like for yourself .” And when he needs another tune-up , Christopher knows exactly where to go .
UP TO 10 % OF THE
POPULATION DEVELOPS SOME KIND OF HERNIA DURING THEIR LIFETIME .
Source : www . medscape . com / answers / 189563-45206 / how-common-are-abdominalhernias-in-the-us