Hernia Repair

The nurse tried to get the hospital cap away from Ed before the picture but he was having none of it!

Ed really wanted the picture of his incision but Peggy thought this one was alot cuter!

After Peggy's successful vein surgery last year, Ed decided that this was the year to repair his small inguinal hernia. Great subject for the blog, no? Monday was the date of the surgery. We took the 6AM ferry over to Playa, the bus to Cancun and a cab to Galenia Hospital. Surgery took place about 11AM. Checking in about 9AM, we experienced the normal incorrect hospital billing (sounds like the US!) and on the third attempt, the bill was close enough to what we had been quoted. Seems the hospital had raised its prices and either didn't tell the doctor or the he just forgot. Either way, with that bill out of the way surgery took place. Surgery here is quite informal compared to the US. The doctor, anesthesiologist, nurse, assistants all laugh and joke in the operating room as Ed is wheeled in. Right before he was put to sleep Ed asked the surgeon (Doctor Barragan) for assurance that this was not his first hernia repair. He replied "Actually, it's my second. The first was about 5 years ago!" He looked around and said "I think the instruction book is here somewhere! Don't worry, I'll find it if I need it" Comforted, Ed was anesthetized. Surgery took about 45 minutes and recovery about an hour and a half. Then, off to a room where Peggy anxiously awaited. It was the same room where Peggy recovered. It felt like home! After giving out beerings to the nurses, we left the hospital about 5PM and took a cab to the bus station for the trip to Playa and then the ferry back to Cozumel at 7PM.

The results are pretty amazing. Very little pain or discomfort. No stitches on the incision, just the steri-strips. Ed's taking a mild pain reliever for 3 days and antibiotics for 4 days. Walking is no problem- just a bit slower. Doctor says full recovery in 2 weeks!

Peggy has been constantly checking the incision for signs of infection or inflamation. None.

Just like LBJ, Ed is offering to show his incision to everyone. So far, no takers, other than Peggy!