Swiss Cheese

Justin had a hernia consultation appointment Sept 17th . Dr. Matlak found that he has the one hernia on the left side of the groin that we already knew of and two hydroceles, which is a condition where there is fluid that has leaked down from the abdomin through the hernia opening. This is noteworthy for two reasons: 1) there isn't supposed to be that much fluid there, 2) it means there is a sort of "pre-hernia" on the right side as well. The Dr explained that if he operated on only the left side it would put too much pressure on the right side and Justin would inevitably develop a hernia there too. So, he is going to take care of both sides and drain the fuid in both testicles. Also, the Dr said that even though it appears that Justin's umbilical cord hernia is getting bigger it isn't the size that matters, the hole itself is small and the wall of the hole is thick and firm which gives the Dr confidence that it will mend itself. He said they do 90% of the time. So no surgery on the belly button.

Justin is set for surgery on October 8th. It is a "same-day surgery" which means he doesn't have to spend the night (unless there are complications). The operation itself will take about 1 hr 30 min. The hospital will call the night before to let me know what time the surgery appointment is and give me more instructions. The appointment is 3 weeks out because the Dr wanted to wait until his eye infection cleared to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to the healing portion of his body. Since the hernia is loose there isn't much risk of the intestines getting caught in the hole and losing circulation.

Here is a picture of his umbilical hernia.