6 years after BiLateral Tram flap, increasing pain, Back pro

Karenmarie- I feel like you do....the mesh being the problem. It's been since 2010 that I had my bi lateral tram flap. My intestinal pain is constant and increases after eating, causing bloating & gas that doesn't expel. The pain and symptoms are so intense I avoid eating and have lost over 30 pounds. I have developed such deep depression and anxiety. I have seen surgeons, gastroenterology doctors and of course my MD; no one knows how to help me, except for dishing out meds that I cannot tolerate, so I suffer. I'm AM deeply depressed. Before this surgery I was vibrant, spontaneous and active....I would laugh and have fun, now I'm practically bed ridden and sad, sad, sad. I really think the mesh is to tight and it prevents my stomach from expanding when I eat it, and that lack of expansion and build up of gasses from the digestion of foods I eat is the problem. I did not know before my surgery I could have chosen a natural material or cadaver implant versus a polypropylene mesh implant. Is yours polypropylene or natural? It breaks my heart reading all of these horrific life stories, especially when I was searching for healing and relief. God bless us all.

I am so sorry to you all whom have suffered from this. I had my tram flap done in 2010 also. I am courous to know how many had this done at Walter Reed hospital. I was butchered and if you want pictures to compare I have them. God bless us all. We all each and everyone of us need to come together on this issue and sue the hell out of them. They have known about these issues for the last 15 years. I am ready and willing to fight back. You all have my personal email. Write!!!!!!

 ***this post is edited by moderator *** *** private e-mails not allowed*** Please read our Terms of Use

I had the SAME thing happen to me! I had tram in 2012. Almost immediately started having issues. I was pulled so tight, it was ridiculous. The surgeon tells me AFTER the fact, that I barely had enough surgery for this procedure. WTF. I wish I had NEVER done it. There are so many things they don't tell you. Biggest mistake of my life. I do acupuncture, which helps alleviate the pain, but my stomach is ruined. I am also trying to get the flap removed as well. Word to the wise, STAY AWAY FROM THIS PROCEDURE.

You're right, i had my tram flap for about 10 months, i search many information fr books and. Website, no information say disadvantages about this, i feel my abdomen very uncomfortable and no one tell me when will ease and eventually i got depression. So as you say, if anyone wants to take the lead to stop it, i will be the 2nd one

See my post on the prior thread. My FB group is TRAM/DIEP- Complications And Hope. There are 67 members and growing. Dr. Ron Israeli (PS) and Dr. George Denoto III ( hernia repair specialist) work in unison to repair post Tram Hernias and bulges. You can google their names and information is posted on them and on their repair. Their repair was just published in The Atlas Of Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, Vol. 2, Chapter 21.
I had the Tram Flap in July 2012. Developed bulge and diagnosed with hernias by these surgeons in March 2013. Repaired in May 2013 and still holding. Please look the group up. It contains all the resources to help you, and a great support system. If moderators remove my group- at least you have their names. I don't come on here often. But this will help you. I've referred many for repair and they are doing great to this day. point of contact at Dr. Ron Israelis office is Eva. She will walk you through the steps to get information on their repair and help you along the way. They are located on LI, NY.

Do u know of a support group

Kare marie, I saw your post and was wondering how u r now? I had my tram flap procedure in 2002, and am still having problems. Some days are better than others but I have just learnt to live with the discomfort. Debra Cruz

Do you make an appointment to see both of them separately?

What were your symtoms before your surgerys and after fixing the bulges?. Are you better is what I'm asking and did your mesh have anything to do with all or a few of the problems you have had?

I don't understand .why aren't there lawyers around that will take these cases everything about the Tram Flap is a lie I don't think we will ever feel better from this operation . To me this is really a scam.

Yes it is a scam!! I have been suffering for 14 years!!

I too have been botched. My surgery was back in 1997. Now the flesh has lost its circulation and the nerves are like they are on fire. I have open sores on my skin that I have to bandage and tend to daily. I even had to have a large area removed. The tissue has caused a giant cell reaction which is a reaction to the mesh that was put in me to hold me in place. The pain and weird feeling that I have had on the whole front of me since the surgery is unbelievable. I would not suggest this type of surgery for anyone. I only wish that there was some compensation for our pain.

Hi guys - I know these posts are old but thought I'd try anyway....go to facebook & do a search: TRAM/DIEP-Complication and Hope....Somewhere on this thread someone posted that. Anyway, there is a group of ladies who started a Group on complications with the Tram Flap - I did and joined and I find it very informative...everyone is super nice too....hope this helps someone!!

Please see my post below....

Hi guys ,I was led to believe I had a diep.only today I discovered I did indeed have a tram.i have been getting the most awful pain in my left lower groin,and the pubis bone.its an awful pain ,my surgeon out some steroid in there today and advised yet more pysio.told me it is all very rare!!!obviousely not