Testimonial – 2416

Dr. Reinhorn performed a Shouldice-method (mesh-free) repair of my inguinal hernia 5 weeks ago, and I’m very happy with the process and the results. During my initial consult, Dr. Reinhorn was unrushed with his examination, and patient with all my questions. The day of my surgery, I found all the clinic staff kind, professional, and thorough. The nurses who guided me through the prep were efficient yet unhurried, frequently checked in with me, and thoughtfully brought a blanket for my wife who was waiting with me in pre-op. The anesthesiologist, assisting surgeon, and Dr. Reinhorn all checked in with me, explained everything that was going to happen, and addressed any questions I had. My recovery has gone exactly as expected, or even better. Pain was very reasonably dealt with the recommended ibuprofen and acetaminophen. I certainly had no need for opioids, and I appreciate Dr. Reinhorn’s work in minimizing opioid usage for this procedure. I was able to move around my house and go out for a short walk the first day, and increased my activity a little each day. After 3+ days I probably could have worked my office job from home or reduced hours on-site if it was necessary, but I was very glad I was able to take 5 days off for rest and not being stuck in one position in a chair all day. I believe that initial rest helped with my fairly quick recovery. I followed the recommendation to wait 2 weeks before easing into activities like mountain biking and running sports. I took it very easy for the first sessions. I felt great, so I was back to full-intensity sports shortly after. I really knew I was feeling better when I happened to sneeze in the car one day. I’d unconsciously braced myself for the hernia pain I’d felt for 2 years, but it didn’t hurt one bit! I’d never been so happy to sneeze. At a month in, my only discomfort came if I did something like hike or clear brush for several hours. Even then, it’s been very mild; no meds necessary. The site of the repair has rigid scar tissue, like a Tootsie Roll as Dr. Reinhorn described it. This is part of any discomfort I feel, but I understand it will soften over the next year. I’d recommend Dr. Reinhorn and his team, and am thankful I was able to have an out-patient mesh-free repair without travelling to and staying at the Shouldice Clinic in Canada. I’m in my mid 40’s, low BMI, and am typically fairly active.