Question: About three years ago I had extensive back surgery for two disc fusions and a spinal decompression. It was my third back surgery (I have 6 fusions now in my back and rods and pins/screws) and the surgery was over 9 hours long. After a week I was sent home but I noticed a small tubular line across my pelvic area (at the time my stomach was flat and I was in good shape). It looked like a hernia but when I brought it up at the next visit the doctor said it was a "dropped muscle" At the time I was experiencing a lot of pain from the catheter they inserted and I suspected they may have pierced something but they did a ultrasound and found nothing. It was just nerve damage and as time went by the pain in my urethra subsided. There was no pain from the bulge, just a cosmetic issue, ugly...but I was picking up weight from lack of exercise...so it didn't seem like a priority at the time so I ignored it. I was sick of doctors, and couldn't bear to go to another one. I am a Human Resource Manager and am able to sit down for the most part of my job responsibilities. So I am lucky I can work. Now, however, that bulge is hurting me whether I sit or stand. I noticed it when I started my walking for exercise again, 6 months after the surgery. I would have to hold my side so it didn't hurt as bad. It didn't hurt when I didn't move, though, so I ignored it still. Now the pain is constant. It is moderate but if I am on my feet a lot it is very painful. Some days it just throbs. I have a scar from the middle of my shoulder blades to my tailbone from my back surgery. I get steroid shots in L4 and L5 every three months because those discs are blown and I suffer from terrible sciatica. I refuse to have another surgery, though. I don't even know my own body anymore. I am in constant pain. So, if I tell you the "dropped muscle" hurts...you can believe me...it hurts. On a scale of 1 to 10 it is a 6 to 7. My question is...how does a person go into surgery for a back surgery and come out with a "dropped muscle"? Is this really a hernia and if so, how can something like that happen on the operating table? (Sorry to write a novel:)