Breaking: Bernie Sanders to Undergo Hernia Procedure

[Cali_Democrat]

Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders will undergo an elective hernia procedure at a Washington, D.C. hospital on Monday, according to a statement from his Senate office.

Sanders, 74, will return to his Senate duties on Tuesday following the outpatient procedure at George Washington University Hospital, according to the release.

The Vermont senator has positioned himself as the top Democratic challenger to frontrunner Hillary Clinton, who continues to hold a strong lead over Sanders in national polling.

http://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/bernie-sanders-undergo-hernia-procedure-n471461

Let's keep in mind Bernie is 74 years old. While a hernia procedure is usually not considered to be serious, I do think his age/health will become a bigger issue as the campaign moves forward.

Does anyone know if he has or will release his medical records?

[leftofcool]

1. Actually, this is a fairly simple procedure, Cali.

Hubby had one a few years ago. He was down for a couple of days and back to work in about a week. I will say, however that it is painful.

[jkbRN]

22. Yeah

I am a nurse, I see these procedures ALL THE TIME. Very simple outpatient procedure, most of the time it is elective.

[moobu2]

27. Has his campaign said what kind of hernia he has?

Last edited Mon Nov 30, 2015, 05:54 PM - Edit history (1)

I haven't seen it if they've said.


This lady I used to work for was in her 70's and she had a hernia where her stomach went up into her chest. She almost died but I don't think she sought help until she was pretty bad off.

[Betty Karlson]

71. See response # 1: totally different case. n/t

[okasha]

111. That sounds like a strangulated hiatial hernia.

Not on the same level of seriousness at all.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

119. Bernie is only 6 years older than Hillary

[still_one]

79. And 15% have chronic pain from such surgeries for the rest of

their lives. That is why inguinal hernias, unless they are large and produce symptoms, are best managed by watchful waiting according to the latest recommendation

[Docreed2003]

85. Absolutely incorrect...

Chronic inguinodynia, or groin pain following hernia repair, isn't 15%, and watchful waiting on an inguinal hernia is not the current surgical recommendation. That is a set up for either a). An emergent repair due to incarceration/strangulation in which case the repair is done through an open incision and may have to be repaired in a fashion that would have been used fifty years ago. Or B). Enlargement of the hernia which makes repair more difficult and increases risk of recurrence. Most surgeons recommend elective repair even when hernias are asymptomatic

[still_one]

102. Up to 15% do experience some form of chronic pain. This has been documented in several studies

http://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/causes-postoperative-pain-following-inguinal-hernia-repair-what-literature-shows

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/744878

Most state the pain risk at 2 to 5%, but in actuality it is closer to 15%. Still that means 85% usually have no problems, but for those 15% there is very little the medical community can do to ease the pain.


"Persistent groin pain and post-herniorraphy neuralgia — Persistent pain following groin hernia surgery is common. Some form of chronic or residual postoperative discomfort/pain is present after inguinal or femoral hernia repair with reported rates ranging from 0.7 to 43.3 percent [12,27]. The nature of the pain can vary over time. Pain following hernia surgery should subside within an expected time interval, but when pain persists for more than three months and is shown not to be related to other causes, a presumptive diagnosis of post-herniorrhaphy neuralgia can be made. The clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of post-herniorrhaphy neuralgia are discussed elsewhere. (See "Persistent groin pain following hernia repair and post-herniorrhaphy neuralgia".)"

.........

"Complications after inguinal or femoral hernia repair are relatively common, with the incidence depending upon the clinical circumstance under which the repair was performed as well as the site and type of the hernia [1].

Urgent and emergent procedures are associated with higher complication rates compared with elective repair [2,3]. In one review of 1034 groin hernia repairs, overall complication rates were 27 percent for acute hernia repairs and 15.1 percent for elective repairs [3]. Higher complication rates are also seen with repair of recurrent hernia compared with primary hernia repair. In studies comparing open and laparoscopic repair, the overall incidence of complications is similar; however, the nature of the complications differs. Identifiable differences are discussed below. (See "Overview of treatment for inguinal and femoral hernia in adults".)

In a review that included 6895 groin hernia repairs in women and 83,753 in men, although the overall incidence of postoperative complications was similar, the need to resect bowel was higher in women compared with men (16.6 versus 5.6 percent), likely related to the greater proportion of women who required emergency hernia repair [2]. However, under elective circumstances, women had a slightly lower rate of postoperative complications (7.0 versus 8.5 percent)."

1.Matthews RD, Anthony T, Kim LT, et al. Factors associated with postoperative complications and hernia recurrence for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair: a report from the VA Cooperative Hernia Study Group. Am J Surg 2007; 194:611.
2.Koch A, Edwards A, Haapaniemi S, et al. Prospective evaluation of 6895 groin hernia repairs in women. Br J Surg 2005; 92:1553.
3.Abi-Haidar Y, Sanchez V, Itani KM. Risk factors and outcomes of acute versus elective groin hernia surgery. J Am Coll Surg 2011; 213:363.
4.Fitzgibbons RJ Jr, Giobbie-Hurder A, Gibbs JO, et al. Watchful waiting vs repair of inguinal hernia in minimally symptomatic men: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 2006; 295:285.
5.Hawn MT, Itani KM, Giobbie-Hurder A, et al. Patient-reported outcomes after inguinal herniorrhaphy. Surgery 2006; 140:198.
6.Falagas ME, Kasiakou SK. Mesh-related infections after hernia repair surgery. Clin Microbiol Infect 2005; 11:3.
7.Kocot A, Gerharz EW, Riedmiller H. Urological complications of laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: a case series. Hernia 2011; 15:583.
8.Gulino G, Antonucci M, Palermo G, et al. Urological complications following inguinal hernioplasty. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2012; 84:105.
9.Köckerling F, Jacob DA, Bittner R, et al. Risk of postoperative urinary retention after laparoscopic (TAPP) or endoscopic (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Surg Endosc 2013; 27:1049.
10.Bittner R, Schmedt CG, Schwarz J, et al. Laparoscopic transperitoneal procedure for routine repair of groin hernia. Br J Surg 2002; 89:1062.
11.Winslow ER, Quasebarth M, Brunt LM. Perioperative outcomes and complications of open vs laparoscopic extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair in a mature surgical practice. Surg Endosc 2004; 18:221.
12.Inaba T, Okinaga K, Fukushima R, et al. Chronic pain and discomfort after inguinal hernia repair. Surg Today 2012; 42:825.
13.Schmedt CG, Sauerland S, Bittner R. Comparison of endoscopic procedures vs Lichtenstein and other open mesh techniques for inguinal hernia repair: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Surg Endosc 2005; 19:188.
14.Schwab JR et al. After 10 years and 1.903 inguinal hernias, what is the outcome for the laparoscopic repair? Surgical Endoscopy. 2002;16:1201.
15.Matthews R, Anthony T, Kim LT, Wang J, Fitzgibbon R, Giobbie-Hurder A, Reda D, Itani K, Neumayer L. Factors associated with postoperative complications and hernia recurrence for patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair. The American Journal of Surgery. 2007;194:611.
16.Berney CR. Risk of postoperative urinary retention after laparoscopic (TAPP) or endoscopic (TEP) inguinal hernia repair. Surg Endosc 2013; 27:694.
17.Kaul A, Hutfless S, Le H, et al. Staple versus fibrin glue fixation in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Surg Endosc 2012; 26:1269.
18.Tam KW, Liang HH, Chai CY. Outcomes of staple fixation of mesh versus nonfixation in laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal repair: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. World J Surg 2010; 34:3065.
19.Garg P, Rajagopal M, Varghese V, Ismail M. Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair with nonfixation of the mesh for 1,692 hernias. Surg Endosc 2009; 23:1241.
20.Garg P, Nair S, Shereef M, et al. Mesh fixation compared to nonfixation in total extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial in a rural center in India. Surg Endosc 2011; 25:3300.
21.Bittner R, Arregui ME, Bisgaard T, et al. Guidelines for laparoscopic (TAPP) and endoscopic (TEP) treatment of inguinal hernia [International Endohernia Society (IEHS)]. Surg Endosc 2011; 25:2773.
22.Doehn C, Fornara P, Miglietti G, Jocham D. Uraemia after laparoscopic bilateral hernia repair. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1998; 13:1265.
23.Schwab JR, Beaird DA, Ramshaw BJ, et al. After 10 years and 1903 inguinal hernias, what is the outcome for the laparoscopic repair? Surg Endosc 2002; 16:1201.
24.Sanchez-Manuel FJ, Seco-Gil JL. Antibiotic prophylaxis for hernia repair. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003; :CD003769.
25.Sanabria A, Domínguez LC, Valdivieso E, Gómez G. Prophylactic antibiotics for mesh inguinal hernioplasty: a meta-analysis. Ann Surg 2007; 245:392.
26.Gilbert AI, Felton LL. Infection in inguinal hernia repair considering biomaterials and antibiotics. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1993; 177:126.
27.Alfieri S, Amid PK, Campanelli G, et al. International guidelines for prevention and management of post-operative chronic pain following inguinal hernia surgery. Hernia 2011; 15:239.
28.Eklund A, Rudberg C, Smedberg S, et al. Short-term results of a randomized clinical trial comparing Lichtenstein open repair with totally extraperitoneal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. Br J Surg 2006; 93:1060.
29.Grant AM, Scott NW, O'Dwyer PJ, MRC Laparoscopic Groin Hernia Trial Group. Five-year follow-up of a randomized trial to assess pain and numbness after laparoscopic or open repair of groin hernia. Br J Surg 2004; 91:1570.
30.Shin D, Lipshultz LI, Goldstein M, et al. Herniorrhaphy with polypropylene mesh causing inguinal vasal obstruction: a preventable cause of obstructive azoospermia. Ann Surg 2005; 241:553.
31.Delikoukos S, Tzovaras G, Liakou P, et al. Late-onset deep mesh infection after inguinal hernia repair. Hernia 2007; 11:15.
32.Moon V, Chaudry GA, Choy C, Ferzli GS. Mesh infection in the era of laparoscopy. J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A 2004; 14:349.
33.Neumayer L, Giobbie-Hurder A, Jonasson O, et al. Open mesh versus laparoscopic mesh repair of inguinal hernia. N Engl J Med 2004; 350:1819.
34.Costerton JW, Stewart PS, Greenberg EP. Bacterial biofilms: a common cause of persistent infections. Science 1999; 284:1318.
35.Donlan RM. Biofilm formation: a clinically relevant microbiological process. Clin Infect Dis 2001; 33:1387.
36.Vuong C, Gerke C, Somerville GA, et al. Quorum-sensing control of biofilm factors in Staphylococcus epidermidis. J Infect Dis 2003; 188 06.
37.Taylor SG, O'Dwyer PJ. Chronic groin sepsis following tension-free inguinal hernioplasty. Br J Surg 1999; 86:562.
38.Nolla-Salas J, Torres-Rodríguez JM, Grau S, et al. Successful treatment with liposomal amphotericin B of an intraabdomianl abscess due to Candida norvegensis associated with a Gore-Tex mesh infection. Scand J Infect Dis 2000; 32:560.
39.Matthews MR, Caruso DM, Tsujimura RB, et al. Ventral hernia synthetic mesh repair infected by Mycobacterium fortuitum. Am Surg 1999; 65:1035.
40.Deysine M. Pathophysiology, prevention, and management of prosthetic infections in hernia surgery. Surg Clin North Am 1998; 78:1105.
41.Kuo YC, Mondschein JI, Soulen MC, et al. Drainage of collections associated with hernia mesh: is it worthwhile? J Vasc Interv Radiol 2010; 21:362.
42.Cingi A, Manukyan MN, Güllüoğlu BM, et al. Use of resterilized polypropylene mesh in inguinal hernia repair: a prospective, randomized study. J Am Coll Surg 2005; 201:834.
43.Terzi C, Kiliç D, Unek T, et al. Single-dose oral ciprofloxacin compared with single-dose intravenous cefazolin for prophylaxis in inguinal hernia repair: a controlled randomized clinical study. J Hosp Infect 2005; 60:340.
44.Rehman S, Khan S, Pervaiz A, Perry EP. Recurrence of inguinal herniae following removal of infected prosthetic meshes: a review of the literature. Hernia 2012; 16:123.
45.Salvati EA, Chekofsky KM, Brause BD, Wilson PD Jr. Reimplantation in infection: a 12-year experience. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1982; :62.
46.Agrawal A, Avill R. Mesh migration following repair of inguinal hernia: a case report and review of literature. Hernia 2006; 10 9.


Also, no surgery should be considered simple or "easy". When dealing with surgeries involving the GI track, real risk exists for infection. This is complicated even more with antibiotic resistance at alarming levels.

Gallbladder surgery is also considered "routine" surgery, but that does not mean there are not risks. John Murtha died from a perferation to the intestine during the procedure, and though that is extremely rare, it does happen, even with the minimally invasive methodologies used.

As for the fact that most surgeons recommend elective repair, that is no surprise. Most urologists still try to push patients to have a prostatectomy for a low grade, localized prostate cancer, even though in many if not most of those cases, Active Surveillance would be a prudent course, and one that is slowly gaining acceptance.

For a small hernia causing no symptoms, watchful waiting is an appropriate approach:

http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=202212
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16418463

[Docreed2003]

107. I stand by what I wrote..

Thanks for the data dump, I'm quite familiar with the subject and most of the papers you site because I actually deal with this every day as a surgeon. If you look at the data for inguinodynia, some studies suggest it is as high as 60%, but those studies are looking at pain in short time frames, like three months. If you look at a year, you are correct it's probably somewhere between 5-10%. The 5-10% is what I counsel my pts on prior to surgery. I also counsel my patients thoroughly on the other complications you have listed, it's a part of what we do. If anyone is seeing a surgeon and they don't cover the possible complications thoroughly, then I suggest they find a new surgeon.

As to your point about surgical risk: absolutely, any sugery carries a risk. And that's why we counsel patients ahead of time.

Finally, your data from 2006 JAMA has been debated six ways to Sunday in the surgical community. Our current guidelines are to recommend elective repair and I'll gladly provide you with the extensive debunking of the "watchful waiting" data provided by a surgeon whom I trained under. It's easy for non-surgeons to suggest watchful waiting. I can assure you that if you have an inguinal hernia you'd much rather have an elective minimally invasive repair than an open traditional hernia repair in an emergent setting, that might even require bowel resection. I don't suggest surgeries to my patients because I want to force them to have a procedure, I suggest surgery when it's truly needed. Also your statement about prostatectomy for low grade prostate cancer is absolutely not true for any urologist I've ever encountered.

[still_one]

112. I was presenting the evidence, that is why the references

There is no doubt that most surgeons perform surgeries on patients because the surgeon believes it is the best thing for the patient, and also achieves the best results. I am not that cynical. Most physicians try to do the best thing for their patients.

The 2006 proposal by Fitzgibbons was and is a controversial subject, as are other issues within the medical community. That is what makes the practice of medicine interesting and exciting. It is how progress is made. Hernia surgery is the best example of tremendous advances in the procedure and materials used.

My post was actually more directed at those in the thread that seemed to minimize the procedure as so routine that it was nothing. Probably because I am a little superstitious, in spite of my scientific background. I just prefer to view it with reserved optimism.

As for the other issues, I should not have muddled the current discussion with them. No question about it, I over stated the point, and incorrectly in regard to low grade PCa, or for that matter elective Hernia repair . In those specific cases, most surgeons and urologists provide patients the options available, and with the appropriate diagnostics help the patients make an informed decision.

I appreciate your dialog, thanks

Oh, and welcome to DU

[jeff47]

2. As a supporter of a candidate with unexplained fainting spells and a multi-day hospital stay

in the last few years, do you really want to start talking about medical records?

[NurseJackie]

6. They should all be willing to do so.

[jeff47]

12. There's the theory and practice.

In theory, candidates should be willing to be open about any medical conditions.

In practice, the OP only wants to apply this rule to one candidate.

[NurseJackie]

18. Well ...

"the OP only wants to apply this rule to one candidate."

It's unclear how the OP's question could be interpreted as "applying a rule" or somehow excluding any of the other candidates.

Since the topic is about Bernie's surgery, its a perfectly reasonable follow-up question (and a logical location for the question).


Edit: A quick google search shows information about Hillary's medical records (July 31, 2015), but I can't readily locate info on Bernie or Martin.

http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/hillary-clinton-medical-records

[jeff47]

20. And the next perfectly reasonable follow-up would be the other candidates.

Yet the OP didn't quite get to that for some reason. And it's almost like this thing has happened over and over again with this particular poster during this primary.

[NurseJackie]

25. Well...

Yet the OP didn't quite get to that for some reason.

The news and the post was about Bernie. It's a reasonable question under the circumstances. I think you're over-reacting.

Maybe to "even-the-score" and to find some parity, someone should make an OP about Hillary's concussion, and demand she produce her current health records as well.

[jeff47]

28. Not interested in "evening the score".

Pointing out that the OP's line of attack is at best misguided.

[NurseJackie]

38. Yet ...

"As a supporter of a candidate with unexplained fainting spells and a multi-day hospital stay in the last few years, do you really want to start talking about medical records?"

... in your zeal to point out and defend this grave injustice that has been thrust upon Bernie, your carefully chosen words come very close to suggesting that Hillary has yet to release her medical records.

The "do-you-really-want-to-go-there" tone is one that comes off as some sort of warning. Perhaps to suggest that people may begin to demand Hillary's medical records if someone pushes too hard about Bernie's.

Even though it's a touchy subject here, and people tend to be very defensive about such things, it's a subject that has (and will) come up out in the real world as well. Even more so when the news about this medical procedure is more known. How the campaign chooses to handle it will reveal much.

[Sheepshank]

41. "Not interested in "evening the score"."

Really? I don't understand you line of questioning then.

It seems that you very much want to even the medical records score. Oh don't get me wrong, that is perfectly fine I suppose, but why not start your own thread instread of badgering someone other than the OP to have the OP change their OP? lol

[jeff47]

47. The OP started a line of attack based on medical condition of the candidates.

My point was this line of attack would work out poorly for her candidate, so making this attack would be a bad idea.

In both cases, neither candidate appears to currently have health issues that are relevant to the campaign.

but why not start your own thread instread of badgering someone other than the OP to have the OP change their OP?

Because I'm not out to attack Clinton using the OP's angle. Instead, I'm answering a poster's questions in this thread.

If you'd rather see how I think this should have been handled, take a look at the post in LBN.

[Sheepshank]

54. my candidate....your candidate

when you can't just answer the questions and concerns in the OP, except to try and point out "...but your candidate..." you are threatening to even the score.

[jeff47]

62. What questions and concerns?

The OP is a hit-and-run "Sanders is too old and infirm" attack.

[moobu2]

66. Well he would be the oldest person ever elected POTUS

if he was able to get himself elected. Has he released his medical records?

[jeff47]

78. Why should he?

Also, Clinton would equal the oldest person ever elected POTUS. Should she release her records?

[Sheepshank]

67. apparently you did read, but didn't like the questions

that is usually the best time to walk away rather that manufacture some excuse for posting your own hit piece.

The OP hangs out at DU a lot....do you know why they chose to or are able to respond? The OP generally doesn't shy away from silly confrontations, so to use the "hit and rin" as an excuse to complain about the op is ridiculous imho.

[jeff47]

80. So...we're supposed to ignore what's actually in this thread

and instead go by your opinion of the poster....that does not match her behavior in this thread. Where's the not-shying-away from confrontations?

Again, one candidate has actually been hospitalized with a life-threatening problem in the last 3 years. It isn't Sanders. If you want to talk health, we can talk health, but it won't just be Sanders's health.

Or we could notice that all of the candidates seem to be in very good health, and move on to something actually important.

Your call.

[Sheepshank]

84. I actually don't give a flying rats arse if you respond or not to OP's that bother you

YOU are the one who claimed that you were not participating in "..your candidate, then my candidate" rhetoric, but it was exaclty what you were doing. I called you on it...and here we are several posts later you pretending this is not what this is about. Alrighty then.

[murielm99]

7. I call BS on this post.

This right-wing issue has already been disposed of.

On edit: I was going to overlook the nastiness of the bernistas and wish him a successful surgery and speedy recovery. I will do that now.

[cui bono]

13. The nastiness started with the OP who used this as an attack and did not make one mention

of well wishes.

The reply was in line with the OP since the OP was posted as an attack on Sanders. Oh, excuse me, as a 'concern'. Not for his health though, just to attempt to affect his viability in a negative way.

So knock it off with your "Bernistas" and "nastiness" bullshit until you clean your own glass house. And while you're at it, links debunking Hillary's health issues as "right wing" please... thanks!

[Cali_Democrat]

74. How was my OP an attack?

Pointing out his age is an attack?

These questions will come up.

He's running for President.

[jeff47]

15. Fucking right-wing facts!!

Clinton was hospitalized in 2013 for blood clots. Here's coverage in that horrible right-wing site known as "The Huffington Post".

She has also been treated for fainting spells. Here's one incident from 2012, where fainting and subsequent concussion was claimed as the reason she would not testify to Congress.

If the OP wants to be oh so worried about a minor and common outpatient procedure, that's fine. But that concern opens the door for other candidate's medical histories.

[murielm99]

17. I stand by what I said. n/t

The only reason I don't have you on ignore is that I want to keep track of your lies and distortions.

[jeff47]

19. Yes, those horrible lies of accurately citing history.

How DARE I accurately cite what happened all of 3 years ago!!! That's awful!!

Perhaps some of your rage should be directed towards the OP who decided that it was very important to now talk about medical history of the candidates. The OP found an angle she was sure was a fantastic attack, yet didn't bother thinking beyond her attack.

[LiberalArkie]

35. Results

On Mon Nov 30, 2015, 02:30 PM an alert was sent on the following post:

I stand by what I said. n/t
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=859926

REASON FOR ALERT

This post is disruptive, hurtful, rude, insensitive, over-the-top, or otherwise inappropriate.

ALERTER'S COMMENTS

Calling the other poster a liar is oot, especially after they cited facts from legitimate sources to back up their statement. We should be able to argue for our preferred candidate without this kind of nasty personal attack. Please hide.

You served on a randomly-selected Jury of DU members which reviewed this post. The review was completed at Mon Nov 30, 2015, 02:39 PM, and the Jury voted 3-4 to LEAVE IT.

Juror #1 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #2 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: Cuts both ways... As one who respects both candidates, I can only wonder why we can't knock this shit off. Since I'm not going to get into a "tit for tat" with alerts/hides/alerts, I'll leave this and hope some civility kicks in
Juror #3 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #4 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #5 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: The whole subthread should be deleted, but this post is a good place to start.
Juror #6 voted to HIDE IT
Explanation: No explanation given
Juror #7 voted to LEAVE IT ALONE
Explanation: This post says more about the poster than the person being responded to. BTW, unlike in the OP, I hope Sen. Sanders fares well with his procedure today.

Thank you very much for participating in our Jury system, and we hope you will be able to participate again in the future.

[jkbRN]

24. Hahahaha +100

[Live and Learn]

30. LOL nt

[840high]

31. lol

[Kalidurga]

32. That's the only operation I am interested in for this election cycle.

[MissDeeds]

42. Ouch!

Good one!

[UglyGreed]

65. Well at least

she can afford such a difficult extraction.......

[Agnosticsherbet]

101. She released her health records on July 31.

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/hillary-clinton-health-excellent-doctor-letter-2016-campaign-120861

[okasha]

116. Clinton's fainting spell was caused by dehydration.

I've had the same experience. It is not caused by, nor does it lead to, brain injury.

[jeff47]

117. Spells. Plural. There have been more than one. (nt)

[okasha]

120. I also had more than one.

Dehydration can be unpleasant, but it's hardly a chronic condition once treated.

[Iliyah]

3. Best wishes to Senator Sanders

[Agnosticsherbet]

4. I thnk all candidates should release their health records as well as their tax returns. nt

[okasha]

118. That's pretty much SOP now.

Clinton has already released her records. Both gentlemen should folow suit.

[NurseJackie]

5. Wishing Senator Sanders a speedy recovery.

One to two weeks sounds about right for a typical recovery period. Even longer (4-6 weeks) before strenuous activity can resume, and even then, he'd likely to still be weak. Of course I wish him the best, but something like this could potentially be devastating for him and his campaign.

[jkbRN]

29. Hahahahahahah

You think a hernia procedure is going to hurt his campaign? Are you really a nurse? If so, let's talk nurse to nurse about the implications of a hernia procedure v idiopathic fainting spells that STILL have not conclusively been tied to any particular illness.

[Skidmore]

43. My husband is BS' age and had a hernia repair surgery.

It affected his work for several weeks. Of course, there's a bit of difference between BS' job and pulling cable, manning substations, swinging a paintbrush for hours on end, and hiking miles to record inspections for regulators. I could see such a procedure as having an effect.

[MoonRiver]

46. My husband had a hernia surgery involving the placement of mesh.

He had a very difficult time recovering.

[Skidmore]

49. Sounds about right to me.

My tough guy who has always been extremely healthy had some difficulty too. You could see the mesh just under the skin.

[MoonRiver]

53. I'm squeemish so I didn't look, lol.

All I know is he really struggled with pain, and his job is sedentary.

[NurseJackie]

45. Only time will tell. Wishing Senator Sanders a speedy recovery.

It remains to be seen what conclusions voters come to, and whether those conclusions will be based on the behavior of his campaign or his supporters if they are not being forthcoming, or based on their being completely honest and transparent, or based on their claims of patient privacy.

It's impossible to predict, but I can predict that it will be interesting.

[Live and Learn]

57. Not a nurse. Likes a television show. nt

[Cali_Democrat]

73. Indeed

These things are pretty unpredictable.

[still_one]

105. That is the appropriate response, and I wish him a speedy recovery also, but in a certain percentage

of people recovery could take time

I have referred to such issues with references in my post #102

The majority experience no issues, but up to 15% can have issues, some very significant ones

[askew]

8. Nothing more absurd than a Hillary supporter trying to attack Bernie on his age.

Hillary is 69 years old and had two health scares that we know of in the past few years.

Both are too damn old to be president IMO and Dems will be hurt by their having to do a lighter schedule in the general against a younger candidate. Obama was helped immensely by the fact that he could do 2 to 3x more events daily than McCain.

[Skidmore]

51. Well, darn.

Prepare the way for an R with their anger driven mental acuity.

[MoonRiver]

59. Hillary stood up to 11 hours of grueling, hostile questioning by right wing Senate thugs.

I'm younger than her and would have fallen apart under that psychological and physical stress. Not worried about Hillary's stamina one little bit.

[UglyGreed]

63. Grueling lol

yeah she totally unprepared for such an ordeal

[AgingAmerican]

9. Ageism

Not surprising.

[Freddie Stubbs]

50. Voters tend to prefer candidates who appear young, healthy, and vigorous

And notice I sued the word 'appear.'

I know that Bernie is only a few years older than Hillary, but the he certainly looks a lot older than her.

[Live and Learn]

60. Oh please.... I guess Bernie should spend the fortune Hillary does on hair, makeup and clothes to

'appear' healthy then. No thanks, I'll take the real deal over the illusion.

[immoderate]

10. If Bernie is alive he is the best candidate.

Also this is elective hernia surgery, which is a great sign of machismo and vitality.

--imm

[druidity33]

69. I like your reply best. nt.

[immoderate]

75. Thanks.

--imm

[NCTraveler]

11. Good luck with the proceedure BS.

And I really don't need Sanders or Clintons health records to know they are old. lol. If youth were our determining factor O'Malley would be our guy. Then again, he should be anyway. Clinton and Sanders are amazingly strong geezers!!!!!!

[cui bono]

16. Here's to a speedy recovery!

To Bernie and to the OP's uncaring and exploitative attitude.

[brooklynite]

21. Here't to a speedy recovery.

[Bluenorthwest]

23. I figured you'd take a cheap shot.

Sadly typical of many posters here on DU.

[HERVEPA]

26. Disgusting hit and run post.

[morningfog]

34. You expect better from the OP?

[HERVEPA]

44. Of course not

[hrmjustin]

33. I wish him the best.

My understanding is it is a simple procedure.

[Ken Burch]

36. It's bullshit to use this to score political points.

Although I do appreciate you alerting us to the next HRC campaign "talking point".

Remember, HRC is only a few years younger than Bernie.

[MoonRiver]

37. I wish him well.

My husband had it done a few years ago. Wasn't exactly a picnic, but not too bad.

[MineralMan]

40. It's good that he's getting that taken care of.

No big deal, really. It's not like major surgery. It's an outpatient procedure. He'll be back on the campaign trail again shortly. He's impressed me with his energy during the campaign. Tough old fart, he is. (I'm only 70, so we're both old farts.) I was out this morning snowblowing and shoveling away the first 3" of today's snowstorm. There will be 6" more tomorrow morning, so I'll be out again. Like Bernie, I'm still out there getting it done.

Take care, Bernie!

[mcar]

48. Fairly simple procedure

I wish him the best.

[Scootaloo]

52. Seriously, you're trying to turn this into an anti-Bernie talking point?

[Live and Learn]

56. Yes she is. I find it quite distasteful. nt

[Skidmore]

86. She posted an article.

Sanders supporters have been working overtime on this thread to try to make the OP something it isn't.

[Scootaloo]

87. And added commentary to it in an attempt to make it an anti-Bernie "issue"

[Capt. Obvious]

104. The OP likes to post helpful PSA's

For information purposes only

[zappaman]

55. Surgery should always be taken seriously no matter your age.

I lost my 25 year old brother in law to a simple 12 minute elective knee surgery.
Going under anesthesia is no joke.

[restorefreedom]

90. so sorry.

and yes, surgery/anesthesia is always a serious matter.

kinda surprised and disappointed that in a thread this long no one took a moment to note your loss.

jeez are we that wrapped up in the politics? sad.

[zappaman]

100. Thanks

It was and still is devastating.
Just so unexpected.

[restorefreedom]

122. thats why i hate it when people push medical stuff as "routine"

nothing is ever routine even when it looks like it.

peace to your family

[lunamagica]

110. Oh, wow. It must have been awful for you and your family

[zappaman]

113. It never goes away.

Going on 8 years now.

[1StrongBlackMan]

58. I wish Bernie well and a speedy recovery, both, because ...

I wish everyone well ... And, because DU:C/Ts will explode DU, should anything happen.

[UglyGreed]

61. Good luck with the surgery

Bernie!!!

[wendylaroux]

64. Well shit,Good luck Bernie

I hate this for him.

Neither he or Hillary are spring chickens anymore.

[mythology]

68. I wish him good luck and to be back on his feet quickly

Even minor surgery can have complications. I had a minor surgery last year where I was hit with a short but very poor reaction to anesthesia.

[KMOD]

70. anesthesia can have severe complications in older patients

Hopefully he can opt for a local, instead of general anesthesia.

I wish him a quick and full recovery.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

72. Get well soon

[restorefreedom]

91. nice graphic. nt

[ismnotwasm]

76. Best of wishes for Senator Sanders and a hope for speedy recovery

[AtomicKitten]

77. It will almost certainly be done laparoscopically and he'll go home the same day. <nt>

[JaneyVee]

81. Should be a simple procedure.

[DCBob]

82. I suspect he will have to take few days off.

Ive heard its really painful afterwards so traveling might be difficult.

Take care Bernie. .we need him in the lineup.

[MoonRiver]

89. My husband had a lot of pain.

But he had a triple hernia. If Bernie just has one, should be a lot easier. Still, cutting does require a little time to recover from.

[restorefreedom]

92. hope he is ok now. nt

[FloridaBlues]

83. I'm surprised the Doctor would let him go back to work so soon.

Usually patient needs 1 week off work.
Hope he takes it easy for awhile to heal.
One would think at 74 yr old people would want to see his medical papers maybe he will do it soon. Hillary did already.

[JI7]

88. this is really nothing serious

Other than how all medical procedures have some risk.

Sanders has been able to deal with the campaign easily and without health problems or even signs of being tired.

[Beacool]

93. I wish him a speedy recovery.

It looks like it'll be a simple procedure.

[restorefreedom]

94. lets be honest, calidem. unless the nom is omalley,

age is going to be potential issue for the dem nom. clinton and sanders are both getting up there. but anyone of any age can have a serious health problem or be perfectly healthy.

i imagine they will all release the appropriate records at the appropriate time.

best wishes, bernie!

[azmom]

95. In two weeks, Hillary will undergo hernia surgery.

From facebook.

[fredamae]

96. At 68 and 74

WTH?
I know people who can afford great health care...and use it that are in very poor health...that are decades younger than both of these candidates.

If you're gonna "go there" with one-with only 48 months between them...we must also be just as concerned with Hillary.
I'm sure at some point - he will release his med records. Have you tried calling his campaign? Emailing them to get additional info?

Bernie is undergoing out-patient hernia repair. I would gather that his physician(s) are not too concerned at this time. I also understand he is going to be back at work in the senate tomorrow.
http://www.necn.com/news/politics/Bernie-Sanders-Undergoes-Outpatient-Hernia-Repair-Procedure-358954881.html

[NurseJackie]

98. Actually ... 72 months separate their ages. Not 48.

with only 48 months between them

That's 6 years, 1 month, and 18 days.

[fredamae]

103. You're correct-my apologies on

my error. I stand by my reasoning, however.

[seabeyond]

97. I had a co worker experience that, two hernias, recently. Painful, but she is healing well.

I hope all works out for him, and is easy on him and recovers well. He might as well get it out of the way now.

[Skwmom]

99. Bernie walked to the Iowa JJ Dinner with his supporters. Clinton did not.

Makes you kind of wonder if the whole uproar about Bernie was meant to distract from asking why didn't Clinton walk with her supporters to the JJ Dinner. O'Malley and Bernie did...

[still_one]

106. Bernie probably has had the hernia most of his life. Either it is causing him some symptoms, or it

has enlarged, which is probably why he is electing surgery at this time.

I wish him well, and in the vast majority of cases, he should have a speedy recovery without any complications

[lunamagica]

108. I wish Sen. Sanders success in his surgery and a speedy and full recovery.

I would never wish ill health on anyone

[okasha]

109. Hernias can be painful

even when they don't pose an immediate risk. Good that he's getting this taken care of. Speedy recovery, Senator.

[Nye Bevan]

114. Best wishes and prayers (nt)

[MeNMyVolt]

121. I wish him the best, and a speedy recovery.

I also wish you hadn't included your 1st paragraph in your commentary. Sorry.

[boston bean]

123. I had a hernia operation, omfg did it hurt!

Wishing Sanders the best!