I hoped I would not need to look at this message board again ....
After switching from cycling to trailrunning, groin pain started on the right, then the left, and worsened over 2 years until I could not run, and it was painful even getting out of bed.
In short, I had all the classic symptoms mentioned on his website and others, and described many times in this forum. So I underwent bilateral groin repair at Dr Gilmore's clinic in London in early 2006.
Back to full exercise after 4 weeks? He must be joking! Rehab was long and painful. It took perhaps 6 months to get back into running. If you've recently been through the surgery, don't be depressed - keep going with the rehab. It took me (in mid 40s) one year to be able to do full abdominal exercises in the gym.
For me, the post-op period was excruciating. I had not been warned of the pain. For 2 weeks, the pain was horrible, and I regretted choosing surgery. I guess recovery time will depend on age, extent of surgery, and individual differences, but surgeons have an incentive to be over-optimistic.
Over the next few months, I got back into running, building up gradually, no pain whatsoever, feeling strong, and enjoying the mountains again. Gilmore was a genius with the knife (if not social skills)! I would have (and still would) recommend him highly.
Two weeks ago, the groin pain came back. It is in the same place, underneath the knotted scar just above the pubic bone. I must now consider stopping running or surgery again. Does anyone have any experience of, or advice on, a second try at surgery? My dog is not going to be happy if we can't go into the hills....
Thanks,