LVSteve,
I would think the pain might be due to the muscles being re-aligned and pulling differently than they did while you had the hernia. I wouldn't get too worried unless it persists for some time.
How long do you have lifting restrictions? The first time they told me "nothing over 20 pounds for six weeks." I almost blew that one back out lifting too much during the 4th week.
I need to have another one repaired, but I am a bit leery about the mesh repair. It begs the question "What happens if you rip one out right next to the patch and how to repair it the second time?"

Myron