Most surgeons recommend no diriving for about a week because many patients will still be taking narcotic pain medications during this time. Also, the discomfort experienced early after surgery may, at least hypothetically, affect your responses to emergency situations while driving.

Some patients are able to tolerate a return to sedentery jobs sooner than others. As long as patients do not stress their hernia repair by heavy lifting or sports, I leave it up to them if they wish to resume work sooner than I have recommended.

In many cases, the space under the skin fills with fluid (seroma) after hernia operations. Usually, this pocket of fluid will slowly resolve over a period of several weeks.

If you have a small dog, then you can walk the dog when you otherwise feel comfortable walking the same distance on your own. If you have a large or rambunctious dog, then you should probably wait 3 to 4 weeks after your hernia surgery.

Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

http://doctorwascher.com