Here you can find detailed information:
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/in guinal_hernia.html

Best wishes!

Hello. I am not sure if you already had it but if not, I'll quickly explain. Last August I had a inguinal hernia. Left side / front groin area. Being that I have a huge fear of anything medical (silly phobia) I was panicked. I did get it looked at by three doctors, all who said it was a hernia. I made an appointment to get it repaired a few days later. I opted to get it done at an out patient surgery center rather than the hospital. (I just felt more comfortable there.) The worst part of the surgery was me freaking out before hand because I did not want to have anything to do with an operation.

This is what happened:

Went to bed the night before and could only have clear liquids prior to the operation.

Arrived, checked in and was called back a short time later.

They had me put on a gown and slippers and lay on a bed.

A short time later the anesthesiologist came to speak with me. I did not want to be put fully under (gas) so a powerful IV was given to me.

As scared as I was, about 30 seconds after the IV was put in, I recall lightly laughing because it kicked in so quick.

The next thing I knew, I was waking up, and I asked if they were finished. They said yes.

A very short time later I got up to use the bathroom and very slowly got changed. (Was not sore at this point in time.)

About 30 minutes later I was getting in the car and being taken home.

(Entire procedure from start (arriving at the center) until I was in the car (about 3 hours). They said the operation itself took about 30-45 minutes.

Later that day I was sore, but took the pills they gave me and ICED the area several times a day.

For the next few days, walking around was very possible and recommended, but I had to take one slow step at a time because it was sore. Not going to lie and say I was not sore, but it was not unmanageable.

About a week later I went back for a checkup and was told things looked good. The stitches used dissolved on their own so I did not have to get them removed. I was still a bit sore, but much better. I was able to walk around almost at a normal pace.

About a week later I went back and was told everything looked good. I was only a tad sore and able to walk around at about 90% normal.

Each day after that showed positive signs and by the third week I was back to normal, however, I still took it easy as I did not want to pull anything the wrong way.

I had the actual open surgery because I was told that the other surgery (with scopes) would require me to have to be put under with gas, etc., whereas the open surgery did not require this.

Please write me with any questions and I will be glad to help out.

BEST of luck. You will be fine.

Thanks alot for the replies. I am scheduled to go on the 19th to shouldice which involves being there for 4 days. Having open surgery lest side inguinal repair. I guess my main concern is the recovery process and when I can expect to be back to normal. My job involves constant lifting for 8 hours with weights up to and including 60 pounds so I am wondering if I will be able to work after 4 weeks. I get admitted on the 19th and have the surgery done the next day with local anaesthetic and sedatives which sort of makes me nervous but not overly. Moving around after the procedure seems to be the most important part of a quick recovery from what I have read so hopefully I can do that. I had to lose some weight (10 lbs} which was ok as I had lost about the same amount not long before that to lower my blood pressure so maybe the hernia came out because of that? I am anxious to get this over and done with and get back to normal just hope it is a smooth ride! Little bit nervous but hopefully once the ball starts rolling and the day of the surgery starts after the preop shave I will be more calm.

Wow, that "hospital" looks more like a resort! lol I am sure you will do fine, especially in a place that specializes in hernias. Please keep us posted and try to not worry too much. (Very common) I was off for six weeks, byt probably could have been back in four. (I also have a physical job.) Best of luck.

Thanks for the good wishes as well as the insights into the process BB11. I will post more as the time gets nearer and after I have had the surgery.

Not a problem at all. Like I said, my phonia with medical / hospital stuff was crazy and I will say that the procedure was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. You'll do just fine. Take care.

The time is almost here for me to go to Shouldice for my inguinal left side repair. Check in on Sunday and have the op on Monday so right now I am a little nervous but ready to get this fixed. It has been a long 8 weeks wait and to finally get this soreness repaired is great. I think the fear of the unknown is what concerns me most as I am one of those guys who likes to know everything from point A to Z with timelines etc. I should be getting this info on Sunday as there is an orientation process so once I get that I will be less nervous. When I get back I will post here to tell you my story.

Hey again. Just hang in there. TRUST ME, I fully know what's going through your mind. I am the same way about wanting to know everything before hand. Think of this as more of a procedure rather than any type of surgery. A very small cut which needs to be closed up is really what it is. The procedure will go very quick and when you awake you'll be relieved and suprised just how easy it was. Send me an private message if you can and update me. In the subject line just put "HERNIA" so I don't mistake it as Spam. You'll do fine.

Thanks for the support I appreciate your insight and information. Will just be getting a local anaesthesia so should remain awake for the op which takes about 45 minutes. Will let you know what happens asap. Thanks again.

Hello. Not a problem at all. Someone online answered some of my questions before I went through this so I am happy to return the favor. I also had local anaesthesia. (IV only) I told the DR that I did not want any gas, breathing tubes, etc. They gave me an IV. A few minutes later they returned and injected some sort of white liquid into the IV and within 30 seconds I fell asleep. It was quick and easy and I woke up a short time later.

Keep me posted and hang in there!

Bryan

Home now from hospital, got out a day earlier so was there for 3 days instead of four. Highly recommend Shouldice Hospital to anyone for their hernia surgery as it is a really nice place and great people. More like a resort than a hospital and they do know their business. Feeling pretty good now, had surgery Monday and other than the bruising and incision I am not in pain just a little stiff. A lot of walking and movement seems to ease the stiffness so I think I will be more or less back to normal in a few weeks. The surgery was about 45 minutes and never felt anything more than some pulling and tugging. They give you 5 pills an hour and a half before surgery, 3 are sedatives, one is a pain killer the other gravol. Had a local anesthetic which was no problem and managed to stay awake for most of the surgery. You had to spend 4 hours in bed after surgery and after that you can get up and walk around if you feel up to it. Had something to eat which made me feel a little bit nauseous but other than that I can't complain. Have 4 weeks off work to recuperate but once the incision which is about 5 inches heals, I should be able to move around a bit better. Thanks for the encouragement and support BB11 it was much appreciated when I was a bag of nerves! I will keep you posted how things are progressing and if anyone wants more info I will be glad to help out.

Hello. So glad that all went well! I knew you'd be fine. I hope you have a speedy recover and feel great soon. Best wishes always.