Recovering After Hernia Surgery (Page 10)

I am 14 days post surgery for an umbilical hernia repair without mesh. I had an incision made for it right below my navel. I'm still experiencing some dull like pulling pain, swelling and soreness. My follow up visit is tomorrow so I'm hoping for some good news. I'm glad to hear that this seems to be normal because I was worried. I have been in contact with my doctor too for any concerns and they have been most helpful. I had my surgery on Sept 24. I get around a bit more around the house and have been improving but slower than expected. I'm a very active person so this has been a difficult time for me but I don't want it to reoccur so I will just have to be patient. I would like to know what is doing too much? I was told no lifting over 20lbs but even half of that puts strain so I stop myself or ask for help. Hope the best for everyone.

I had inguinal surgery repair on my right side. Surgeon used mesh. 4 weeks on and I'm an mostly pain free. However if I sneeze or cough deeply I can still feel vibrations where the hernis was. Is this Normal?

I go in tomorrow for an inguinal hernia repair. 37yo male. Will let you all know how I get on.

Well, operation done yesterday afternoon and home already. Open surgery with mesh. A bit sore swollen and bruised but able to walk around. I even walked down the 3 flights of stairs at the hospital instead of using the lift.

One week after surgery and all is pretty good.Haven't had any pain relief yesterday or today.Have been able to move around pretty well and have even taken the dog for a few walks.
I do have a bit of a lump in my scrotum on the same side as the hernia and still a bit bruised and tender down there but have found that the lump is probably normal and should disappear over time.

I HAD OPEN INGUINAL HERNIA SURGERY 3 WEEKS AGO AND I 'AM FEELING TIGHTNESS IN THE ABDOMEN AREA WITH MINOR CRAMPING HERE AND THERE . I'AM NOT SURE IF ITS CERTAIN FOODS I'AM EATING SINCE I'AM LUCTOSE INTOLERANCE? DID ANYONE EVER FEEL THIS WAY?

I had a right inguinal repair on Sept 28, and I am having the same issue. tightness, cramping and sharp pain on my right lower abdomen especially if i poke at it. I am hoping this is normal. I slipped and fell walking up the stairs with my right leg flying backwards straining my hip muscles. Hoping I didnt dislodge the mesh. Doctor says I should be back to work by mid Nov. I dont know about that. Hopefully we will both heal up a lot quicker during the second half of our recovery time than the first.

I HAD OPEN INGUINAL HERNIA SURGERY 3 WEEKS AGO AND I 'AM FEELING TIGHTNESS IN THE ABDOMEN AREA WITH MINOR CRAMPING HERE AND THERE . I'AM NOT SURE IF ITS CERTAIN FOODS I'AM EATING SINCE I'AM LUCTOSE INTOLERANCE? DID ANYONE EVER FEEL THIS WAY?

Thanks
all for all your posts. It was really helpful. I had surgery for
indirect inguinal hernia 3 days ago and I have been pissed with the
doctors and nurses and hospital since then. Now I think I went through a
normal procedure except for one part - I was not sedated during the
surgery and had to fight to keep my limbs from reacting to the pain
during the surgery plus I never got any information of how the procedure
is, I even had to send a friend to ask when next to visit the clinic.

3 days after the surgery I'm having problems with some serious pain
standing up straight in the evening and early morning, Ibuprofen helps
after breakfast but I hope I don't have to depend on it after I finish
the doses. And I hope the healing will be quick enough.

I've been having problems with gases, I realized it might have been
caused by the beans I've been taking the day after the surgery. The
gases now disturb my sleep, is there anything I can do about that?

Thanks again guys for the posts here.

I had a prescription of Tramadol plus paracetamol for pain relief.Maybe you need something a bit stronger than Ibuprofen.
Also I had the option of just having a local anesthetic but opted for the "put me to sleep" option.

Knh44

I am 6 weeks out post op of the hernia surgery n yes I'm a over weight 44 yr old female but Dr told me in beginning that this is a very very rough surgery. He was right I had my share n I'd rather go back to any of those there.........before doing this ever again. I've had pain everyday severe at that since Dr reassures me its just the healing process on the inside he says its much worse than the out n I'm here to tell you he's RIGHT.....I've been on different kinds of things to control it n I dnt like that so now we go soon for CT scan to be sure nothing is wrong n I'm scared outta my mind!!!

All of these posts have been very helpful. I had bi-lateral inguinal surgery two days ago (laparoscopic) - so far, my pecker and balls have turned black/blue/purple - not a pretty sight - but I was forewarned about this happening. Lots of pain - the Percocet alleviates that pretty well, also makes me very sleepy - ice makes soreness feel better - I have a feeling that the more I rest and the more times I ice the area, the better off I'll be.
I'm a musician (violinist) and have to begin playing again next Thursday. Hope it won't be too painful. Good luck to all w speedy recoveries! Oh - also feel that the hardest thing for me so far has been getting in and out of bed.

All of these posts have been very helpful. I had bi-lateral inguinal surgery two days ago (laparoscopic) - so far, my pecker and balls have turned black/blue/purple - not a pretty sight - but I was forewarned about this happening. Lots of pain - the Percocet alleviates that pretty well, also makes me very sleepy - ice makes soreness feel better - I have a feeling that the more I rest and the more times I ice the area, the better off I'll be. I'm a musician (violinist) and have to begin playing again next Thursday. Hope it won't be too painful. Good luck to all w speedy recoveries! Oh - also feel that the hardest thing for me so far has been getting in and out of bed.

Has been very interesting reading this forum. I'm 5 days after bilateral laparascopic hernia repair using 10x15 mesh each side. I feel that nothing really prepares you for what happens after the procedure but this forum definitely helps.

I was unusual because I woke up with an obturator nerve palsy on the right so couldn't adduct my right thigh for a few hours. It's possible there was a local anaesthetic block used but I don't know that yet. Happily that came back. Another weird thing I had was difficulty writing for the first 2-3 days. It seemed to be nothing to do with muscle strength or specific nerve injury (eg ulnar nerve or brachial plexus) but was almost a specific neurological insult after having the anaesthetic. I also had a general light-headed feel. Bladder and bowel came back pretty quick and I stopped painkillers after 3 days but do get some sharp stabs and the impression that things are pulling a bit inside but with no way of actually knowing what is doing that.

As of today I have a slight right of mid-line swelling below my umbilicus which I presume is down to a haematoma which should disappear. I have a lot of sitting to standing to do at work so I know this is going to be a bit uncomfortable in a couple of days time. I might take some ibuprofen (Advil) prior to work.

Overall, I have had some weird unexpected stuff in the first few days but feel things are going OK. The mental side is tough because you always have that nagging doubt about whether things will be better after surgery than before. I had a large groin swelling but it didn't bother me too much; I now have 2 large bits of mesh held with titanium screws - I'll never be the same again! Also at 42, these puppies need to last another 50 years.

Good luck everyone. Would be especially keen to hear about anybody with weird neurology or reduced co-ordination after the anaesthetic. Did anyone else have any problems writing??

Hi everyone. Great thread. I'm a 53 y/o male runner. 5'10" & 160lbs. It's been 10 days since my open right inguinal surgery. Pain, swelling, discoloration, & soreness persist. I went back to work within 6 days w/def limitations. Found that getting up & short walks & stair climbing helps. However, my wife is an RN & is concerned w/incision length's swelling. I have already seen my surgeon post 6 days & he says it looks "fine". Will see him again in 4 days. Really miss exercising, but I'm being patient w/recovery. My surgeon is a former runner too & suggests I'll be able to get on the exercycle to work on my cardio by week 3 post surgery. I have a half marathon in two months & a full marathon scheduled in three. Hoping I can get there. Anyone else in my situation? Thx

Hi to all my hernia-suffering brethren. Just thought I'd throw my story on the fire as well...


i'm a 56 y/o male- had open surgery for an inquinal (left side) hernia repair with mesh last Monday, Dec. 10, so I'm currently 8 days into my recovery.

First, a bit of backstory on how I discovered that I had a hernia. Just like forum user UltraPro (drummer), I am a musician- lead guitarist and singer with a classic rock cover band. Starting last summer, by the second set of every gig I found myself in excruciating pain. I never had this pain at any other time, and I have always been a very active guy, walking 4-8 miles a day, light weights, and 50 flights of office stairs a day. And absolutely NONE of those activities ever bothered me in the slighest- not even using one of the roller wheels when doing pushups, which really works your lower abdomen! It only started to hurt while onstage, and especially while singing.

Finally, I went to a specialist a couple of months ago who confirmed my suspicions. The surgery was performed on Dec. 10. It's early in the recovery, but here's how it's gone so far:

Day 1: hospital prep and laying there until the OR became available. Finally, the anesthesiologist came in and hooked up the medicinal cocktail. Felt loopy within 5 seconds; have a vague recollection of being in the OR for a few seconds, and then the next thing I remember was opening my eyes in the recovery room. Was dressing to go home within a couple of hours- straight to bed and don't remember much the rest of the evening.

Day 2: reality sets in, as does the pain. Hydrocodone,Ibuprofen, and ice packs were my friends. Laid very low; in bed if not walking to the bathroom. Peeing was no problem, but had a bit of constipation, which is very common.

Days 3-4: Pain was probably worst on these days. Tried to do a couple of short walks to the corner; regretted it afterwards. Advise to stay in the house and just walk a bit there. Again, lots of prescribed meds to kill the pain. Started to use a heating pad instead of ice. Constipation gone.

Day 5: the first day I truly felt like myself again. Still some pain to manage, but only Ibuprophen, and even then just a couple first thing in the morning. Getting out of bed not bad at all.

Days 6-8: feeling better yet. Again, still some pain, but not too bad at all considering my gut had been ripped open just a week before. Walking slowly is fine. I find that two of the hardest daily tasks are getting in and out of a car and putting on my left sock and shoe. Drawing my left leg too far in causes a stabbing pain- gotta remember to move slowly and that healing takes time. Started driving again with no discomfort other than getting in and out of the vehicle.

I'll have my post-op checkup on the 27th. I had been fortunate enough to be able to take 2 full weeks off of work, paid. Even when returning, I just sit in a cubicle all day and man a computer mouse for a living.

The biggest physical challenge for me is being onstage with my band. The band decided to take a month off to let me heal; my next gig is Jan. 12, which will make it a tad over a month since my operation. I will project that I'll be at about 85% of full capacity by then, maybe more. No lifting speaker cabinets for 2-3 months, tho!

Overall, I feel quite good for only being 8 days in. I'm getting around fine, albeit slowly and with a few limitations in movement. But barring any setbacks, I think I'll be pretty good to go in a couple of months.

I will report my progress weekly for awhile. Hang on guys (and girls)! It does get better...

Ron

UPDATE- Well, it's been over 3 weeks since my surgery, and I must say, I'm operating at close to 100% now. Had that concern about the pinched nerve starting at day 8- whenever I got in and out of a car or tried to bring my left leg in close to tie my shoe, I got a horrible burning pain running from the edge of my incision down my left leg about 3". It really stung! I talked to my surgeon at my 2 week post-op, and he said that that happens about 20% of the time- seems the nerve sometimes gets affected by the inflammation. He said that it typically goes away, and as of today, it pretty much has. I feel great and am SOOO glad I went ahead with the procedure. It has been worth the first week's pain and discomfort. I will touch base again in a month or so...

Each surgery is different for the same individual less between individuals. I had the same invasive surgery two years ago on my right side as I recently have only left side. Back then I was in great shape 2 weeks after surgery and was ready for regular activities in 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Now at 54, I just had the same surgery performed on my left side. I'm currently experience random, sharp, burning pain about the surgery location. I compare the sensation as to that of a "snake bite" as when we were kids and we would twist the skin on a friend's arm in two different directions. While the surger scar looks great, I perceive this recovery is going to take 2 to 3 times longer and I'm suspecting it'll be pushing 8 to 12 weeks to feel as well as I did on the last surgery at 4 weeks.

I'm in my mid 50's and diagnosed with a left inguinal hernia in November 2009. As most of you know, the pain and anxiety of first getting a hernia are bad enough. Then you see a surgeon for a consultation and start researching hernia surgery recovery on-line and you really get concerned and sometimes scared! Yeah, me too. That's normal.

The problem is that most of the hernia websites have lots of posts about surgical problems and excruciating pain. I do feel for those who had bad surgical experiences but based on my own experience, and that of others I know, these posts are not typical of what to expect. I hope my account will help many of you make the decision that is right for you.

After being diagnosed I consulted a surgeon. After discussing risks of surgery, he suggested "watchful waiting" to see if the hernia worsens because repair is largely elective unless the hernia becomes "incarcerated" or "strangulated", in which case you need immediate surgery to avoid a life threatening situation and/or removal of necrotic intestine. I decided to wait and watch. My hernia worsened over time even though I was careful about activities and diet. Trusses provided temporary relief but were not the cure. I decided to have the surgery and received a surgeon referral from a friend who had double hernia repair. I liked my surgeon right away. He was down to earth and discussed alternatives. I wanted laparoscopic / minimally invasive surgery but because of the hernia's size and location I was sad to learn that I needed incisional repair. Still, I couldn't imagine living the rest of my life with the hernia and wanted it fixed.

As you mull the decision about hernia surgery, remember how you felt when your inguinal hernia bulges: queasiness, nausea, perspiration, clamminess, aches, light-headed and so forth. Sometimes I would have these symptoms on a daily basis even though my hernia was reducible. My relationships and work suffered. While waiting for my surgery date I suffered an episode that made me think I was dying. No exaggeration! I thought it was a heart attack. I was dizzy and unbalanced. My chest ached. I had trouble forming sentences and eventually words. My face was pale and my forehead was turning blue. Luckily I was with somebody familiar with my condition and I avoided emergency surgery. I never wanted to feel like that again.

The surgery date approached. I followed all the surgeon's instructions to prepare for the procedure. Be ready with the following: 1) ice pack(s), 2) stool softeners and laxatives, 3) Motrin and/or Tylenol, 4) meal planning that includes high fiber, fruits and vegetables, and 5) a bed that is neither too high nor too low because getting in and out of bed will be difficult and painful for about 3-4 days afterwards. The bed height that worked best for me was one where my toes could touch the floor when my knee joint was on the edge of the bed. Also, plan your meals a few days in advance so you have regular and easy transits each day before the surgery.

After the surgery I awoke in the recovery room and felt no pain. "Piece of cake" because I did not appreciate that I was still heavily medicated. Even at home I did not feel any real pain right away. Nevertheless I started taking Vicodin 5-500 every 4 hours as directed. About 8-10 hours after the surgery my left side started aching badly. I applied an ice pack but the pain spread to the left side of my lower back and to the incision area. When positioning or getting up or down, the pain was worse. The Vicodin helped I'm sure, but it does not eliminate the pain. Vicodin itself can make you nauseated and/or constipated. In my case I became constipated which causes additional pain after hernia surgery. Make sure that you eat lightly and eat foods that will give an easy transit. Drink lots of fluids (though getting up to urinate is a painful event). Use the stool softeners and laxatives early on. Do not wait until your constipation becomes serious because you will be very uncomfortable waiting for the laxatives to work. Make sure you walk around your home periodically. This will help your recovery and help you to be regular. Gently press a towel or pillow against your groin/abdomen when you have to strain some to excrete.

The first 24-48 hours after surgery are painful. That's the truth. You'll wonder if it is worth it. Hang in there! The pain will lighten up steadily as time goes on and you'll find yourself doing light activities with little or no pain. Do NOT rush your recovery by doing strenuous activities even if you feel no pain or you want to prove something to yourself. Take it easy! The last thing you want is to disrupt the repair and have a recurrence. A nurse friend of mine says a good rule is not to lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first couple months after the surgery.

Bottom line: my surgery was worth it!! If I live average time, I look forward to the next 20 years without hernia misery. There will be pain after surgery because hernia repair is considered major. But don't let that stop you from taking steps to enjoy the last part of your life. Good luck!!

I was looking on this site a ton before my surgery, and I want to post some words of encouragement and tips. I had open inguinal hernia surgery with mesh on my left side on Thursday morning. It's now Sunday afternoon.

I am 24 and in decent health. The pain from surgery afterwards was not too bad, honestly. I took a Percocet in the lobby of the hospital before being driven home. Then I had a nap on my back before getting up and shuffling around the house.

The worst pain was getting out of bed the morning after surgery. Excruciating! From then on, I kept a bottle of water and percocet by my bed. For the next couple days, I took one a bit before getting up. That helped!

Icing my groin and incision area has also kept the swelling down so far.

Since the day after surgery, I have been taking increasingly long walks outside. Simply walking and standing really helps speed recovery. Force yourself to do it, take it easy at first and you'll be fine!

I had my first BM this morning. I stopped taking percocet yesterday afternoon. Also, I have eaten vegetables and took some stool softeners. It took patience sitting on the can, but it was easy! No strain, no pain! The stool softeners are great!

Tomorrow, I return to class! I was super afraid before my hernia surgery, but it honestly has been just fine! I hope it stays that way long-term!

Good luck with your surgeries, people!

Due to have a procedure for a left inguinal in a few weeks.

I would like to ask in all seriousness - how long after the procedure is it before you're able to either have sex with a partner, or Rosy Palmer.

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I'm also darn glad I live in a time where there is a procedure for this.
I don't want to imagine how many guys limped around clutching their groins,
unable to be active or enjoy life in centuries gone by.

Hey Its been a week since my surgery and the pain and mobility is slowly improving. Saying that when I touch the area it feels rock hard or should i say very firm. Opposite of the rest of the areas. Is this normal?

I spoke to the surgeon about my upcoming procedure yesterday and some of what happened may be of interest:
1. He found another smaller inguinal hernia on the right side of my groin that the GP missed and which I had no symptoms for. Very glad that he'll take care of both at once rather than having to go through it all twice. He said that 40% of people with one will have another one on the other side developing.

2. He said the benefits of laparoscopy are:
a) Halves the recovery time compared with open surgery
b) The mesh is placed inside the muscle wall unlike open surgery, and therefore the repair is even stronger.

3. Downsides of laparoscopy:
a) Working next to the sack that contains all your organs, rather than on the surface, so increased risk of perforation.
b) later prostate surgery is complicated by scar tissue from this.

4. He said that he's had super-fit patients who ran 10k or did a lifesaving event the week after the lap process. And only on patient in thousands who's been in hospital longer than overnight.

Good luck all you out there with your own procedures.
Will update after it's done.

Six weeks after my open right inguinal surgery with mesh, I went skating today. I feel great!

6 days after my bilateral laparoscopic inguinal hernia procedure.
Various funny twinges and aches in the abdomen and groin now and then.
My nuts ache as if someone kicked them 6 days ago.
Various colorful bruises around the insertion points for the probes.
Sneezing and coughing are still a bit painful and when I sneeze I can feel a pressure at the old hernia locations.
But overall I feel really good - better than I thought I would.

TOP TIP: Really take the advice seriously about over-hydrating and taking softeners. I was doing both but still found going to the toilet the first few times was slightly unpleasant because I'd dried out so much from not drinking since midnight before the surgery.