Life after hernia surgery

[olympic]

I had surgery to repair an inguinal hernia in February. It was done via Labroscopy as opposed to open cut. It was successful w/ no complications. My surgeon in my post-surgery consult 2 weeks after explained to me the process to return to normal life: The nature of the repairs means that you aren't really ever 100%, but that you would live a mostly normal life, and that specifically, I could run, swim or cycle w/in a few weeks, and return to gym-related, vigorous exercise after 3 months.

I sometimes experience aches and 'hot sensations' that travel through the area of my lower right abdomen where the surgery took place, meaning it goes to different areas of my abdomen w/o any reason. I wouldn't even call it pain or think of it as bothersome, just noticeable if that makes sense. I did kick it up a notch this past week with swimming laps and isolated muscle weight training (allowable by doctor after 2 months) and the aches got a little more intense, but I am following his rules.

I guess I would like to know if anyone on this board has had this surgery, similar surgery or knows someone that they can share that person's experience.

Just curious more than worried. The repair is done w/ a mesh that can tear. Of course, you can read many things online that can scare you.

Thanks for any input ...

 

[DFJ]

I had surgery to repair an inguinal hernia in February. It was done via Labroscopy as opposed to open cut. It was successful w/ no complications. My surgeon in my post-surgery consult 2 weeks after explained to me the process to return to normal life: The nature of the repairs means that you aren't really ever 100%, but that you would live a mostly normal life, and that specifically, I could run, swim or cycle w/in a few weeks, and return to gym-related, vigorous exercise after 3 months.

I sometimes experience aches and 'hot sensations' that travel through the area of my lower right abdomen where the surgery took place, meaning it goes to different areas of my abdomen w/o any reason. I wouldn't even call it pain or think of it as bothersome, just noticeable if that makes sense. I did kick it up a notch this past week with swimming laps and isolated muscle weight training (allowable by doctor after 2 months) and the aches got a little more intense, but I am following his rules.

I guess I would like to know if anyone on this board has had this surgery, similar surgery or knows someone that they can share that person's experience.

Just curious more than worried. The repair is done w/ a mesh that can tear. Of course, you can read many things online that can scare you.

Thanks for any input ...

Just on my way out, so a quick response. I had this surgery some 20 years ago (along with 2 others at the same time). The next day I was right as rain and have had no discomfort or issues of any kind since. Please don't ignore any pain you're having. After 3 months I would think you shouldn't be having any. If you are, go back to your doctor and demand some answers. Take care.

Any questions, I'll be back home in an hour or two.

 

[olympic]

Just on my way out, so a quick response. I had this surgery some 20 years ago (along with 2 others at the same time). The next day I was right as rain and have had no discomfort or issues of any kind since. Please don't ignore any pain you're having. After 3 months I would think you shouldn't be having any. If you are, go back to your doctor and demand some answers. Take care.

Any questions, I'll be back home in an hour or two.

That is encouraging to know you have had the surgery and 20 years later are fine. Question- Do you vigorously exercise? My aches or pains or whatever you call it seem to simulate what you would feel in a muscle that has been worked out so my one thought is it might be my body post-surgery becoming re-accustomed to exercise. On the other hand, there is a certain level of typical anxiety of whether the might fail

 

[DFJ]

That is encouraging to know you have had the surgery and 20 years later are fine. Question- Do you vigorously exercise? My aches or pains or whatever you call it seem to simulate what you would feel in a muscle that has been worked out so my one thought is it might be my body post-surgery becoming re-accustomed to exercise. On the other hand, there is a certain level of typical anxiety of whether the might fail

When I had the surgery I was 50 years old and more active than now. I was not a gym goer but was a bike enthusiast so I rode a couple of miles each day. I also lived in a 3 level home (lots of stairs) and if I wasn't riding I would walk wherever I went (lots of hills in my neighborhood). So I certainly wasn't sedentary. Not sure if that information is helpful or not.

I just remember that literally the day after the surgery I was absolutely pain free.

Best of luck to you.

 

[olympic]

When I had the surgery I was 50 years old and more active than now. I was not a gym goer but was a bike enthusiast so I rode a couple of miles each day. I also lived in a 3 level home (lots of stairs) and if I wasn't riding I would walk wherever I went (lots of hills in my neighborhood). So I certainly wasn't sedentary. Not sure if that information is helpful or not.

I just remember that literally the day after the surgery I was absolutely pain free.

Best of luck to you.

Thanks. I read the Cleveland Clinic’s page on the matter and they stated a big cause of discomfort was the mesh rubbing against nerve endings. Not necessarily the surgery failing or the mesh coming undone. Thanks again. I will DM you if I have any questions. It looks like we are the only ones participating in this thread. LOL.

 

[A.H.Black]

Just second hand information here. I have a physical therapist - young man (late 20's, early 30's) in very good physical condition - who told me he had a hernia repaired. He told me it took 6 months to completely recover and he had back pain during the recovery. I think it's a very personal process. Whatever works for you is the right thing.

 

[olympic]

Just second hand information here. I have a physical therapist - young man (late 20's, early 30's) in very good physical condition - who told me he had a hernia repaired. He told me it took 6 months to completely recover and he had back pain during the recovery. I think it's a very personal process. Whatever works for you is the right thing.

Thank you. I am understanding that. I was surprised that my surgeon couldn't give me a strict timetable for recovery, but being my first major surgery, I realize now that it is personal.

 

[AxelAnnie]

Thank you. I am understanding that. I was surprised that my surgeon couldn't give me a strict timetable for recovery, but being my first major surgery, I realize now that it is personal.

I don't know that anything is "normal" right now. And a strict timetable.....well, that is only a guide at best.

On the other end of the spectrum, I had some surgery or other and was riding in a lesson and someone said it was good to see me back - and I rode along and replied "Yes, the Dr. told me I would be able to ride in two more weeks"

Hope you feel better soon.

 

[olympic]

I don't know that anything is "normal" right now. And a strict timetable.....well, that is only a guide at best.

On the other end of the spectrum, I had some surgery or other and was riding in a lesson and someone said it was good to see me back - and I rode along and replied "Yes, the Dr. told me I would be able to ride in two more weeks"

Hope you feel better soon.

Did you experience any pain when you got back up on the horse, so to speak, and work through it, or were you pain free?

 

[AxelAnnie]

Did you experience any pain when you got back up on the horse, so to speak, and work through it, or were you pain free?

I don't remember it hurting. I was just happy to be riding.