Managing a hernia in the weeks before surgery.

Managing a hernia in the weeks before surgery.

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Discussion

JoeBolt

Original Poster:

272 posts

164 months

Tuesday 27th November 2012
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During a routine work related medical last week I was diagnosed with a bilateral inguinal hernia. It came as a shock because I wasn’t aware of it and it’s the first time I’ve really had anything wrong with me. (Aside from a few fractures and the normal childhood illnesses that we used to endure in the ‘old days’. I’m nearly 48).
The doctor explained the surgery required, (making me feel a bit queasy) and I’ve also done some on-line research, but only enough to get me all cold and clammy again! I really don’t like this kind of stuff at all!
Anyway, I have a preliminary consultation booked in mid-December so I think I can probably expect surgery in Jan/Feb. I’d rather not know any more about the treatment but I am concerned about managing the condition up until the operation.
Pre-diagnosis I was cycling, swimming, weight training and doing push-ups, crunches and various stretching exercises after my regular morning run. Today I’m wary about bending to tie my shoe laces!
How can I continue to train and keep fit without worsening the problem. I guess I need to stop lifting weights and perhaps cut out the crunches. Any ideas? Or should I really just take things very easy until the treatment?

JoeBolt

Original Poster:

272 posts

164 months

Tuesday 27th November 2012
quotequote all
I think I'll start running again to begin with (wearing appropriate supportive underwear) and see how things go. I'm working away from home at present so I can't consult with my own GP. I've not seen him for years but he's already referred me to the specialist on the advice of the doctor who performed the medical.

I'm sorry that you feel that all is not quite as it should be after your own treatment. It's worrying that people report varying degrees of success and post operative pain.

JoeBolt

Original Poster:

272 posts

164 months

Tuesday 27th November 2012
quotequote all
Ughh, too much information. I'm going to barf!

I wasn't aware the actual procedure would differ between the NHS and private treatment.
Actually I have private medical insurance through my employer so I guess I have the option to use it if I'm not keen on the treatment proposed by the NHS.

JoeBolt

Original Poster:

272 posts

164 months

Friday 30th November 2012
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I did not even know I had a hernia pre-diagnosis last week, but now I know, I do have an awareness that something isn't quite as it should be. There is a definite bulge, but only on one side even though the doctor said I have a bilateral hernia.

Maybe I'm feeling symptoms similar to those Lord Grover is describing. No pain but perhaps a 'tug' now and again and a general discomfort in my groin. Also, I'm feeling the need to go for a pee more often than usual. Has anyone else experienced the latter?

JoeBolt

Original Poster:

272 posts

164 months

Tuesday 22nd January 2013
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My bilateral inguinal hernia was treated a few days ago by Laparoscopic surgery. Our superb NHS carried out this excellent treatment. Both sides were repaired through just three incisions using gauze patches, each measuring 14cm x 10cm. The surgeon said he used ‘preformed’ patches, meaning they stay in position without the need for staples etc.

I was taken into the operating theatre at about 1130 and I was on my way home by 1545. Before and after the operation, I was taken care of by a wonderful nurse who did just about everything for me except roll out the red carpet! The clinic also phoned me the following day to see how I was feeling.

I suffered a bit of nausea during the first night, but the Co-Codamol, Ibuprofen and Tramadol are keeping me mostly free of pain. I had to visit the chemist yesterday to get something to treat constipation (Lactulose). I was told that the Co-Codomal is probably causing this. The only other problem I’m having is sleeping. I’ve been waking at about 0300 with a stiff back, due to staying in one position.

Overall, I’m very pleased. I think I received the best treatment available in a very reasonable timescale.

The NHS ROCKS!