Hernia - your experiences?
Discussion
vexed said:
Just as a contrary opinion to the above- I wouldn't recommend having the 'other side' done if it isn't causing problems. One of the possible complications of inguinal hernia surgery can be chronic (longstanding) groin pain which is fortunately fairly rare but can be miserable should you be affected. If I had a small lump causing no bother I wouldn't let someone operate on it, and if there was no lump there is not a chance I would have the groin operated on just in case!
Sensible,JUst to add me to the list on this...
I had an umbilical hernia repair 3 weeks ago.
I had managed with it for around 3 years, largely because it wasn't really a problem as such and also being a bit obsessed with fitness and boxing, a long lay off was the last thing I fancied.
Anyway around 2 months prior to the operation it started to become a problem as it worsened following a body shot right on it.
I couldn't train without a hernia belt and I just got the point of feeling it's got to be done.
I was in at 12.00pm, under at 2.00pm and home for 6.00pm.
I had zero discomfort for the rest of the day and night due to the morphine but one it wore off it was very tender and hurt a fair bit.
I managed the paint with Paracetamol and Ibuprofen for a few days then weaned off. I was out on long gentle dog walks after 2 days, back into skipping after 8 days and today after 3 weeks I'm back training at full capacity, but no sparring for a few more weeks.
Glad I got it done and I've recovered a lot quicker than feared.
I had an umbilical hernia repair 3 weeks ago.
I had managed with it for around 3 years, largely because it wasn't really a problem as such and also being a bit obsessed with fitness and boxing, a long lay off was the last thing I fancied.
Anyway around 2 months prior to the operation it started to become a problem as it worsened following a body shot right on it.
I couldn't train without a hernia belt and I just got the point of feeling it's got to be done.
I was in at 12.00pm, under at 2.00pm and home for 6.00pm.
I had zero discomfort for the rest of the day and night due to the morphine but one it wore off it was very tender and hurt a fair bit.
I managed the paint with Paracetamol and Ibuprofen for a few days then weaned off. I was out on long gentle dog walks after 2 days, back into skipping after 8 days and today after 3 weeks I'm back training at full capacity, but no sparring for a few more weeks.
Glad I got it done and I've recovered a lot quicker than feared.
Just an update from me, I’ve not been back to the doctors but my hernia seems to come & go as it pleases. Although there’s no real pain it’s uncomfortable whenever I cough (just getting over covid so been doing a lot of coughing). It also restricts me in the gym so I’m still planning to get it looked at.
I got to see my doctor yesterday and as others have said the chance of getting it done on the NHS are very slim unless I was in considerable pain, and whilst it is affecting me a bit I can't bring myself to lie like that.
Luckily my work medical cover seems to be very accommodating so hope to have a private appointment in the next couple of weeks and we'll take it from there!
Luckily my work medical cover seems to be very accommodating so hope to have a private appointment in the next couple of weeks and we'll take it from there!
Had my inguinal hernia done privately about 3 weeks ago. It was picked up a few years back when I was having stomach issues and had an MRI for 90 minutes, they said at the time watch and wait. Few months back, 3 days before we were due to go on holiday it "popped out" in a biblical way and I spent the morning at A&E as I was worried in case it might have become strangulated. Fortunately it hadn't but it was so prominent it made the holiday hard work and tiring. Got back and saw my consultant next day and he said it would need open surgery.
Went in on a Thursday afternoon and by the time the procedure happened and I had come round, passed urine and eaten, it was 10.30, so stayed in overnight and was discharged. He said no driving for 10 days, so that worked out okay with the weekend and the following week. First time in my life I done nothing and mean nothing. Coughing, sneezing and getting in or out of bed was painful and also rolling over in bed was equally painful. Codine and a paracetamol were given as I cannot take ibuprofen. Took about 4 days for normal bowel movements again-I didn't overdo the Codine as this does back you up.. I went for a small walk on the Tuesday and was okay, but felt really tired afterward. By the weekend I was walking to the shops and back no worries.
Bruising wise just a smallish bruise near the site where I was opened up. I still have a little bit of soreness in the pubic area and below the area where I had the surgery does feel a bit odd still, it's getting better but not there yet. Anyone else have (had) this?
Should be back on the Peleton this week, but will leave the freeweights for a little while longer.
I used to suffer all sorts of IBS/bloating style/pain issues for years, but since surgery this has stopped since surgery.
If you can have it done privately, get a referral via a GP (or pay to see one, I can recommend one if you are in South London) and get it done. I can also recommed my consultant who has seen me for a number of years now.
Went in on a Thursday afternoon and by the time the procedure happened and I had come round, passed urine and eaten, it was 10.30, so stayed in overnight and was discharged. He said no driving for 10 days, so that worked out okay with the weekend and the following week. First time in my life I done nothing and mean nothing. Coughing, sneezing and getting in or out of bed was painful and also rolling over in bed was equally painful. Codine and a paracetamol were given as I cannot take ibuprofen. Took about 4 days for normal bowel movements again-I didn't overdo the Codine as this does back you up.. I went for a small walk on the Tuesday and was okay, but felt really tired afterward. By the weekend I was walking to the shops and back no worries.
Bruising wise just a smallish bruise near the site where I was opened up. I still have a little bit of soreness in the pubic area and below the area where I had the surgery does feel a bit odd still, it's getting better but not there yet. Anyone else have (had) this?
Should be back on the Peleton this week, but will leave the freeweights for a little while longer.
I used to suffer all sorts of IBS/bloating style/pain issues for years, but since surgery this has stopped since surgery.
If you can have it done privately, get a referral via a GP (or pay to see one, I can recommend one if you are in South London) and get it done. I can also recommed my consultant who has seen me for a number of years now.
Edited by yellowtr on Sunday 29th October 09:55
Similar to you. I had open surgery, and did feel uncomfortable in the surgery area for about 9 months after. Almost as if you could feel a sausage lump under the scar area. Was told it was normal and not to worry, and it went in time, although this wasn't mentioned in any literature they gave me at the time.
As a cyclist, I waited about 6 weeks before going out again. To keep fit and exercise the area, I started walking, gradually building up the distance to about 7 miles in one go.
Now aged 69, still OK, but very careful about lifting heavy items etc.
As a cyclist, I waited about 6 weeks before going out again. To keep fit and exercise the area, I started walking, gradually building up the distance to about 7 miles in one go.
Now aged 69, still OK, but very careful about lifting heavy items etc.
Note, i do have a high pain threshold so bearing that in mind. 62 years old work in the building trade and always carrying heavy things. Not really fit and smoke but walk a fair bit.
Had my inguinal done on Friday on NHS. Year and a half wait but it did not cause me much bother apart from getting slowly bigger and pressing on my bladder from time to time. Went under anesthetic at 3, woke up at 5 and walked out the hospital at 7.
Quiet day Saturday but walked around the house and up and down stairs and around the garden. Uncomfortable rather than painful. Took ibrufen and paracetamol at 6am,2pm and 10pm. Today woke up at 6 to some discomfort but a wander round and painkillers soon sorted it out. Had a poo as usual this morning with no issues. Went to the garden centre for lunch, all good.
Change of dressing tonight so looking forward to a shower. The swelling and bruising is starting to go down now but was a bit scary to look at last night.
All in all very happy so far would recommend getting it done based on the progress so far.
Had my inguinal done on Friday on NHS. Year and a half wait but it did not cause me much bother apart from getting slowly bigger and pressing on my bladder from time to time. Went under anesthetic at 3, woke up at 5 and walked out the hospital at 7.
Quiet day Saturday but walked around the house and up and down stairs and around the garden. Uncomfortable rather than painful. Took ibrufen and paracetamol at 6am,2pm and 10pm. Today woke up at 6 to some discomfort but a wander round and painkillers soon sorted it out. Had a poo as usual this morning with no issues. Went to the garden centre for lunch, all good.
Change of dressing tonight so looking forward to a shower. The swelling and bruising is starting to go down now but was a bit scary to look at last night.
All in all very happy so far would recommend getting it done based on the progress so far.
Vanden Saab said:
Note, i do have a high pain threshold so bearing that in mind. 62 years old work in the building trade and always carrying heavy things. Not really fit and smoke but walk a fair bit.
Had my inguinal done on Friday on NHS. Year and a half wait but it did not cause me much bother apart from getting slowly bigger and pressing on my bladder from time to time. Went under anesthetic at 3, woke up at 5 and walked out the hospital at 7.
Quiet day Saturday but walked around the house and up and down stairs and around the garden. Uncomfortable rather than painful. Took ibrufen and paracetamol at 6am,2pm and 10pm. Today woke up at 6 to some discomfort but a wander round and painkillers soon sorted it out. Had a poo as usual this morning with no issues. Went to the garden centre for lunch, all good.
Change of dressing tonight so looking forward to a shower. The swelling and bruising is starting to go down now but was a bit scary to look at last night.
All in all very happy so far would recommend getting it done based on the progress so far.
Hi Vanden,Had my inguinal done on Friday on NHS. Year and a half wait but it did not cause me much bother apart from getting slowly bigger and pressing on my bladder from time to time. Went under anesthetic at 3, woke up at 5 and walked out the hospital at 7.
Quiet day Saturday but walked around the house and up and down stairs and around the garden. Uncomfortable rather than painful. Took ibrufen and paracetamol at 6am,2pm and 10pm. Today woke up at 6 to some discomfort but a wander round and painkillers soon sorted it out. Had a poo as usual this morning with no issues. Went to the garden centre for lunch, all good.
Change of dressing tonight so looking forward to a shower. The swelling and bruising is starting to go down now but was a bit scary to look at last night.
All in all very happy so far would recommend getting it done based on the progress so far.
You’re having the same weekend that I’m.
I’m 58 and it was two ingiunals.
Had it for just over a year and was getting very painful and awkward. Paid for it but had to wait to get it done due to other health issues. In Friday at 12-00, surgery at 14-00, out at 16-00 but had to stay in overnight as I am on my own these days but out by lunchtime.
Same pain issues as everyone else seems to have, so nothing serious. Wobbling round the flat now mainly eating light snacks and napping. Will go for a walk outside probably tomorrow.
Turned out it was just in time as one had got much bigger than when the surgeon first saw it on Friday, he had warned me that it might become a ‘normal’ operation with a bigger scar but it was fine in the end.
Already getting the feeling that it might have had an effect on some other minor issues I’ve had but I’ll wait and see.
Hope all goes well for you. Sounds like you’ve got off to better start than me but then I’m a bit of a wimp.
Edited by The Hypno-Toad on Sunday 4th February 14:17
Edited by The Hypno-Toad on Sunday 4th February 14:19
Ah ha I feel your pain. One was bad enough. I had open surgery and was not given a choice as i think mine was already beyond that with two walnut sized lumps which popped out if I did anything strenuous which was most days but it is just another scar to add to my collection 
I have had a bad cough which came on around the same time along with some minor bladder, stomach and heartburn issues which all seem to have disappeared although it is early days. As you say it will be interesting to see what else if anything it was doing to me.
Early days yet but I feel much better for the exercise today so will be getting out for many more walks during the week. Everything I read suggests that the more you do up to a point the better and quicker it heals.
Be good to have a close comparison to judge recovery on...
I have had a bad cough which came on around the same time along with some minor bladder, stomach and heartburn issues which all seem to have disappeared although it is early days. As you say it will be interesting to see what else if anything it was doing to me.
Early days yet but I feel much better for the exercise today so will be getting out for many more walks during the week. Everything I read suggests that the more you do up to a point the better and quicker it heals.
Be good to have a close comparison to judge recovery on...
Vanden Saab said:
Ah ha I feel your pain. One was bad enough. I had open surgery and was not given a choice as i think mine was already beyond that with two walnut sized lumps which popped out if I did anything strenuous which was most days but it is just another scar to add to my collection
I have had a bad cough which came on around the same time along with some minor bladder, stomach and heartburn issues which all seem to have disappeared although it is early days. As you say it will be interesting to see what else if anything it was doing to me.
Early days yet but I feel much better for the exercise today so will be getting out for many more walks during the week. Everything I read suggests that the more you do up to a point the better and quicker it heals.
Be good to have a close comparison to judge recovery on...
It will. Will be back later, still napping but looking forward to catching up. I have had a bad cough which came on around the same time along with some minor bladder, stomach and heartburn issues which all seem to have disappeared although it is early days. As you say it will be interesting to see what else if anything it was doing to me.
Early days yet but I feel much better for the exercise today so will be getting out for many more walks during the week. Everything I read suggests that the more you do up to a point the better and quicker it heals.
Be good to have a close comparison to judge recovery on...
Quick update.
Pain down a lot.
Mobility up but feeling quite light headed so long walks are out. Might head round to the chemist to get more paracetamol (underestimated how much I was going to need.), might leave it until tomorrow.
Appetite fair but only light, crunchy stuff. Toast, crackers, crisps. Had some soup yesterday, got a couple of ready meals in the freezer so I hopefully should feel like one this evening.
Still sleeping a lot.
Generally, pretty much exactly what I was told it was going to be like. So happy with things so far.
Pain down a lot.
Mobility up but feeling quite light headed so long walks are out. Might head round to the chemist to get more paracetamol (underestimated how much I was going to need.), might leave it until tomorrow.
Appetite fair but only light, crunchy stuff. Toast, crackers, crisps. Had some soup yesterday, got a couple of ready meals in the freezer so I hopefully should feel like one this evening.
Still sleeping a lot.
Generally, pretty much exactly what I was told it was going to be like. So happy with things so far.
Glad you are feeling better, noticed the light-headedness myself but put it down to so much sitting around. Took the old dressing off yesterday and had a quick shower before replacing with new. Cleanliness definitely to the fore as an infection is bad news. MrsVS is a nurse so she is keeping me right on that. The shower was amazing as was a full roast dinner as a reward... Took a picture of the scar to compare over time. Still have a lot of bruising but the swelling is going down. Have learnt to take last painkillers at bedtime so I can sleep better.
Lots of watching TV and napping during the day along with walks in the garden and a longer walk this afternoon. Getting in and out of the car was better today so I might try a walk to the beach tomorrow as i can always get a taxi back if i am suffering. Also very happy so far but not yet paused the painkillers to see what the actual level is at now. Might give it a go tomorrow to see where I am at as I really prefer not to take them if I do not have to.
Lots of watching TV and napping during the day along with walks in the garden and a longer walk this afternoon. Getting in and out of the car was better today so I might try a walk to the beach tomorrow as i can always get a taxi back if i am suffering. Also very happy so far but not yet paused the painkillers to see what the actual level is at now. Might give it a go tomorrow to see where I am at as I really prefer not to take them if I do not have to.
Had a left side inguinal hernia done on 25 January. Arrived hospital at 7am. Went to theatre just after 9. Woke up in the recovery area and looked around for a clock, noted it was 10:35. Observed for a bit and then returned to my room. Given some water initially, then some coffee, toast and bourbon biscuits. After a couple of hours being observed and passing a decent amount of water I was cleared to leave, though I had to hang round until about 3 before the OH could pick me up. Fortunately I was allowed to stay in the room as longas I wanted and the nurse got me a cappuccino.
For around 48 hours I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach and was a bit sore where the incisions had been made. There was also some pain in my shoulders - "referred pain" caused by pressure on nerves resulting from the gas that had been pumped into my abdomen to inflate it to provide more room for the work to be done.
This Thursday, two weeks from the surgery, I'll be going back for the staples removing. I'm fine now and having to be careful not to undo the good work by over exerting myself as I really can't tell I've had anything done at all, other than the lovely absence of the big bulge that I had! The only slight discomfort is the hair that was shved off growing back under the dressings.
For around 48 hours I felt like I'd been punched in the stomach and was a bit sore where the incisions had been made. There was also some pain in my shoulders - "referred pain" caused by pressure on nerves resulting from the gas that had been pumped into my abdomen to inflate it to provide more room for the work to be done.
This Thursday, two weeks from the surgery, I'll be going back for the staples removing. I'm fine now and having to be careful not to undo the good work by over exerting myself as I really can't tell I've had anything done at all, other than the lovely absence of the big bulge that I had! The only slight discomfort is the hair that was shved off growing back under the dressings.
Edited by MitchT on Monday 5th February 18:14
Vanden Saab said:
Glad you are feeling better, noticed the light-headedness myself but put it down to so much sitting around. Took the old dressing off yesterday and had a quick shower before replacing with new. Cleanliness definitely to the fore as an infection is bad news. MrsVS is a nurse so she is keeping me right on that. The shower was amazing as was a full roast dinner as a reward... Took a picture of the scar to compare over time. Still have a lot of bruising but the swelling is going down. Have learnt to take last painkillers at bedtime so I can sleep better.
Lots of watching TV and napping during the day along with walks in the garden and a longer walk this afternoon. Getting in and out of the car was better today so I might try a walk to the beach tomorrow as i can always get a taxi back if i am suffering. Also very happy so far but not yet paused the painkillers to see what the actual level is at now. Might give it a go tomorrow to see where I am at as I really prefer not to take them if I do not have to.
I haven’t got any dressings! Just the dissolving stitches and have been told not to shower for the first week. Lots of watching TV and napping during the day along with walks in the garden and a longer walk this afternoon. Getting in and out of the car was better today so I might try a walk to the beach tomorrow as i can always get a taxi back if i am suffering. Also very happy so far but not yet paused the painkillers to see what the actual level is at now. Might give it a go tomorrow to see where I am at as I really prefer not to take them if I do not have to.
I am worried about infection too but I’m guessing they wouldn’t have let me out without them if they were needed.
The Hypno-Toad said:
Vanden Saab said:
Glad you are feeling better, noticed the light-headedness myself but put it down to so much sitting around. Took the old dressing off yesterday and had a quick shower before replacing with new. Cleanliness definitely to the fore as an infection is bad news. MrsVS is a nurse so she is keeping me right on that. The shower was amazing as was a full roast dinner as a reward... Took a picture of the scar to compare over time. Still have a lot of bruising but the swelling is going down. Have learnt to take last painkillers at bedtime so I can sleep better.
Lots of watching TV and napping during the day along with walks in the garden and a longer walk this afternoon. Getting in and out of the car was better today so I might try a walk to the beach tomorrow as i can always get a taxi back if i am suffering. Also very happy so far but not yet paused the painkillers to see what the actual level is at now. Might give it a go tomorrow to see where I am at as I really prefer not to take them if I do not have to.
I haven’t got any dressings! Just the dissolving stitches and have been told not to shower for the first week. Lots of watching TV and napping during the day along with walks in the garden and a longer walk this afternoon. Getting in and out of the car was better today so I might try a walk to the beach tomorrow as i can always get a taxi back if i am suffering. Also very happy so far but not yet paused the painkillers to see what the actual level is at now. Might give it a go tomorrow to see where I am at as I really prefer not to take them if I do not have to.
I am worried about infection too but I’m guessing they wouldn’t have let me out without them if they were needed.
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