Hernia Operation

[JonnyFive]

So, my Inguinal Hernia operation is 2 weeks today.. I've not read much about it, and the surgeon makes it sound like it's a simple operation.

Anyone here had one? Any tips/advice?

Thanks.

[74merc]

I had mine last September. It's not a big procedure, about 40 mins normally. The worst part for me was the nausea the next day after the anesthetic wore off, but allow yourself two weeks to recover and you'll be good to go (as long as you don't do a manual job).

[okgo]

Is it keyhole or open?

If the former then yes you'll be good to go pretty soon after, if the latter it does take a while longer to recover from.

I've had them on both sides as is quite common, one keyhole one open, much preferred keyhole!

[JonnyFive]

Thanks chaps.

Open surgery, too big for keyhole. For some reason I didn't get it checked out earlier and so it's too big now.

I've got 2 weeks off work, primarily a desk job so nothing manual.

Haven't really been told anything from the surgeon in previous appointments, other than get someone to pick me up afterwards.

[LordGrover]

Painless quick procedure in my case. click & click.

[okgo]

JonnyFive said:

Thanks chaps.

Open surgery, too big for keyhole. For some reason I didn't get it checked out earlier and so it's too big now.

I've got 2 weeks off work, primarily a desk job so nothing manual.

Haven't really been told anything from the surgeon in previous appointments, other than get someone to pick me up afterwards.

It will hurt to move for a few days after.

[JonnyFive]

LordGrover said:

Painless quick procedure in my case. click & click.

Thanks for that LG! Much apprecaited.

I'm 23, had it for years.. Will be glad to get it sorted out. Kind of gutted though as I've just got properly into the gym.

How long were you out for?

[LordGrover]

I was back in the gym within ten days and lifting properly three months later.
I'm not pushing as hard as I did before the hernia now though, not convinced it's 100% but good enough for day to day usage IYSWIM.
NB. I'm fifty so not so concerned but at your age, take your time to properly heal before you push too hard, too soon. You have a lifetime ahead so get it right first time. Patience, grasshopper.

[JonnyFive]

Good point. I'm thinking 6-8 weeks out of the gym.. Was reading on a cycling forum and some mentioning that it was longer than this they were out. Guess it just depends on individual circumstances.

Going to subscribe to Netflix and catch up on some junk TV for a week

[iaincb1]

Had one 3 years ago at 21. Incision operation and 6 weeks off work IIRC, but it was delivery. Hurt a lot getting in and out of cars but managed a trip to Oulton Park in the same week for the Time Attack.

Also, painkillers = codeine
codeine = constipation
constipation + vomiting (unfortunate coincidence) + cut in stomach = worst pain ever for a couple of hours sat on the toilet. Honestly thought my stomach was going to rip open

Recently been feeling something below the incision scar but above the hernia location that can't be right; could be the mesh in a funny position. Doctor couldn't feel any problem though

[JonnyFive]

iaincb1 said:

Had one 3 years ago at 21. Incision operation and 6 weeks off work IIRC, but it was delivery. Hurt a lot getting in and out of cars but managed a trip to Oulton Park in the same week for the Time Attack.

Also, painkillers = codeine
codeine = constipation
constipation + vomiting (unfortunate coincidence) + cut in stomach = worst pain ever for a couple of hours sat on the toilet. Honestly thought my stomach was going to rip open

Recently been feeling something below the incision scar but above the hernia location that can't be right; could be the mesh in a funny position. Doctor couldn't feel any problem though

6 weeks! - What do you do for work? I'm in a desk job, was thinking 2 weeks off work might be a bit much.. Maybe not now!

Mine isn't keyhole, is that an incision operation?

Have read on forums, think they're in the US.. Mentioning 'Stool softener' - Anyone here took anything like that?

[iaincb1]

JonnyFive said:

iaincb1 said:

Had one 3 years ago at 21. Incision operation and 6 weeks off work IIRC, but it was delivery. Hurt a lot getting in and out of cars but managed a trip to Oulton Park in the same week for the Time Attack.

Also, painkillers = codeine
codeine = constipation
constipation + vomiting (unfortunate coincidence) + cut in stomach = worst pain ever for a couple of hours sat on the toilet. Honestly thought my stomach was going to rip open

Recently been feeling something below the incision scar but above the hernia location that can't be right; could be the mesh in a funny position. Doctor couldn't feel any problem though

6 weeks! - What do you do for work? I'm in a desk job, was thinking 2 weeks off work might be a bit much.. Maybe not now!

Mine isn't keyhole, is that an incision operation?

Have read on forums, think they're in the US.. Mentioning 'Stool softener' - Anyone here took anything like that?

I'm pretty sure it was but may have been 4 come to think of it. At the time I was working for a food delivery company which involved fairly heavy work.

I had an incision and would recommend a softener based on my experience without.

[BlackVanDyke]

JonnyFive said:

iaincb1 said:

Had one 3 years ago at 21. Incision operation and 6 weeks off work IIRC, but it was delivery. Hurt a lot getting in and out of cars but managed a trip to Oulton Park in the same week for the Time Attack.

Also, painkillers = codeine
codeine = constipation
constipation + vomiting (unfortunate coincidence) + cut in stomach = worst pain ever for a couple of hours sat on the toilet. Honestly thought my stomach was going to rip open

Recently been feeling something below the incision scar but above the hernia location that can't be right; could be the mesh in a funny position. Doctor couldn't feel any problem though

6 weeks! - What do you do for work? I'm in a desk job, was thinking 2 weeks off work might be a bit much.. Maybe not now!

Mine isn't keyhole, is that an incision operation?

Have read on forums, think they're in the US.. Mentioning 'Stool softener' - Anyone here took anything like that?

Ask the medics when you're in. Prescribing some sort of laxative or other turd-easer is a good idea for anyone on opiates, you can buy lactulose over-the-counter by way of a backup option (check with someone first if you've got diabetes or are on other meds), just make sure you drink plenty of water as well.

[JonnyFive]

So, had my operation on Wednesday. Went alright.. Home the same day, in pain but thats expected.

Left the house for the first time today since then, walked round Tesco leaning on the trolly.. Completely knackered me for the rest of the day, so much so I had to sleep earlier I was that tired.

Slight swelling down there, and does ache if I sit certain ways/get up a bit quick. Peeled the dressing back earlier, 4" long cut, healing nicely though.