Hernia repair recovery.

[_bryan_]

After a bit of advice regarding an umbilical hernia repair.

Had the operation yesterday and currently sitting on the sofa in a lot of pain feeling sorry for myself.

Anyone else had the same operation? How long before you could do day to day stuff? I'm not talking about any lifting, just driving, popping to the shop, cooking etc.

Doctors said to wait 6 to 8 weeks before any heavy lifting, is this about right? How long was it before you we're fully confident you could hit the gym again?

Many thanks,
Bryan.

[scrawler]

Did you have a mesh repair?
I am 5 weeks today post incisional hernia, involving insertion of a large mesh...with some lovely titanium pins!

It is painful- make sure you take the pain killers they have given you as they are prescribed. I kept trying to stop taking them and it hurt a lot when the pain came back. Most annoying thing was being unable to move around and turn over in bed without pain/ discomfort therefore lack of sleep. It does gradually get better, but I'm still getting twinges if I do too much, turn too quickly etc.

I had several days of bad pain, after sitting in a cinema in one position for 2 and 1/2 hours (Skyfall!!!) I think the mesh must have ended rubbing/put pressure on some soft tissues and so I ended up in excrutiating pain on one side.

I was told off work 6-8 weeks, and no lifting for at least 6 weeks, it's hard gauging what to do but by and large your body soon tells you if you're overstepping the mark. I'm now driving, the stretching for changing gear hurt to start with, then cramping the day after due to gear changing etc.

Avoid constipation at all costs-bearing down is not a pleasant sensation when your abdominal wall has been fixed-lots of fluids and you may need laxatives if you are on strong painkillers

As for activity, I don't know!? I am walking and intend to build up from there-I'm not a gym rat so can't help with that side of it

[_bryan_]

Thanks for the reply.

No mesh thank god, only a small repair which incidentally is the only reason they did it. Something to do with a possibility of strangulation occurring.

Am hoping that I might be up to driving tomorrow, can at least take the mrs out then and she can do all the shopping whilst I sit in the car.

Never thought about the constipation, come to think of it I've not been since Wednesday, might be worth getting some laxatives as you say.

Thanks again,
Bryan.

[scrawler]

Hi again re the driving- I was told I had to check with my insurance company before driving, also had to have full range of movement and be confident I could do emergency stop. I also made sure I was off the opiates as they reduced my cognitive ability. May be best to check, dependant on what your docs told you...

Have a good recovery

[boxst]

I had a mesh repair a long while ago. It was a few days of lots of pain (Morphine suppositories and tablets) and then I was fine. I could drive etc...

I couldn't 'go play rugger' as the surgeon put it or anything like heavy lifting for about 6 weeks.

[_bryan_]

Thanks guys,

Have forced myself to be a bit more mobile today which seems to have done wonders. The pain is much more localised to the area of the hernia now rather than my whole abdominal area.

As it was only a small repair they only put me on paracetemol and ibuprofen which I take in turns. Other good news is I managed to empty my bowels this morning without help from laxatives so all good on that front.

If I keep recovering at this rate I might be able to go without pain killers Christmas Day, here's to hoping.

Cheers,
Bryan.