After surgery to repair your hernia, you are likely to have pain for a few days. You may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common. You should feel better after a few days and will probably feel much better in 7 days.
Most people are able to do light activities, such as shopping, after 1 or 2 weeks. You should also be able to return to work after 1 or 2 weeks, although you may need more time off if your job involves manual labour.
At first you may need to rest in bed with your upper body raised on pillows. This helps you breathe easier and may help lessen post-surgery hernia pain. Cold and Heat: Both cold and heat can help lessen some types of post-op pain.
There are no medical or physical restrictions on activity after surgery. That means it is OK to walk, climb stairs, lift, have sexual intercourse, mow the lawn, or exercise as long as it doesn't hurt. In fact, returning to normal activity as soon as possible will most likely enhance your recovery.
Of course, they should not be doing any strenuous exercise, but all patients after a hernia operation, be it laparoscopic hernia surgery or open, should be encouraged to get out of bed as much as possible and move around. Absolute bed rest is no longer recommended for hernia operations.
Yes! Constipation is a terrible and uncomfortable feeling, especially when you are recovering from hernia surgery and have such little control over your bowels. However, sitting on the toilet can help trigger muscles in your body that says it is time for a bowel movement. Be patient though.
After surgery to repair your hernia, you are likely to have pain for a few days. You may also feel tired and have less energy than normal. This is common.
Activities You May Perform Soon After Surgery
–On the same evening after surgery you should be able to walk, stand or climb stairs, though you may feel discomfort at doing so.
Most people return to a sedentary job within a week and a half and are cleared for full activities after four to six weeks (i.e. contact sports, police officers, firemen, etc.). Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for four weeks and excessive bending or twisting for one to two weeks following surgery.
Try to avoid vigorous coughing if your repair was done with the open method. Coughing may strain your incision. For a couple of weeks, when you need to cough or sneeze, splint your incision. This means putting pressure over your incision with your hands, a rolled up blanket, or a pillow.
Normally, you should refrain from driving for at least 1 week after a hernia repair operation. You should be free from the distracting effect of pain or the sedative or other effects of any pain relief medication you are taking.
It is OK to shower starting around 24 – 36 hours after surgery. If you have bandages on the incisions, take them off before showering. You should see little pieces of tape (called steri-strips) directly attached to your skin. It is OK to get these little tapes wet in the shower.
The evidence suggests that patients should not drive for one week after open hernia repair but could drive earlier after laparoscopic surgery.
Don't lift more than 10 to 20 pounds during the first few weeks after surgery to avoid stressing the abdominal muscles, groin area, and hernia repair. Avoid sexual activity until given the okay to resume. Do maintain a healthy diet. Proper nutrition is key before and after any surgical procedure.
Experiencing pain after hernia surgery is part of the normal healing process. If you had inguinal hernia surgery in the groin area and your pain after surgery is lasting longer than six months, however, it is considered to be chronic pain. Chronic pain is not normal and should never be ignored.
Do I need to shave before surgery? No! We will use a clipper before surgery. Shaving at home increases the risk of infection.
Rest when you feel tired. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
You should also aim to eat 20 to 35 grams of fiber per day. DON'T worry about mild swelling, bruising, or a hard feeling under your incisions. It's normal for hardness under the wound to stick around for up to 6 months. DON'T lift more than 10 to 20 pounds for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
VOIDING / URINATING
Occasionally, after surgery, your bladder may become too full with urine, and urinary retention can develop. This may manifest as either: 1) inability to void, 2) frequent voiding, or 3) frequent voiding of small amounts of urine.
Stretching and mild exercise, once you are cleared by your surgeon, can help with circulation and reduce scar tissue. While factors like your personal health and the type of hernia repair surgery will dictate your body's healing rate, following the advice above can help you in your recovery.
Compression Garments after Hernia Surgery
The goal of compression garments is to provide compression to the skin and soft tissues, alleviating pain, reducing swelling and improving overall healing. Additionally, sudden movements like coughing, laughing and sneezing can be uncomfortable and lead to bruising.
Clear Liquid Diet Post – Surgery
Thus, doctors may recommend clear liquid diet, such as clear soup, non-acidic juices (apple juice or tea), or jelly in the initial stages of recovery. Although they may have less nutrition and calories, but they will prevent dehydration during this phase.
As a rule, you should wear loose-fitting clothes that will allow you to be comfortable after the procedure. Choose something that will not put pressure on the surgical site. You will not need to carry a change of clothes.
Avoid foods that cause constipation such as dairy products, red meat, processed foods such as pizza, frozen dinners, pasta, sugar products such as cakes, pies, pastries, doughnuts and caffeine and caffeine drinks. Some discomfort, but this should not be excessive.