Many people are able to delay surgery for months or even years. And some people may never need surgery for a small hernia. If the hernia is small and you don’t have any symptoms, or if the symptoms don’t bother you much, you and your doctor may simply continue to watch for symptoms to occur.
Can you live with hernia without knowing?
Indeed, many hernias go unnoticed and undiagnosed for years, decades or even the remainder of the patient’s life. Asymptomatic hernias, as they are known, do not warrant treatment, in most cases, because we simply do not know they exist, but also because the risk of strangulation is very low.
What are the signs of a serious hernia?
A painful bulge that doesn’t reduce in size when you lay down and rest. Worsening pain. Nausea and/or vomiting. Difficulty having a bowel movement. Bloating. Racing heart rate. Fever.
How do I know if my hernia needs surgery?
Seek immediate medical attention if there are signs that your hernia has become stuck or strangulated, which can be life-threatening and usually requires emergency surgery. Signs of this condition include: A hernia bulge that is suddenly larger than before.
How long can you go without surgery with a hernia Related Questions
What happens if you wait too long to fix a hernia?
Untreated hernias may not only keep increasing in size but may also become harder to manage, more uncomfortable, more painful, and in worst case scenarios, life-threatening.
What happens if you leave a hernia alone?
If left untreated, however, a hernia can cause serious complications, such as a bowel obstruction (resulting in severe pain, nausea or constipation), or intestinal strangulation, if the trapped section of the intestines does not get enough blood.
When should you go to the ER for a hernia?
If the hernia becomes very painful, that can mean the intestine is trapped inside the hernia, cutting off blood flow to the intestine. This is uncommon, but it can be life-threatening and should be repaired immediately. If you develop significant pain, go to the Emergency Department.
What happens if you don’t get a hernia checked out?
If it is left untreated, a strangulated hernia can lead to life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis (severe inflammation of intestine) and sepsis. Since hernias can happen to anyone at any age, knowing warning signs of hernias and being aware of them are essential.
What to do while waiting for hernia surgery?
Take good care of yourself in the days/weeks leading up to your surgery. Eat well, stay hydrated, exercise at levels that do not cause excessive pain to the hernia and get plenty of sleep. Remember #1 — try to keep a positive outlook – over 1 million people go through hernia surgery each year in the US.
What are 3 signs you might have a hernia?
Sign #1: There’s a bulge in your abdomen or groin. Sign #2: You have soreness or pain. Sign #3: You feel nauseated and may be constipated. What should you do, if you think you have a hernia?
What is the most emergency hernia?
Strangulated hernias, where the tissue stuck in the hernia defect starts to lose blood flow, is an emergency of the highest order. Whether it is intestinal or fat tissue, the contents of the hernia can begin to die within hours of being strangulated.
How do you get rid of a hernia without surgery?
Wear hernia belts. While coughing or straining, hold the hernia. Take light walks. Avoid foods that cause inflammation. Exercises to strengthen the Abdomen. Maintain a healthy weight. Apply some ice. Take a fiber-rich diet.
How painful is hernia surgery?
After hernia repair surgery, it is common to experience mild to moderate pain and to feel a little run down. It’s also normal to feel pulling or twinges in the affected area as you heal. Most people, however, feel better within a few days and much better within a week of surgery.
What are doctors feeling for when they check for a hernia?
A heavy feeling in your groin. Weakness or a feeling of pressure in your groin. A sense of fullness or bowel obstruction (1,2)
Do they put you to sleep for hernia surgery?
You will probably receive general anesthesia (asleep and pain-free) for this surgery. If your hernia is small, you may receive spinal, epidural block, or local anesthesia and medicine to relax you. If general anesthesia is not used, you will be awake but pain-free.
What not to do with a hernia?
Avoid heavy lifting when you can. Lifting puts stress on the groin. When you must lift, don’t bend over. Lift objects by using the legs, not the back. Eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water. Maintain a healthy body weight.
Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
Open hernia repair is a major surgery that’s performed with the aid of general anesthesia or local anesthesia and sedation. It’s done through one or two standard-sized incisions (three to six inches in length) that allow the surgeon to fully visualize and access the problematic area.
Is it OK to push a hernia back in?
Most inguinal hernias can be pushed back into the belly with gentle massage and pressure. An inguinal hernia will not heal on its own. If you have symptoms, or the hernia is growing, you may need surgery.
How can I shrink my hernia naturally?
Milk with a pinch of turmeric powder. A herbal mixture including fennel, citrus seeds, and hawthorn & litchi seeds. Smaller meals at regular intervals. High water intake. High fibre, high protein, low fat diet. Fresh green vegetables. Whole wheat ingredients.
What tests are done before hernia surgery?
Hernia Surgery Preparation Preoperative preparation includes blood work, medical evaluation, chest x-ray and an EKG depending on your age and medical condition. After your surgeon reviews with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation, you will need to provide written consent for surgery.