Soreness and pain upon movement and during sleep are common during the first few weeks of recovery. To prevent further injury and trauma to the hernia repair site, avoid sleeping flat on the sides and back.
What position should I sleep after hernia surgery?
The best sleeping position after umbilical hernia surgery is to sleep flat on your back with your head on a small pillow. This prevents too much pressure on the incision site and allows for comfortable breathing during sleep. You want your abdominal muscles to be relaxed, and sleeping on your back makes this easy.
Can you sleep in a recliner after hernia surgery?
Many patients experience the most significant pain getting in and out of bed. If you are experiencing this and have a recliner, it may be advisable to sleep in this position for the first few days after surgery.
How long does it take for hernia mesh to set?
How long it takes for hernia mesh to heal depends on the type of surgery and the extent of the hernia repair. Most people can expect a full recovery about four to six weeks after the procedure.
Is it OK to sleep on your side after hernia surgery Related Questions
Is it OK to bend over after hernia surgery?
Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for four weeks and excessive bending or twisting for one to two weeks following surgery. This is to allow healing of the incisions, specifically the fascia (the strongest layer of the abdomen wall) and to decrease the risk of your hernia coming back.
Is sitting good after hernia surgery?
Sitting: for several days after surgery sitting may be uncomfortable. You may have to get up and move around and change positions periodically. Stairs: no limitations. Lifting: for the first week lifting is limited to 20 pounds.
How long is bed rest after hernia surgery?
Fullington perform (for inguinal, umbilical, and small incisional hernias) is about 2 weeks. Many patients feel well enough to perform normal daily activities – including driving and return to work – after only a couple of days, but we restrict patient activity for 2 weeks to allow for adequate healing.
What are the don’ts after hernia surgery?
Don’t lift objects heavier than 15 pounds for at least two weeks after the surgery. Don’t engage in any strenuous activity for at least two to four weeks after your surgery. Don’t remain sedentary all the time – move slowly for around five to ten minutes multiple times throughout the day.
Is a heating pad good for after hernia surgery?
Pain Relief Heating pads will help. Please use heat on the lowest setting, for no more than 15 minutes at a time. It’s normal to have pain, swelling, and numbness of the incision and area around it. You may use an ice pack on your incision for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes to decrease pain and swelling.
When can I push to poop after hernia surgery?
The first bowel movement may occur anywhere from 1 – 10 days after surgery. As long as you are not nauseated or having abdominal pain, this variation is acceptable. Constipation can occur after this operation, and taking milk of magnesia (two tablespoons; twice a day) can prevent this issue.
How far should you walk after hernia surgery?
Walking. One to two weeks after your hernia surgery, try walking at a gentle pace for 15 minutes once a day. Try to avoid stairs or hills as you exercise. Once you reach the two-week or more mark from your surgery, walk for up to 30 minutes each day at a reasonable pace.
What should I wear at home after hernia surgery?
Male patients will be advised to wear compression shorts or tight fitting boxer briefs for a few days following the repair of their inguinal hernia to help reduce the amount of swelling after surgery. There are no special brands recommended or required, as long as they are tighter fitting.
What is the fastest way to recover from hernia surgery?
Rest when you feel tired. Try to walk each day. If your doctor gives you an abdominal binder to wear, use it as directed. Avoid strenuous activities, such as biking, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain.
How long will I be sore after hernia surgery?
How long will the pain last after surgery? You will likely feel sore and uncomfortable after hernia surgery while the incision site heals. While some people experience pain a month or more after hernia surgery, most people feel better a couple of weeks.
Can coughing damage my hernia repair?
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.
Will I always feel my hernia mesh?
People who have a mesh plug used to repair their hernias often feel the mesh plug. While it’s not always painful, some chronic pain issues are likely due to the shape and location of the mesh plug.
Why am I peeing so much after hernia 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.
What is the best food to eat after hernia surgery?
Consider fruits, vegetables, and whole grains together with healthy proteins from fish, meat, eggs, tofu, nuts, milk and dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese. Avoid high fat and high caloric foods with low nutritional values, such as syrup drinks, French fries, desserts, etc.
Do you lose weight after hernia surgery?
Patients are counseled that they will likely lose 10–15 pounds during the first 4–6 weeks after surgery before the nadir of weight loss (2).
How long does it take for stomach muscles to heal after hernia surgery?
The latest hernia repair techniques usually allow you to return to normal activities within 2 weeks. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help the healing process. Heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for about 4 to 6 weeks.