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.
What to expect the day of hernia surgery?
Most patients go home the same day. Abdominal wall hernia repairs may require up to a two-day hospital stay due to the internal stitches and healing that is required. Expect some soreness around the surgical site during the first 24 to 48 hours following surgery. Walking is encouraged, based on your energy level.
Can you walk immediately after hernia surgery?
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.
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.
What is the expected recovery time for hernia surgery Related Questions
How painful is it after a hernia operation?
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.
Is hernia surgery painful afterwards?
Some hernia surgeries are done as open surgeries and use the same mesh technique. After surgery, it is normal to feel pain for several weeks. Pain is part of the healing process and can be relieved by medication. For pain that does not go away, there can be other reasons.
Can I sit in the toilet after hernia surgery?
9) Sit on the toilet 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.
Are you on bed rest after hernia surgery?
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.
Will I 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).
Is it better to sit or lay down after hernia surgery?
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.
Can you take care of yourself after hernia surgery?
After you have gone through hernia repair surgery, it is important that you take care of yourself so that you heal properly. Though it may be hard to rest, it is essential that you take the time you need to heal before jumping right back into normal life.
Can I ride in a car after hernia surgery?
Generally, normal activities can be resumed in a few days after laparoscopic hernia repair and a week for open hernia repair. Under no circumstances should you drive an automobile while you are taking narcotic pain medications.
How do I prepare my body for hernia surgery?
Stop Smoking. If you smoke, quit. Take Time Off Work. Arrange to take the appropriate time off work during recuperation. Stop Taking Blood Thinners. Pick Up Pain Medication. Take a Shower. No Food or Drink. Have Someone Take You Home. Arrange for Help After Surgery.
Can you lay down after hernia surgery?
Resting in an elevated position also helps reduce pain and stiffness. Use pillows to maintain comfort, support, and proper elevation during sleep. Avoid laying on the sides and certain sleeping positions unless otherwise directed by the doctor.
What is the fastest way to recover from hernia surgery?
Don’t move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better. Be active. Walking is a good choice. You most likely can return to light activity after 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of surgery you had.
Why does hernia surgery hurt so much?
Nerve injury, entrapment, or reaction to mesh and scar may be the cause of severe pain syndromes. Proper nerve handling at the time of initial hernia repair is crucial to decrease the incidence of chronic pain.
What is the best pain relief after hernia surgery?
We advise that our patients take both Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Motrin (ibuprofen) together every 6 hours. Ice is an appropriate adjunct to medication for pain after hernia surgery. It can help to reduce some of the swelling as well as decrease pain in the area.
What meds do they give after hernia surgery?
It is not uncommon to have significant discomfort over the first 2-3 days after your operation. You will be prescribed a NARCOTIC pain medication to help control this pain (Vicodin, Norco, Hydrocodone, etc.).
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 hernia surgery flatten my stomach?
Not only will it decrease the chance of a hernia recurrence, but will improve your core strength, stop post-pregnancy bulging due to abdominal wall laxity, and create a flatter, more functional muscular abdomen.