abdominal hernia

jennycherie · #1 (**permalink**) 09-27-2006, 01:27 PM

anyone here had an abdominal hernia repaired? I will be having mine repaired soon and I'm getting a bit nervous now. I am expecting it to be an easy surgery (compared to a c-section, for instance) but I'm still a little nervous and really needing to have a quick recovery. Can anyone share any experience with this?

nitnat · #2 (**permalink**) 09-27-2006, 05:54 PM

I will not lie to you...It is not a pleasant surgery. I had an umbilical hernia repair 3 years ago and it hurt. Mine was a bit different as I had another problem as well. They had to repair the area around my belly button too. It was really hard for the first week to stand properly and to even speak in a loud voice as everything is hinged on using your stomach muscles. The doctor will probably direct you to take at least 6 weeks off to recuperate; Take it...You will need it. The problem with hernia surgery is simply that people do not let themselves heal before they go back to work or attempt strenuous things. If you strain yourself too much after surgery, you can develope scar tissue and adhesions, which in the long run will cause some discomfort. Aside from that, if you have a decent surgeon, it will be fine...Just take the time to heal is all.

On a side note: I now have another hernia located in my groin area. Now that one hurts like ****!! Mine causes back pain and makes sitting a chore. I am set to see a surgeon early November to find out when I can have surgery. From what I understand, it is harder to recover from as they use gortex mesh to strengthen the rip. So not looking forward to it..........SNIFF SNIFF

jennycherie · #3 (**permalink**) 09-27-2006, 06:15 PM

thanks for the reply! I've been trying to say this won't be a big deal as long as I don't do the lifting for 6 weeks as directed. I guess I just won't know until it happens! They did say that they would be using a mesh patch but I don't know if it's gortex or not? I don't know---mine has been bugging me some, just feels like it pulls whenever I exert myself but it's not too bad for now. thanks for sharing your experience!

megrayau · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2006, 02:27 PM

Hi Jenny
I had abdominal hernia repair 10 years. It was caused by an operation, so maybe a different experience. I too would say, expect to feel bad when you wake up ~ that way it might be better but shouldn't be worse than you thought! If you cough or sneeze, support the area REALLY well with a cushion or pillow hugged close.
Listen to the staff and do EXACTLY as they tell you in the recovery phase. If no-one is going to help with housework, then let it wait for you. A dusty floor for a few weeks is better than on-going pain. I trust it will go well for you.

**Sammi1961** · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2006, 02:56 PM

This past March I had an incisional hernia repair that was located just below my rib cage. I have to say it wasn't too bad as in the pain was completely controllable. I took pain medication in the hospital every 4 hours but once home only took tylenol which worked just as well. I only had to stay in the hospital one night. I think the worst part of the whole ordeal was just coming out of the anesthesia. I just hate that groggy disoriented feeling. I had to take things easy for about 6 weeks lifting nothing over 5 pounds. I had to walk slowly for a few days but within a week or so was walking almost normally. Laying down or standing was easier than sitting. I was driving about 5 days after the surgery. I was very careful about lifting anything as I was afraid of getting another hernia. Even now, 6 months later, I am careful about lifting though my surgeon gave me no limitations after my follow up visit. Honestly, the first couple days were a bit rough learning how to get in and out of bed properly and having to walk slowly but as long as I took tylenol the pain was not bad at all and now I feel great (though hate the surgical scar but that is fading slowly) Good luck with your surgery - I hope it goes well and you will be back on your feet in no time!

**cat lover** · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 02:23 AM

Almost two years my DH had one repaired; they used mesh to cover the "weak"spot to do the repair. Grant you he was a little past 50 so the "healing" time was several weeks for him. He usually does very well with pain, but this one kept him sidelined awhile; he just couldn't get comfortable. Getting up and down was his hardest time. We have handicap toilets already so you may consider getting a "lifter" for your toilet as like I said that was the hardest for him getting up and down anywhere. He only had a small incision as they did microscopbhic (sp) surgery. Sorry! But it is important to go ahead and get it repaired as there can be danger by not doing so. Just get it over with and Good LucK!

**Sammi1961** · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 03:29 AM

Catlover, did your dh have an abdominal hernia or a groin hernia (which is where men often get them though they can get other types too)? Groin hernias are a bit different than abdominal hernias. (My dad had the groin hernia operation and it did take much longer to be able to walk easily and get up and down.) For my abdominal hernia, they did not need to use mesh so I think it depends on the type of hernia you have. I think some abdominal hernias might require mesh so maybe it depends on the size?

**cat lover** · #8 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 04:17 AM

His was an abdominal hernia. Both my DS had groin hernia repairs when they were each 18 months old and DS #1 had umbilical hernia repair done at he same time. Of course being 18 months old they didn;t slow down at all! LOL

lisaroberson · #9 (**permalink**) 10-02-2006, 12:08 PM

I had hernia surgery in Dec. 98 - it was one inch above my belly button.

For me, I guess I was lucky because it really wasn't that bad of a surgery and the recovery was not that hard.

I had read about recurrence, and was concerned about that - and the doc assured me I would have a low chance, because I was not overweight.

Dummy me - I went and put on a TON of weight...and from time to time, I feel a bit of discomfort in that spot - I hope I don't lose my weight and find a surprise waiting for me!

Good luck - I'm sure you'll be fine, I'll be thinking of you and praying for you!

When are you having it?

hummingbird_0331 · #10 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 08:10 AM

My hubby has this donea few yrs back. He had them in his groin area and belly. It wasnt nice. He was feeling pretty bad for awhile and moving was real difficult too and tlaking. Hes had pain in the areas alot thou still and were not sure why!?