An inguinal hernia is the medical name for what happens when there is a weakness or tear in the groin area that allows part of the intestines to protrude through the abdominal wall. While the condition may or may not be painful, it will usually result in a visible lump forming around the groin area. Sometimes, the hernia will only be painful when the person moves into different positions with their body, such as sitting up.
Some people will notice this lump come and go for a period of days or weeks before they finally decide to visit their doctor to get it diagnosed. It is only then that they find out for sure that they have an inguinal hernia. At that time, the doctor and patient will schedule a time for surgery, if the doctor deems that surgery is necessary.
If this describes you, here are some tips for before and after surgery:
Before surgery:
Remember to prepare yourself, your friends, family and your home in the days before your surgery. This includes alerting people you know, including friends and co-workers, that your surgery date is coming up and that you might not be as responsive as usual for the first few days after surgery. In other words: you will want to manage their expectations.
Buy any healthy snacks you may need. And, get yourself something to do, like magazines, games, books and DVDs, so that you can pass the time with as little boredom as possible.
Here is what to expect after inguinal hernia surgery.
1. The first day after surgery, you will likely want to stay in bed. Restricting movement is a good idea, and your doctor will usually prescribe strong painkillers for use during this time.
2. You will need to avoid heavy lifting of any kind for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery. Otherwise, you could risk re-opening the incision that the surgeons created.
3. On Day 2 or Day 3, make sure you are spending most of your time OUT of bed. Yes, contrary to what may feel intuitively true, you actually need to keep your body in motion each day after surgery. If you just stay in bed for days or weeks after surgery, you are not giving the muscles around your incision that chance to get stronger. People who have tried not to move at all for a week or more after hernia surgery often report problems of persistent pain and/or re-opening their wound because they had failed to give the muscles a chance to strengthen.
4. As the days pass, you will find yourself needing the heavy painkillers less and less. Your doctor may suggest that you switch to acetaminophen or a similar, over-the-counter painkiller at that point.
5. Make sure you keep your wound clean in the days and weeks following surgery. Your wound may weep, which means that it could seep fluids for a few days. This should stop, however. If it persists, call your doctor.
6. It is okay to take a shower starting a couple of days after your surgery. In the meantime, keep the area around your wound clean with a sponge or washcloth.
Hernia surgery is a serious thing, but it is something from which you will definitely recover. To recovery as quickly and painlessly as possible - and with the lowest-possible chance of recurrence - follow these tips. And, get well soon!
Some people will notice this lump come and go for a period of days or weeks before they finally decide to visit their doctor to get it diagnosed. It is only then that they find out for sure that they have an inguinal hernia. At that time, the doctor and patient will schedule a time for surgery, if the doctor deems that surgery is necessary.
If this describes you, here are some tips for before and after surgery:
Before surgery:
Remember to prepare yourself, your friends, family and your home in the days before your surgery. This includes alerting people you know, including friends and co-workers, that your surgery date is coming up and that you might not be as responsive as usual for the first few days after surgery. In other words: you will want to manage their expectations.
Buy any healthy snacks you may need. And, get yourself something to do, like magazines, games, books and DVDs, so that you can pass the time with as little boredom as possible.
Here is what to expect after inguinal hernia surgery.
1. The first day after surgery, you will likely want to stay in bed. Restricting movement is a good idea, and your doctor will usually prescribe strong painkillers for use during this time.
2. You will need to avoid heavy lifting of any kind for at least 2-3 weeks after the surgery. Otherwise, you could risk re-opening the incision that the surgeons created.
3. On Day 2 or Day 3, make sure you are spending most of your time OUT of bed. Yes, contrary to what may feel intuitively true, you actually need to keep your body in motion each day after surgery. If you just stay in bed for days or weeks after surgery, you are not giving the muscles around your incision that chance to get stronger. People who have tried not to move at all for a week or more after hernia surgery often report problems of persistent pain and/or re-opening their wound because they had failed to give the muscles a chance to strengthen.
4. As the days pass, you will find yourself needing the heavy painkillers less and less. Your doctor may suggest that you switch to acetaminophen or a similar, over-the-counter painkiller at that point.
5. Make sure you keep your wound clean in the days and weeks following surgery. Your wound may weep, which means that it could seep fluids for a few days. This should stop, however. If it persists, call your doctor.
6. It is okay to take a shower starting a couple of days after your surgery. In the meantime, keep the area around your wound clean with a sponge or washcloth.
Hernia surgery is a serious thing, but it is something from which you will definitely recover. To recovery as quickly and painlessly as possible - and with the lowest-possible chance of recurrence - follow these tips. And, get well soon!
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