how should i rehab from hernia surgery

1. Take Walks You’ll have pain after your operation, and while medications can help, the best way to reduce pain is to get up and walk. ...
2. Get Plenty of Rest Rest helps with recovery, though it may be a little uncomfortable for the first few nights. ...
3. Keep Your Incisions Clean Your incisions should be kept clean with soap and water to avoid infection. ...
4. Keep to Your Diet Your surgeon may prescribe a diet to follow after hiatal hernia surgery. ...
5. Keep It Low Impact Physical activity can help you recover by promoting circulation, but you should keep it low-impact. ...
6. Follow Up With Your Surgeon

Full Answer

How long does it take to recover from hernia surgery?

Apr 19, 2022 · Here are some tips that can help you a lot while recovering from an inguinal hernia surgery: Ice packs on the area can help you reduce the swelling and pain after the surgery. However, make sure not to overdo with... Walk, walk, walk! A few days after the surgery, start walking around the house ...

What can you not do after hernia surgery?

Jul 01, 2020 · Within 48 to 72 hours: Since hernia surgery often involves general anesthesia (in which you are put to sleep), you should avoid driving for a minimum of 48 hours following the treatment. In addition, in the early stages of recovery, you will be encouraged to walk around a little once an hour.

What should you expect after hernia surgery?

Recovery Time After Hernia Surgery. Recovery time after surgery depends on the type of hernia you have and the type of procedure required. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery are usually able to go home the same day and are able to walk the night of the surgery. Some patients, especially those who have had abdominal wall reconstructions or component …

How to repair a hernia without surgery?

Nov 05, 2019 · In case, your bowel movements aren’t regular after surgery, then try avoiding constipation and straining. Also, drink plenty of water. Doctors would recommend having a stool softener, fiber, or a mild laxative. Medicines Antiinflammatory and analgesic medications are usually recommended in the first week after surgery. Incision care

How do you rehab after hernia surgery?

Generally, patients can walk as much as tolerated after surgery. Non-impact exercise such as biking, swimming, or elliptical training can be done six to 12 weeks after surgery. Planks for core strengthening can also be done six to 12 weeks after surgery.Jan 16, 2019

How long should a person rest after hernia surgery?

Most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. But if your job requires that you do heavy lifting or strenuous activity, you may need to take 4 to 6 weeks off from work.

What is the fastest way to recover from hernia surgery?

Gentle exercise, such as walking, can help you heal faster. Avoid lifting anything heavy or performing strenuous activities for at least four weeks. Sexual intercourse is permitted when you feel ready—generally, around two to three weeks post-surgery.Oct 22, 2020

Do and don'ts after hernia surgery?

Do NOT lift anything heavier than 15 pounds for a minimum of two weeks (or as instructed by your surgeon). Do NOT engage in strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least four to six weeks (or advised by your surgeon). Lifting too soon after hernia surgery can cause a hernia reoccurrence and other complications.

How long does it take for hernia mesh to set?

After hernia mesh surgery, most patients can go home the same day. Full recovery time may take four to six weeks. Right after surgery, patients should perform only necessary daily functions but can return to light activity after a few weeks of recovery. Heavy activity can resume after six weeks.

What is the best position to sleep after hernia surgery?

The doctors do not recommend sleeping on the stomach after the surgery. This position can hurt your spine and can also pressurize the hip area. Try to control your sleeping habits if you are a stomach sleeper. It is best to sleep on your side or back.Mar 18, 2021

How can I reduce my tummy after hernia surgery?

Here are three lifestyle changes you may need to make after hernia surgery.Lose Weight After Hernia Surgery. Being overweight can put extra pressure on your abdominal wall. ... Consume a High-Fiber Diet. ... Stay Physically Active After Hernia Surgery.Feb 2, 2021

What is normal pain after hernia surgery?

The type of pain often changes when there is a nerve problem after hernia surgery. The patient will often describe the pain as severe, sharp, electrical, and stabbing. The pain is usually localized to a specific area on the inguinal area, and certain motions can make the pain much worse.

What foods can I eat after hernia surgery?

You must not eat breads, crackers, biscuits, chunky meats such as steaks and dry meals such as cold cuts. You can now start eating soft food such as well cooked pasta, minced meat, flaked fish, well cooked rice, pulses and vegetables with plenty of sauce.

Is it good to walk after hernia surgery?

Resting after surgery is important, but walking after open hernia repair is actually recommended. In the days following your surgery, you can start walking around as soon as you are able.

Can coughing damage my hernia repair?

What activity can I do? Deep breathing and circulation exercises are good. Try to avoid vigorous coughing if your repair was done with the open method. Coughing may strain your incision.

Does a hernia make you look fat?

Symptoms. Abdominal wall hernias are generally visible: they will look like a lump or bulge beneath the skin. These hernias don't usually cause any other symptoms except for mild pain or discomfort, usually when you are straining (for instance, lifting something heavy).

Recovery Time After Hernia Surgery

Recovery time after surgery depends on the type of hernia you have and the type of procedure required. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surg...

Discomfort After Hernia Surgery

Discomfort is typically handled with over-the-counter medication, although some patients may require a combination of over-the-counter and opioid-b...

Follow-Up Appointments After Hernia Surgery

All patients need a follow-up appointment two weeks after surgery to ensure that their pain is well controlled and there are no infections. Patient...

Postoperative Restrictions

After surgery, most patients will be asked to avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds for the first two weeks, though more complicated patien...

What to do after a hernia surgery?

Critical in all of this, however, is you, the patient; in the months following hernia surgery, it’s your job to check in on your own progress and let your medical team know if anything seems off, or if you are struggling emotionally or physically. Listen to your body and don’t be afraid to speak up.

How long does it take to recover from a hernia surgery?

You should be able to start light activity after one to two weeks. You can expect full recovery from hernia surgery at four to six weeks.

How long after hernia surgery can you drive?

Within 48 to 72 hours: Since hernia surgery often involves general anesthesia (in which you are put to sleep), you should avoid driving for a minimum of 48 hours following the treatment. In addition, in the early stages of recovery, you will be encouraged to walk around a little once an hour.

How to heal a stent?

And what can you do to prevent infection and ensure full and complete recovery? Here are some tips to keep in mind: 3  1 Sanitation: Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching anywhere in or around the incision (s). 2 Bathing: Avoid taking a full bath while stitches, staples, Steri-Strips, or other adhesives are holding the wound closed. Showering is OK, though be gentle with the incisions. 3 Changing bandages: Your doctor will give you guidance as to when and how to change bandages; listen carefully and follow their orders. 4 Drainage: A small amount of drainage caught in the bandages is expected; however, let your doctor know as soon as possible if they are soaked in blood. 5 Steri-Strips: If Steri-Strips are used to close up the incision, expect them to fall off on their own within seven to 10 days; don’t take them off yourself. 6 Glue covering: As with Steri-Strips, incisions held together with a glue-like covering should be allowed to run their course and the covering will eventually flake off on its own. 7 Clothing: Try not to wear tight-fighting clothing or fabric that could chafe the region. 8 Covering up: Make sure the wound is not exposed to direct sunlight, especially once new skin has started to grow.

How long does it take to recover from a syphilis?

Six weeks to six months: In many cases, complete recovery is expected at six weeks, and it will be at that point that you’ll be able to truly resume your normal level of activity. As mentioned above, though, more complex cases may require a longer period of recovery, with some cases taking up to six months.

How to get your mind off pain?

Doctors recommend trying “distraction”—listening to your favorite music, playing games, or taking part in activities you find ease anxiety or stress— as a means to get your mind off pain.

What is the best pain medication for surgery?

Prescription Pain Medications. For more intense pain and especially in the earlier going following surgery, you may be prescribed an opioid drug such as Percocet, Vicodin, or Oxycontin to help ease your pain. It’s important to note that these are highly addictive and should be taken only as directed.

How much weight can you lift after a syringe?

Postoperative Restrictions. After surgery, most patients will be asked to avoid lifting anything heavier than 15 pounds for the first two weeks, though more complicated patients may have differing limitations.

Do you need a second follow up appointment for a surgical drain?

Patients with more complex procedures may have complex bandages or negative pressure dressings that need evaluation, and we need to ensure that any surgical drains are performing properly to avoid infection. Depending on the patient’s progress, a second follow-up appointment may be necessary.

Can a hernia recur after surgery?

However, there is still a chance of recurrence or infection after surgery. Obesity and smoking increase these risks substantially, and many hernia experts will require patients to lose weight and commit to smoking cessation before surgery, unless tissue is incarcerated or strangulated.

Can you go home after minimally invasive surgery?

Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery are usually able to go home the same day and are able to walk the night of the surgery. Some patients, especially those who have had abdominal wall reconstructions or component separations, may have to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Does surgery help with pain?

Chronic pain is also a risk. Although most pain will go away with conservative management, in rare cases, further surgery may be necessary to alleviate the pain. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and regular checkups with your primary care provider will also help reduce the risks involved with any surgery.

What is the procedure for hernia surgery?

The type of Surgery. Hernia surgery is carried out in two methods: one is the conventional open method and the other the Laparoscopic hernia repair. The conventional method requires an incision in the skin directly over the hernia. The latter surgery takes place with the use of a small telescope known as a laparoscope.

How long does it take for a hernia to heal?

Hernia Recovery – Do’s and Don’ts after Hernia Surgery. You are likely to suffer pains for a few days after undergoing hernia surgery. It is also common to feel tired, nauseated and as if you have flu or a low fever. This happens in about 20-25% of patients after hernia surgery. But after 5 days or so, patients start feeling better.

What does it mean when your incision comes open?

Your incision comes open or has got your stitches loose. You find bright red blood-soaked discharge in your bandage. You have loose stitches, or your incision comes open. Your stomach seems sick or you cannot drink fluid. You find signs of a blood clot in your leg ( known as a deep vein thrombosis).

How to heal a swollen incision?

If you have gauze on the incisions, take it off prior to showering and later pat the incision dry. Consult your doctor regarding keeping your incision dry and if so, for how long. Allow the area to heal. After surgery, it suggested that you don’t move swiftly or lift anything heavy until you feel completely fine.

How long after surgery can you lift?

It would be better if you avoid lifting weights or engaging in sports or strenuous exercises for at least four to six weeks.

What to do if your stomach is upset after a bowel surgery?

But if your stomach seems upset, you should try going for bland, low-fat food items like plain rice, toast, broiled chicken or yogurt. In case, your bowel movements aren’t regular after surgery, then try avoiding constipation and straining. Also, drink plenty of water.

How long should you leave tape on a cut?

Sometimes you may have strips of tape on the cut. Leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.

How long should I stay with my mom after hernia surgery?

What can I do for self-care in the days following hernia surgery? After surgery, you should have a responsible adult stay with you for 24 hours to monitor you for possible complications. Make sure to get plenty of rest, as adequate sleep will help you heal quicker.

What is the most common type of hernia?

Type of hernia you have. Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia and generally have fewer complications. Type of surgery you had. Generally, people who have laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery recover quicker than patients who have open surgery. Your age.

How long does it take to drive after laparoscopic surgery?

For patients who have laparoscopic or robotic surgery, this will be anywhere from a couple of days to two after surgery, while patients who have open surgery may need more time to recover before driving again.

How long does it take for a sex to heal after a sex?

Sexual intercourse is permitted when you feel ready—generally, around two to three weeks post-surgery.

How long after a syringe surgery can you take a shower?

Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your wound and bathing. Most people can take a shower within 48 hours after surgery. Bathing is not recommended for two weeks after surgery.

How to reduce constipation?

Reduce the risk of constipation by drinking lots of fluids and eating a healthy diet. Constipation may cause pain around the affected area. If you are taking pain medications, take them exactly as prescribed. If you no longer need them, dispose of them as instructed.

Can you drive home after a hernia surgery?

When can I go home from the hospital after hernia surgery? If you had laparoscopic or robotic hernia surgery, you will likely go home on the procedure day. You will need someone to drive you home because of the effects of the anesthesia.

How long does it take to recover from a hernia mesh surgery?

Recovery From Hernia Mesh Surgery. After hernia mesh surgery, most patients can go home the same day. Recovery time may take four to six weeks. Right after hernia surgery, patients should perform only necessary daily functions but can return to light activity after a few weeks. Heavy activity can resume after six weeks.

How to reduce swelling from hernia?

Patients should use ice packs no more than 20 minutes three to five times a day to reduce swelling.

What pain medication can I take after a hernia surgery?

Over-the-counter pain medicines such as Tylenol can sometimes control pain after hernia surgery. Some patients may need a stronger pain medicine. Doctors may prescribe opioids or narcotics (i.e. morphine or oxycodone – Percocet). Patients may only need stronger drugs for the first two days after surgery.

What is PRN in medical field?

PRN is a nationally recognized leader in providing independent medical reviews. Reviewer specialties include internal medicine, gastroenterology, oncology, orthopedic surgery and psychiatry. A patient’s health affects the time it takes to recover from hernia mesh surgery. Complications can prolong a patient’s recovery time.

How much weight can you lift in a week?

Limit lifting to less than 20 pounds. Patients can resume jogging, biking, yoga, Pilates and light tennis. Patients should expect to feel some soreness or stiffness. Week 3 (85% of normal capacity) Exercise can include running, cycling, swimming, surfing and golf. Patients should no longer need pain medicines.

How long does it take to get back to work after a syringe?

Most patients are able to return to work within one to two weeks after surgery. But patients whose jobs require manual labor may have to wait four to six weeks before they can resume their work. Patients should begin to “feel normal” again about four to six weeks after surgery.

Can you take over the counter pain medicine after a hernia surgery?

Patients can usually manage pain with over-the-counter medicines. Some patients may need stronger pain medicines to control their discomfort after surgery. These pain medicines can have side effects. Patients can expect laparoscopic hernia mesh recovery to be about the same as open repair recovery. This includes inguinal hernia surgery recovery ...

What to Expect After Hernia Surgery

Some of the most common questions people ask about hiatal hernia repair —and in particular the recovery process—include the following.

6 Tips for Recovering from Hernia Surgery

When it comes to recovering from hiatal hernia surgery, the following tips should make it easier.

Learn More About Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Surgery

To learn more about minimally invasive hernia repair surgery, it helps to contact a surgeon. Dr. Malladi can help you determine whether this surgery is best for you and make you aware of what to expect. For more information, contact Dr. Malladi today.

How to repair a hernia?

If your hernia was repaired in open surgery, your doctor likely made a large incision near the hernia to repair the weak area. If your hernia was repaired with the laparoscopic method, your doctor made several smaller incisions near the hernia to repair the weak area. This procedure is considered less invasive.

How long does it take for a hernia to heal?

The swelling should subside within a week. You may be able to resume normal activity, including sexual intercourse, in as little as a week, but it can take longer. Generally speaking, if you want to and it doesn’t hurt, it’s OK to have sex after any hernia repair surgery.

Why does my penis hurt after a hernia surgery?

Pain is certainly a consideration in the days after hernia surgery. This is due to the incisions and your body adjusting to any implanted mesh. In men who experience post-operative swelling of the penis and testicles, there may not be much desire for intercourse.

How to get back in the swing of things after surgery?

Keep the lines of communication open and be willing to change position or stop if necessary. Most of all, listen to your body. It will let you know if you’re pushing it. And remember, soreness and swelling after surgery are temporary; you’ll probably be back in the swing of things sooner than you think.

What is the name of the groin that is femoral?

the inner groin (inguinal) the outer groin (femoral) the abdominal/ventral wall (ventral) an abdominal incision or scar (incisional) the belly button (umbilical) the upper stomach/diaphragm (hiatal) The location of your hernia may play a role in your recovery time.

What are the different types of hernias?

Hernias can occur in: 1 the inner groin (inguinal) 2 the outer groin (femoral) 3 the abdominal/ventral wall (ventral) 4 an abdominal incision or scar (incisional) 5 the belly button (umbilical) 6 the upper stomach/diaphragm (hiatal)

How to get a good sex?

Ask your partner to take the lead. Start with very gentle movements and gradually increase activity as you gain confidence. Hold a pillow close to your abdomen to provide support during sex. Use a wedge pillow to create the right angle without having to strain .

How to reduce pain after surgery?

Good pain control can make it far easier to sleep, which also promotes healing. Practical Ways to Decrease Pain After Surgery. 10. Get Moving.

What to do when you cough after surgery?

Bracing your incision, which means applying pressure to the incision, is essential when coughing, sneezing or even going to the bathroom. You can do this with your hands, or a pillow if you have one nearby. Just remember that coughing is important and you should be coughing frequently after surgery.

How to prevent infection after surgery?

7 Best Ways to Prevent Infections After Surgery. 4. Inspect Your Incision.

What do surgeons look for in a vaginal hysterectomy?

They may do follow-up blood work, look for signs of infection, or want to make sure your condition has been adequately treated by the surgery.

How to get over anesthesia side effects?

Many people don’t feel like eating after having surgery. They are nauseated, constipated, or just not hungry. Staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet after surgery can help promote healing, minimize common complications, and help you get past unwanted side effects of anesthesia. 3 .

What to do if you can't reach your surgeon?

If you can’t reach your surgeon, your primary care physician or the emergency room should be your next stop. 9. Control Your Pain. Keeping your pain under control is very important after surgery. Some patients hesitate to take their pain medication as prescribed because they fear addiction or other issues.

Can you soak your incision?

Removing them could actually cause your incision to heal far more slowly. Soaking your incision in an effort to keep it clean can also be harmful because it can weaken the incision line. Many surgeons recommend showers instead of baths following surgery and often forbid swimming during the early stages of recovery.