RehabFAQs

how to rehab after hernia surgery

by Savanah Dach Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  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

A Safe Return to Sports and Exercise
  1. Wait to practice your favorite core exercise after hernia repair with mesh (or without) for four to six weeks, unless recommended otherwise.
  2. Avoid strenuous activities, especially heavy lifting, for four to six weeks or as advised by 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 ...

How to relieve pain after hernia repair?

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. Different patients will have individual restrictions, but in general, you should be …

What is the recovery time after inguinal 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 to expect after hernia surgery?

Nov 18, 2015 · 2. Find a Post-Op Buddy After your surgery you will most likely be laid up for several days or weeks. Having a family member or friend around to keep you company and help out with any daily tasks can be a huge help. 3. Don’t Push Yourself Hernia surgery comes with some pretty strict activity restrictions.

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What exercises are good for Post op 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

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 to recuperate from hernia surgery?

Open hernia surgery, in which a surgeon utilizes a long incision to push the bulging organ back into place, generally requires a minimum of three weeks to recover. If a laparoscopic hernia repair is performed, recovery is closer to one to two weeks.

How long does it take for muscles to heal after hernia surgery?

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 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

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

What are the side effects of hernia surgery?

Hernia Repair Surgery Complications The most common adverse events following hernia repair with mesh are pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction. Some other potential adverse events that can occur following hernia repair with mesh are mesh migration and mesh shrinkage (contraction).Feb 4, 2018

Can you feel the mesh after hernia surgery?

Because the mesh is on the inside, you will not be able to feel any mesh on the outside of your abdominal wall. Your abdominal pressure holds the mesh in place so that it will not migrate. Mesh is placed on the outside of the abdominal wall in traditional hernia surgery, which we very rarely perform.

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...

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 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.

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.

Is recovery from surgery emotional?

Emotional Challenges. Recovery from surgery can also be emotionally challenging; though not always the case, patients have reported feeling upset, depressed, nervous, irritable, weepy, and sad following treatment. 4  It's a sensitive time, and emotional support may be needed to get through it.

How to get over a hernia surgery?

2. Find a Post-Op Buddy. After your surgery you will most likely be laid up for several days or weeks. Having a family member or friend around to keep you company and help out with any daily tasks can be a huge help. 3. Don’t Push Yourself. Hernia surgery comes with some pretty strict activity restrictions.

Can you lift a hernia?

Hernia surgery comes with some pretty strict activity restrictions. Be careful not to lift anything beyond your ability. If your job requires a lot of manual labor, you may need to request time off while you heal. Whatever you do, don’t push yourself. The last thing you want to do is have another hernia before the surgical area is fully healed. This will only increase the time it takes to recover from your procedure.

How to heal a hernia after surgery?

Deep Breathing. Even if there is slight pain after hernia surgery, deep breathing can be helpful. People usually tend to take shallow breaths which can lead to infection as lungs do not expand completely. You must do deep breathing for quick recovery.

How long after a hernia surgery can you walk?

Generally, patients can walk after 48 hours of the laparoscopic hernia surgery. Due to the nature of the procedure, patients may experience negligible pain that can lead to overestimating the activity level.

What is the purpose of hernia surgery?

The aim of hernia surgery is to place the protruded organs to their normal position. Laparoscopic hernia surgery repairs the muscle weakness and abdominal wall. As hernia is caused by heavy lifting or excessive and repeated straining, recovery after hernia surgery involves watchful returning to normal exercise.

How to prevent hernia recurrence?

Here are some exercises to strengthen your core muscles to prevent hernia recurrence: Pelvic exercise: Lie down on your back and bend your knees. Put your hands under your lower back. Make your abdominal muscles stiff and push your pelvis towards the ceiling. Hold the position for a few seconds and relax.

How long does it take to recover from a syphilis?

Quick and fast walking. Repeated activity such as bending, squatting, running, biking or swimming. Lifting more than 25 pounds of weight. After two weeks. Return to normal exercise. Start slow and easy, gradually increasing the intensity. Do not ignore the signs of your body and contact if you notice any abnormal symptoms.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

Can a hernia mesh be rejected?

Symptoms of Hernia Mesh Rejection. People can have inflammatory reactions to hernia mesh. These are usually a sign of infection. But in rare cases, materials in the mesh may trigger the body’s immune response. The symptoms can be similar to infection following hernia mesh surgery.

Can you drive home from a hernia surgery?

Most patients can go home from the hospital the same day as their surgery. Patients should have someone available to take them home from the hospital. They should not drive for a few days. Fact. Most hernia mesh surgeries are outpatient procedures.

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 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.

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.

Can a calf bleed from a groin infection?

It may either result in pain in your calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin; or redness and swelling in your leg or groin. You are unable to pass stools or gas. You see symptoms of infection. It may be in different forms such as: Excruciating pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.

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.

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.

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 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.

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