Inguinal Hernia - My Experience and post-surgery update and What NOT TO DO if you are considering.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- I recently was diagnosed with an inguinal hernia. I decided to have it taken care of with open surgery a few weeks ago. I describe my journey, what I did wrong, what I regret, how I am recovering, and some tips to help you make better decisions than I.
Thanks for all that feedback , it’s really helping with my recovery 3 x days on . Age 59 but in good shape before the open surgery , runner , circuit training / weights . Guess as you say I have to listen to my body and chill out to allow the mesh to attach correctly - This video really is helping , thanks for putting it out there - Stu UK 🇬🇧🙌🏼
That’s a good call out. Ultimately you need to ensure that you don’t do damage to the surgical area. Nothing’s more important than that. Then it’s how do you manage the pain to get through those first few days and weeks. Nothing wrong with chilling out for a few days. I’m sure it will take a bit for you do get back up to speed in your running and lifting but for me after 8 weeks I was pretty close to back to where I was before.
Checking in on your recovery. Are you fully back? Also I lived in the Uk for 5 years. Winchcombe in Gloucester.
39. Had bilateral and an incisional done all at once 5 days ago. Laparoscopic. Doctor was anti-opiate, understandably so. You don’t want constipation. So ibuprofen and Tylenol was all I got. The first 2 days were easily the worst pain and misery of my life. Didn’t sleep the first three nights outside of bursts of an hour here or there due to sheer exhaustion. The gas was fucking awful - like twisting knives.
4-5 days later I’m doing quite a bit better. Still have the “hernia hunch” while I walk. Hip flexors still feel weak but I’m able to lift my legs a bit more.
I can tell I’m on the road to recovery but I’m scared about how I’ll heal. Just trying to walk as much as I can, and get off the liver-killers as much as possible.
Wow I hadn’t heard of bilateral before now. Did you have a specific incident that caused it or was it just over time? I can’t imagine. Did you get any stool softeners? I would have asked for hydrocodone. Is there pain when you walk?
still can’t really walk completely upright but I think that’s mostly the swelling and multiple incisions sites.
I never noticed the one on the left side but the doctor demonstrated the right side and umbilical one when I went in for screening. I figured why not just take care of them all so they don’t become problematic like the one.
Yeah, Miralax and even milk of magnesia the first couple days to get things going. Seems to help since I really can’t contract my core at all.
Thinking by tomorrow I can graduate from coach to bed again.
oh man. I forgot about not being able to tighten your core. I remember just a cough would painful.
Great content and insight. I just had this surgery one week ago. Still having some pain. I think it's pretty incredible that you could do 4000 steps after 3-4 days out. Hope you're well. Cheers!
For some reason walking, as long as it was slow and not going up and down stairs, was pretty painless. But for some reason it seemed to help mentally as well knowing that I wasn’t locked in a chair. Have you been able to do some walking?
I had a double inguinal hernia since my 20s. I'm in my early 50s now, and decided 2 weeks ago to have them repaired. I had been managing it properly for many years. I had no pain, but the buldges were very noticeable. I work for a lumber yard and drive a truck. It's a lot of physical work. I was warned to have them repaired, bc they would only get worse eventually. So 2 weeks after open surgery, I stll have pain and numbness; not unbearable though. You must get off your ass and start walking. I was walking the neighborhood very carefully after 3 days. I believe that really promotes healing. Like you said, sitting and laying down for a long time, makes it hurt more when you get up. When you exert yourself more than you maybe should, put ice on it. Ice it when you rest. Keep the inflammation down. One key thing is, dont eat junk food. Take the stool softeners, and make sure you don't stuff your face; especially if you're not taking regular shits. Passing your bowels will not be pleasant at 1st, but you must stay regular. Be very mindful of what you eat. That will make all the difference. Keep moving, apply ice, don't overeat. Open surgery might be the better option. Also, like you said, research the surgeon
100 % agree with everything you said. Especially about getting out for a very careful walk. It definitely isn’t good to sit and lay down too much after that first day.
Yes, and btw, I had all the worst swelling/bruising that the surgeon warned me about. Since I had incisions on both sides, the trauma to the groin area was shocking; even though I was warned. Keep moving, rest plenty, apply lots of ice, take your anti inflammation, eat right, and stay regular
@@coreymueller931 how are things going now?
Was you indirect or direct hernia?
I'm doing alright. I'm healed up and full strength; Thankful it's overwith
I think it is all subjective. It sounds like you had a bad experience. I have three hernias and my surgeon has given me 3 options. Leave everything as it is but in this situation they will only get worse. The next option is open surgery which will be more painful with a longer recovery. We have opted for laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair with mesh and just a single stitch for the umbilical. This seems to be the most unintrusive procedure with the least post-operative pain and a faster recovery time. I have based my decision on watching other TH-cam videos and other research. I think you are absolutely correct to suggest researching the situation and creating a plan with your surgeon which will be best for you even though they cannot make specific recommendations.
This is true. Some people have a high pain tolerance as well and have zero fear walking into situations like this. I did get feedback that the laparoscopic couldn't carry a larger mesh if needed. But starting to think that it may have been surgeon limitations.
@@JoeLogan1 that's a good point and I'm not sure how restrictive the mesh size is but the tubes are quite small so that could possibly be an issue. I have watched several videos of the actual surgical procedure and they seem to roll the mesh up to insert it through the tube then flatten it out once it's actually over the hernia itself. It's very difficult to give the right opinions or advice when I'm not a surgeon myself and of course everybody is different and their circumstances are individual.
Did you have any one at home with you Joe?
I delayed mine and the hernia ruptured the intestinal wall so now it's a scrotal hernia - could have loss of right testicle - can't drive for a month - can't get it fixed for 8 weeks - main concern is a stroke or death following surgery. You were smart to get it fixed - had a open surgery on my LH side 40 years ago - I was sore for awhile but nothing as to what's coming.
@@rkbllc thank you for sharing. I think this is a helpful cautionary tale for everyone to listen to. Although I know most can delay and some have never had it repaired and been OK, it is such a common and successful surgery that there is no reason not to get it scheduled as soon as you find out. Thanks again for sharing and keep us posted on how things progress.
@@jlogbusiness Thanks Joe...wishing you the best.
I’m 6 weeks post op laparoscopic surgery, no pain meds at all walking about 6 miles a day now. Haven’t really lifted anything yet. Going back to work this week (roofer) so I’m going to be very cautious
Tell us more about how things progressed immediately after surgery.
@ it got better for me each day, I just kept icing my incisions for the first 3 weeks. Walked as much as I could tolerate each day I was stronger and stronger. Tylenol was the only pain reliever I used, was prescribed opioids but didn’t want to use. Took miralax for first 2 weeks as I wanted to keep my bowels moving smoothly. Just can’t rush recovery!!
I was terrified going in but had a hernia specialist and it really wasn’t that bad, I really stress looking for a specialist
@@MikeWalter-t6isounds almost exactly like my experience. Congrats on your recovery. Did you have open surgery?
@@jlogbusiness thanks, no laparoscopic ✌️
It's now day 10 after my inguinal hernia surgery!! Experienced the swelling of the undercarriage as well as being extremely tender to the touch!!! Experienced a lot of bloating but had simethicone for that. Took colace for possible constipation of which I did not have,however, it took 3 days to finally "move some furniture" aka have a bowel movement!!! Feeling better today and bending is not so intense!! Having a little bit of itching around the navel where there was an incision! Hope all is continuing to heal!!! Blessings
First of all, congratulations for not having constipation. Almost everyone has that and once they do go, it's hard to push out because of the pain. I think this is somewhat what child birth must feel like. For the swelling and probably numbness, they say it can take up to a year for the numbness to go away and that seems right. Good luck and fast healing to you.
@@jlogbusiness many thanks.....Yeah that colace twice a day for 10 days starting the day of surgery, helped. I also watched what I ate leading up to and after the surgery especially an intake of lots of fluids mostly water! I'm certain that childbirth or the feeling thereof is much worse.... Lol!!! Especially if we had to endure this for many months as opposed to a week or so!! That's why I have the highest respect for women especially after I had that dreadful cystoscopy!!! I still get the hee-bee-gee-bees thinking of that one 😢! Healing to you and a speedy recovery!!
@@shaunspellman2856what was your diet like?
@@jlogbusinesseggs different ways, turkey or chicken sausage (no nitrates added), lots of water, switched from coffee to tea, limited sugar, watch sodium intake, flavored seltzer water, potatoes (different ways), chicken (different ways), homemade assorted soups with bone broth, my infamous "party on a plate salad", limited to no junk food, lots of fresh fruit including berries (organic if you can), organic apple juice (in moderation), homemade vinaigrette/salad dressing etc .. being a Chef helps!!! I did sprouted bread at times but love a good bagel! Switched the types of oils/butter. Most importantly...... Always read labels/ingredients. Also unsalted assorted nuts and organic almond milk unless I make it!
Oops and fish!!!
Great video! I appreciate the information.
Glad it was helpful!
Just had it done, it sucks!
Yep. That pretty much sums it up well.
@@jlogbusiness At least we took care of it dude!
Open surgery is more effective, better and safe compared to laparoscopic surgery if you have hernia on one side and mesh is placed outside peritoneum not inside which is better only recovery time is slightly longer.
I was initially upset when I heard that there was a laparoscopic option and wasn't told about it. I think I found out about it a few days before the surgery and my initial research seemed positive about it. But since then, and like you said, if the mesh is placed outside it has more risk of reoccurring so I'm definitely very glad I didn't go that route. I think I was initially upset because the lapro sounded much less painful.
I had this surgery yesterday.. it hurts a lot more than I expected. my stomach is bloated and my stomach is killing me. Hard to sit up after ive been laying down. Also I am getting very dizzy.
@@nothingness55 I’m sorry you had to go through this. The bloating is probably gas. And I know it will hurt if you try and force the gas out or do a bowel movement. Walking helped me but not the first day. It hurt too much. Small consolation but after a few days it will slowly start getting better.
@nothingness55 I experienced the same but took simethicone for the gas and it's a great help!!! I have the chewable tablet 125mg! Walking also helps! Blessings!!! Also watch your diet!!
Walking 100% helps. What was your diet like?
@@jlogbusiness I ended up feeling a bit better after 8 days. Still some nerve issues. A slight touch is painful but pressing on area is painless. My diet returned after 3 days. But getting out bed those first 8xdays was agony, icing didn't numb the pain, pain medication did nothing so I stopped them after a couple days. The dizziness was caused by anti nausea patch apparently. 1 month out, and I'm 80-90% .
I searched online and found a lot of complaints about the mesh. Sometimes the complications from the mesh occur after a few years.
I think I recall them telling me there is a risk of causing bowl infection if the mesh moves, but the percentage of incidents where this happen was quite exceptional. However if the hole is small enough they probably don’t need mesh. In fact when I went in they were going to try and avoid mesh but when they went in they said my hole was pretty large.
Hey I'm going to Boston on the 14th from Chicago too, I'll be by myself in a airbnb rental. Any advice? How long before you flew back or recommend flying back? Booking my flights and airbnb apartment this week so I can shop for food day before surgery there.
I didn't feel like I could fly back until 2 weeks. I had my surgery on a Thursday, and didn't fly out until two weeks after that on the Thursday. Doing things like putting and getting your luggage from the overhead compartment, putting and getting your bag from under the seat in front of you, sitting and standing in that cramped seat if you are not in business class, taking your shoes off if you don't have NEXUS, etc. Things like that are normally not given a second thought but if I would have tried the first week it would have been very painful. Even the second week, I was being careful because I know any strain would still give me some pain. Regarding being by yourself, I would get your groceries sorted before the surgery. Eggs, fruit, fibrous foods like broccoli and almonds. Make sure you have enough for the week so you don't have to worry about shopping. Also make sure you get out and walk. I can't tell you how important that is to keep the blood flowing and improve your spirits. For me walking didn't hurt much so that really helped me.
@@jlogbusiness Thanks for sharing this... Here I am planning a flight on day 4...Might need to look at a flight and airbnb option that can be extended if needed. Sounds like its best to plan for the worst case and hope for the best. Don't know if its allowed to share but who did you goto? I'm going to Boston Hernia, based on research he's the best there is. Doing open mesh Trepp. Feedback says most of his patients are good with advil and tylenol for a few days and thats it.
Good advice.
Thanks for watching!
Depends how much they cut you up i had mine on 18 January 2025 they cut me up 13 cm I still in pain especially when i try to stand up couldn’t poop for 3 days😂 still painful but it will go way slow like a said depending how much they cut u. I try to sleep and walk slowly around the house. Now im getting pain to my testiculars. They had to put another mesh inside me because one broken 😠
Day 2 post op open surgery. Pain is normal now but yesterday i was in lots of pain overdoing it. Now im at home in my bed going to keep walkijg as wen i feel like it.
Walking should be fine. It's getting up from sitting too often and doing any lifting or bending takes you backwards. Walking though, if slow and on a non-hilly area seems to be the best medicine. Sounds like you are recovering well.
Did the doctor have to put you to sleep, and was it painful during the procedure?
@@Mannyman2023hello. Yes, I was out to sleep. I didn’t feel anything during the procedure. There was some pain after I woke up and getting up or sitting down was very difficult right after. But on a positive note, I feel perfect now and not even a scar!
@jlogbusiness I haven't scheduled my appointment because the doctor said they are not going to put me to sleep because mine is only one direct hernia. I have been reading that people are put to sleep during the procedure. I wonder why I can't get the same treatment
@@Mannyman2023I would find another doctor if he will not provide it for you, but it should be your preference. There is no reason to deny a request to be put to sleep. It completely eliminates the stress thinking about it before going in.
Having surgery in 7 days for inguinal 10mm and umbilical 5mm😅very nervous but they hurt a ton which is why I need to do it
Probably hard to think this way now, but guarantee you in two months it will be like brand new. Just relax, don’t plan on doing anything but resting. Just remember to get out and walk as soon as you are up to it.. I swear that helped me more than anything.
How’d surgery go and how is recovery going?
Going on my 12th day. My testicles and penis got swollen and black and blue. I could tell you without the painkillers I don't think I would of made it.
That’s bad my friend. I got warned about that from my surgeon. But I think I just got lucky. But man the pain those first couple of days was bad.
I didn't swell until many days later! No one told me about that!! My left testicle is still hurting! Had my follow up yesterday and told my Dr and he said it should go away in another week or so but if not call him and he will check me out!!! Also very tender to the touch! Today (day 14) post-op, it's much better. Still tender but not as intense! I had to walk like Fred G. Sanford aka Redd Fox! Best to you!!!
A follow up to my first comment, my surgery was on 06/14/2024. After about 6 weeks after surgery I went back to work, and also started working out. I would say I'm 100%. No pain or discomfort. But I feel more cautious not to get another hernia.
@@shaunspellman2856do you still have any numbness? I still have a little around the incision after close to a year.
@@fidelhernandez2354after a few months and I started lifting? I took it slow. After about a month I was doing what I did before and then some. Before your surgery, was there a noticeable bump where the hernia was and are you still cautious working out?
Did you have lump? I don’t have a lump yet my groin is tight. It’s to the side of my dick. Dr said it might be inguinal.
I didn’t have a lump. In fact I had no symptoms and couldn’t feel anything. The doctor immediately noticed it when I turned my head and coughed as did the surgeon. I watched videos on how to detect and for the life of me I could tell. However I’m a bigger guy so figured maybe if I was skinny I would be able to see it because I did see pictures of those who did have a bump and they were all very thin.
If your going through it is hell haha
No question my friend.