The type of hernia you had and your surgery will affect how quickly you recover. You will most likely return home the same day as your laparoscopic surgery. Those requiring more invasive surgery may have to stay at the hospital for several days. You will need to rest and take part in some mediations. You may also be able to return to your normal activities. We have many tips for hernia surgery recovery.
1. Follow Doctor's Orders
It is essential to follow your surgeon's advice. Your surgeon and doctor are experts in your recovery. They have a detailed understanding of your health history and surgery details. You should make all your follow-up appointments. Only resume normal activities once you have their clearance.
2. Avoid Heavy Lifting
Avoid lifting heavy objects after surgery. Your surgeon will ask you not to raise more than 15 pounds. However, you must double-check the discharge orders to ensure they are clear. It would be best if you did not lift anything heavier than 15 pounds. That will put pressure on the area where your hernia was. You could break your stitches if you lift too much.
3. Reduce Swelling
After surgery, there will be some swelling. Too much Swelling can cause pain and slow recovery. To reduce Swelling and inflammation, you can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. Cold therapy packs are applied to the area of surgery to reduce Swelling and pain. You can use them for up to 20 minutes and should not sleep with a cold pack.
A hernia bracelet is another option. These braces can be used to treat inguinal hernias. They can be adjusted to accommodate Swelling. Placing the mount on your surgical site immediately after surgery can be uncomfortable. Give your body time to heal before you use a brace.
4. Rest
Strenuous activities following a hernia surgery are not recommended. You can lay down for the first 24 to 72 hours after a hernia repair. It will allow your body to heal and prevent you from putting strain and stress on your surgical site. While you don't have to stay in bed 24/7, getting up and moving around is a good idea to avoid stiffness. You can still enjoy the days off work, but don't go overboard.
5. Gradually Return to Activities
Your surgeon or doctor will give you a guideline for your recovery after surgery. The guide will include a timeline for when you can resume your normal activities. You can prevent muscle loss and flexibility by slowly moving from walking to light exercise. This activity will help prevent blood clots, as it keeps your legs moving and active. It would be best if you did not do all exercises after surgery. Please refer to the resource below for safe hernia exercises.
6. Consult a Physical Therapist
You will find some movements you are unsure about as you resume your physical activities after surgery. That is where the expertise of a physical therapy professional comes in. These professionals have the expertise to show you what you can and can't do after surgery. These healthcare professionals will help you regain strength and flexibility by guiding you through specific movements.
7. Consume a Healthy Diet
Healthy eating will benefit all areas of your body. However, it is especially important to promote fast healing after surgery. People don't realize that eating healthy will promote easy bowel movements. It is probably the most important aspect of hernia healing. Constipation can cause severe problems and put pressure on your hernia. A stool softener can help you get moving if you have constipation despite eating a healthy diet. Talk to your doctor about a laxative if that fails.
How Long Can I Expect Recovery to Take?
The type of hernia and surgery will affect the recovery time. Laparoscopic surgery makes small incisions to repair the hernia. Open surgery requires more extensive incisions and may involve other procedures. Recovery can take between 2 and 6 weeks. For a detailed timeline, speak to your surgeon based on the type of surgery.
Post Surgery Complications
Although hernia surgery can be performed safely, there are still potential complications. These are some things to be aware of after your operation:
- The return of the hernia
- Pain
- Rupture of the incisional site
- Infection
- Constipation
- Tissue damage
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
Talk to your doctor immediately if you have any concerns or experience any complications.
Recovering from Hernia Surgery
The only way to repair a hernia is through surgery. The type of surgery you had will determine the recovery time, but it should take no more than six weeks. Cold therapy pack, rest, and braces can reduce pain and allow you to return to your favorite activities. Always consult your doctor for medical advice and any questions regarding your recovery.