For most people, the first time they look at their abdomen and see a bulging hernia, it can be a strange sight, and more than a little unsettling. It can also be confusing for those for whom the hernia keeps coming and going intermittently, causing the person to guess if it’s really there.
After discovery, the first stage in the healing process is diagnosis by a doctor and then, for most, surgery. Hernia surgery has become a fairly routine procedure, and surgeons around the world perform thousands of them each year.
A hernia is essentially made up of a tear in the muscle that makes up the wall of the abdomen or the groin area. This tear allows part of the intestines below to pass through this tear in the muscle, appearing on the outside of the body as a bulge on the skin. A hernia can be painful, but just as often it is not at all. This leads some people to postpone diagnosis and / or surgery. However, the wisest thing to do is to have surgery as soon as possible.
The surgery involves the surgeon creating a generally small incision near the area where the hernia occurred. The surgeon then proceeds to insert a plastic mesh into the affected area, which serves to reinforce the area of the weakened muscle.
The prognosis for hernia surgery is almost always very good. There is little risk of complications such as infections and the success rates are very high. However, about 10% of hernia surgeries involve some type of complication. It is important to know how to take the correct steps after surgery to ensure a positive result.
If you have recently undergone hernia surgery or are scheduled to have it in the near future, there are a few things you need to know to increase your chances of a worry-free and trouble-free recovery.
After Hernia Surgery: 5 Things to Do
1. Avoid lifting heavy objects: For the first 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, be sure to avoid heavy lifting or stretching movements that involve placing your hands above your head. These types of activities can put pressure on the now healing incision and the artificial mesh, in some cases causing the area to reopen or not heal properly.
2. However, do not avoid movement altogether: Some surgery patients take too much of the advice to “avoid lifting heavy objects”, yet choose to stay in bed for days or weeks after surgery with very little movement. In fact, this is a big no-no. In fact, it is necessary to perform light body movements on a regular basis, as it helps the muscles around the repaired hernia to develop strength.
3. Watch for oozing wounds: Your wound may leak or “weep” for a couple of days after surgery. However, this should end soon. If your wound continues to cry for more than 3-4 days, contact your doctor. You could have had an infection.
4. Eat foods rich in protein: The abdominal or groin muscles need repair and healing. The quickest route to healing is to eat lots of protein, such as those found in vegetables, nuts, meats, and dairy products.
5. Watch for a recurrence: Some hernia patients see a recurrence of their hernia in a new place on the body. An even smaller percentage may see a recurrence at the actual surgery site. In either case, it is very important that you contact your doctor immediately if you notice a new lump.
After your hernia surgery, the steps you take will be important to ensure a speedy recovery. Do these 5 things to improve your chances of a full and healthy recovery.