What To Expect After Inguinal Hernia Surgery

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By satori2012

Inguinal Hernia Surgery Involves A Protrusion of the Intestine

The hernia is the result of a weakening of the abdominal wall.
See all 2 photos
The hernia is the result of a weakening of the abdominal wall.

Inguinal Hernia Can Be Painful

An inguinal hernia involves the protrusion of part of the intestine through the abdominal wall. It is at best unsightly and at worst can be very painful.

Some people may suffer from this type of hernia for days or weeks without being sure what the problem is. They just notice that there is a lump in their groin area. It can come and go, in fact, depending on various factors. In fact, for some people, only paying a visit to the doctor can confirm their condition.

The surgical procedure used to correct the condition can include the insertion of a mesh-like fabric into the area around the opening, This helps hold the intestine inside the body.

Comments

Jack 20 months ago

I was in and out of the hospital in 5 hours. Once you open your eyes after surgery, they sit you in a chair, disconect your IV and even though your white as a sheet, your out the door. LOL I had inguinal surgery 3 days ago. Advice #1. Don't get a hernia. I have been through a-lot of pain in my life, this post surgery is the worst by far. I usually bounce back quickly.. this surgery is brutel on the abdomine. Try getting out of bed or a chair w/o using your stomoch muscles. You can not imagine the pain after surgery trying to get up or down. I blacked out twice. I am not a whimp and have a high tollerance for pain. This is not an easy 1,2,3 and your all better. they make you think that, but this is a serious surgery that can have many complications post op. My penis and balls are swollen and black and blue. I have area's of numbness, my balls ache. Imagine someone squeezing your nuts as hard as possible on a contiual basis. Unfortunatly hernia's need repair so there is no other way out. Good luck to all and may the lord give you the strength to survive this...

Kris 20 months ago

Hi, i've just had a laparoscopic surgery of my inguinal hernia two days ago. The whole process took about 5 hours. After the operation doctor said said it was quite large hernia but everything went fine. Next a nurse asked me if I go to toilet to pass some urine so i did. After all I don't feel much pain however I was advised to take some drugs while healing process. Few hours after surgery I noticed a lump on my groin and asked doctor to have a look at it. I was afraid of the hernia to come back. So I stayed in hospital overnight for a proper doctor's feedback. On the next day the doctor commented this as a normal post-operational process despite my scrotum looked like a navy blue sack with an enlarged testicle in it. I felt such relief in the end. I hope everything goes allright. Good luck for everyone awaiting on a surgery...Cheers!

mark 17 months ago

just had hernia repair about five day day ago ..my balls are the size of a grapefruit and bluish in color.a little pain not bad ,dr. said it was a large hernia . funny thing is the only real pain is in the large muscle at the top of my left leg [hernia side] it burned like a hot iron when i put pressure on it. and had numdness to the touch.

15 months ago

To Mark: That muscle is actually 2 muscles- The Illiacus and the Psoas and they attach to the hip hence the pain there. I have the same pain- I believe it is from over compensation. Plus I think I am externally rotating my hip out a lot (foot out like a penguin) because to do the opposite movement (abduction) or flexing the hip is painful (especially when lifting the leg to get in or out of a car.). I am post op- 8 days still have pain but not constant. Still have trouble moving from 1 position to another (for example from sitting to standing). I had the 3 in 1 Prolene product put in. This is supposed to be the best and newest procedure with the lowest recurrence rate. I still feel like I am pulling the at the incision but it could be the tape from the dressing pulling on my ball hair. Pain meds are making me constipated and I feel like I am busting a stitch when I try to go.

miked0138 13 months ago

having had a hernia "repair" myself i would strongly suggest avoiding it if at all possible, knowing what i know now, i would have chosen death over hernia "repair" i am in constant pain, red testicles and just all around miserable since being butchered, no sex. no running, have to walk bowlegged cupping my balls to avoid excruciating pain. not at all worth it.

david159 10 months ago

I had a ingunal repair on the right side and 16 days post op,things rnt getting better! ive had all the symptoms mentioned, swollen testicle, chronic pain ect... now i have been reduced to my bed as i cant put my foot on the floor. Been on antibiotics for 2 days and the pain has reduced massivly but still can put my feet to the floor cos theyres too much pain in my right testicle!!!

anythought from previous ecperinces would be much appreciated.

all the best to all suffering from a hernia and be very carefull in your choices.

jman123 9 months ago

been 7 weeks since i had a bilateral hernia repair. The first 10 days for me was pretty miserable, swallon balls, pain, difficult to sleep, hard to use the bathrroom for # 1 and 2, all text book symtoms. Still having some minor pain weeks later and even nausea. Its really imporant not to lift anything at all, 10 punds max. Even now i feel as though i may need some rehab, because i am weak. I have found daily walks very helpful, i just hope everything is ok becuase the neasua is a sign or reacurrence. Hopefully this last week of healing proves to be the differnce.

worldateam123 9 months ago

I had a inguinal repair yesterday and the post pain was excruciating like having several severe toothaches in my scrotum.

The burning pain was the worst, a severe stinging which stopped my standing upright..

I am on Dihydrocodeine and Paracetamol and this makes me constipated AS I have found using thess drugs for joint problems..

I have not passed a motion yet and although some pain is blocked by the drugs, I know that trying to pass stools will be torment as passing water stings.

Although some pain has now subsided when I am sitting - My scrotum is black on the right side with some sort of swelling - Not a testicle I believe..

horrible operation and epidurals are barbaric - i would have been happy with a local..

worldateam123 8 months ago

I had inguinal surgery with a spinal 16 days ago....

After the spinal wore of it hurt like hell..worst was the burning pain on standing upright,,TIP - Stoop when you are walking as the pain is not as bad, well at least bearable...

I was in and out in 5 hours and for that I was glad, I took narcotic painkiller which blunted the pain...Yes it hurts for the first 3 days, then it gradually settles.

16 day on - I have hardly any pain, I do have a hard long lump over the incision called the healing ridge - This is normal and will soften and flatten out within weeks..

TOP TIP - Eat lots of vegies and bran foods and take laxatives if needed - Believe me the pain in the early days would be unbearable should you have to strain..I emphasise this after bathing is probably the most important part of aftercare after inguinal surgery.

matt 7 months ago

I'm 15 had my surgery about 1 year ago and I was moving around hours after my surgery the only pain I have or had is the feeling of being punched in the testicles but only rarely so I'm good :D

worldateam123 7 months ago

To update.

Seven weeks since my inguinal surgery - I am fine and keep forgetting I had a Hernia, not good maybe as I tend to lift...

No pain, no swelling and just a tad of numbness,,,Well worth the initial pain...Have the op done if you need it it really does make a difference to my life without seeming to gave three testicles.

Jason 6 months ago

I am 3 days post op. I had pretty severe pain both in my belly button ( had one there too) and now I am having that terrible burning sensation at the top of my right thigh. Belly button is getting better but still very hard to stand up straight. I had pain pump implanted to keep pain levels down but from what I could tell it had little to no effect. (Plus pulling it out just about made me pass out).

@JASON 6 months ago

I had that burning pain in my right groin for a few days after the op...I could not stand upright without severe pain, so I walked stooped..Painful but at least I could walk..I see no point in standing upright if that results in agony you can't stand - in any case the burning pain should be gone or at least bearable after a week.

ted 5 months ago

i had surgery on my left side this past friday, now 4 days ago. I am going through much of what has been said here. I kept the area iced and experienced very little swelling. It hurt like hell the first few days but pain killers helped. I am down to one a day as of yesterday and up and around. My testicles are tender and they and my penis did turn black an blue, which what I was checking out on here when I came across this site. Hopefully, it will all be worth it when this is over.

bustedmyself 4 months ago

So I think I got mine from being out of condition while bouldering at a rock gym. lucidly the next am I bore down to fart and felt something give way... I knew what it was but had to wait two days to see a DR.

8 days post-op. took 6 aleve for "swelling" the first two days, no oxy. started moving around early on. saw the muppets 3 days post-op. laughed a lot, then realized i had purple genitals. would have been nice to have had a heads up for that. "Merry Christmas. Oh, btw, you have a purple scrotum..."

I'm still favoring my groin. Not sure why but I have the common "severe burning" when I stand up or bend over at the waist. Also, a little tugging on my vas on the left side. I'm hopeful that these symptoms go away as my body accepts the new gear. 3 inch incision that was super-glued and a laproscope hole. I went for a 3.5 mile run (7d p-o) yesterday, felt weird on my patched area, but it seems to have helped today. Might go again. follow up in a week.

Sara 4 months ago

I had my hernia surgery 4 days ago and I have never, never experienced such post-op pain! It's just downright intolerable and although the pain meds help for a very short period of time, I have had little or no relief for more than an hour at a time. Getting up and down is horrendous - I struggle with walking without holding onto my belly and am totally amazed at how awesome my surgeon was before the surgery - post op - he makes me feel like I'm just whining about my pain - and of course, no one told me I was going to experience this dreadful pain afterwards. I usually bounce back very quickly after other surgeries but this hernia surgery really is the worst ever. If I go to sleep I wake up every two hours in severe pain and then have to wait another two hours to take any more pain meds - surely, there must be an answer to all this pain. Unless it's an emergency I would never do this again - 4 childbirths, a hysterectomy and other serious surgeries never were accompanied by this much pain.

aeroscott 3 months ago

I had bilateral inguinal hernia repair about 2 1/2 years ago. Then less than a year later had to go back and have one of those re-repaired. My advice if you have an inguinal hernia is to just watch it. Don't rush off to the hospital for surgery unless needed. Post surgery my balls were literally the size of grapefruit, as one of the previous gentleman described it. If I so much as cleared my throat, it felt like I was being hit in the balls with a baseball bat. Not an exageration! That level of pain lasted 3 weeks. I could not stand up, sit down, walk, use the bathroom, shower, etc... without the assistance of my girlfriend. I walked with a cane for about 5 or 6 weeks. And this far on after surgery. I still feel considerable pain at times. I notice bruising on my scrotum occasionally. My testicles have a mind of there own now. They're like shape shifters from another planet. They change size, they hang very low, or draw up and try to disappear all together,various sorts of pain... sometimes a dull throb, sometimes a burning feeling, sometimes sharp electrical shock type feeling. Also a constant burning/muscle fatigue feeling along the incision areas. And I've even noticed a slight erectile problem too. I can always get an erection but its very difficult to maintain. I've started using a "c*#k ring" which is surprisingly effective. But once you get used to that its almost impossible to go back to not using it. So all things considered I would have much rather just monitored the situation, and waited for a time when it truly needed to be done.

Neil 3 months ago

I just had surgery yesterday, the pain is horrible, it literally takes me about 5 mins to walk to tue restroom, luckily I haven't experienced any swelling in my testicle, my wife has been helping me around,

joe 3 months ago

I had a double inguinal hernia repaired via tension free methode, no scope. Did not take any pain meds for my operation, but did take something for my 2 day headache. Maybe that's what kept my mind off my procedure. I moved very slow and careful getting out of bed. I sneezed and what a trip that was, thought I was going to blow out my nut sack or something. Just laying around in bed all day, I got to urge to MB, what a mistake that was. It really felt like I wacked it off for good, as in fall off. Even after a few weeks, it still feels like there is a knot in the middle of my shaft holding back everything. I plan to see my Dr. soon and have my groin area checked. Iam afraid to have him examine my other problem which I think he caused anyway, but I guess I will have too. My first initial visit he examined my groin too long and I started to worry. It's done now, it could have been worse.

Laroque 3 months ago

Lol reading all of these posts about so many of us in pain is kind of funny looking back. I've had TWO inguinal hernia repairs one on each side at two seperate times lol. They said they couldnt do them at the same time or i wouldnt be able to go to the bathroom ( i sure as hell beleive that). The first was nice and neat, but still painful. I remember jumping right off of the post op table and bending over to tie my shoes and jumping up into the truck with my mom on the ride home. OH how i was deceived by the medicine lol. The following weeks were just as excruciating as described here. The pain in the stomache muscles is indescribable. You make yourself look like a moron just trying to roll a certain way and manuever yourself out of bed. Everything healed up eventually and don't have a single ounce of pain 5 years later. The second about 3 years ago was even more painful than the first because i had experienced severe swelling in my sack and very painful (burning) sore nerve damage on my left thigh which still remains to this day. I've just learned to deal with it. The Hernia repair was preformed by interns and it is painfully obvious. I still have chronic pain 3 years later. The mesh is about twice the size and about 3x as bulky as the frist repair. You can tell by the smooth close cut shape of the other. This one is all bulky and looks like they had trouble with it. However all of this pain aside... The worst pain i have experienced from the surgeries was when i started p90x a few months ago. I did some ab excercise that had worked those muscles that were cut into and scarred over so intense that i could barely move the next couple of days. I had no idea that the muscles had been so out of shape lol.

Laroque 3 months ago

lol i forgot to add my whole moral of my story.... Out of all of the pain even the p90x pain i realized one thing.... I did alot of painful stuff and experienced alot of pain, but most of the misery came from feeling like i was going to bust everything back open and seriously hurt myself. If you can just get past the pain you are really ok nothing is going to bust open as long as you dont do any lifting. Most of the pain is either from your nuts being sore or your stomache muscles. Neither of which will cause your hernia repair to come undon. Pooping hurts too, but just be careful eat lots of fiber and don't strain..... Also the longer you stay on pain meds the more likely you are to constipate so get off them asap.

Yeahman 3 months ago

I had hernia surgery yesterday on my right side. It went well. All I notice today less than 24 hours after surgery is my right testicle is not hanging down like my left one. My right one is up high

Is this ok

If someone could responded that would be great

Yeahman 3 months ago

Yeah this sucks feel like everyone here what pain can't get up it's only been 24 hours pain meds work but I hate talking them and feeling all wierd

Well it least it's slowing me down

Superbowl tomm at least I can relax while watching it!! But no beer:(((( oh and GO PATS

Undecided 3 months ago

So i need a repair but im in school i don't know if i should wait after the semester or take it now??? any suggestions

Yeahman 3 months ago

To undecided

You should have it done ASAP

Here's why

I was diagnosed with my hernia in march 2011.

I was scheduled for surgery In June 2011.

June came and I felt good no pain. I wanted a good summer did not want to be tied up with post operation (recovery) lack of swimming because I love to swim with my kids. So stubborn me cancelled surgery.

My hernia got bigger and I was in tons of pain. Just had surgery less than five days ago. My Dr said it was a big hernia and took a lot of time to repair which will make recovery process longer.

So please don't be stubborn like me and have it done so that u won't have worse problems

RichardBeijing 2 months ago

I'm an expat living in China. Had an inguinal hernia operation out here in Beijing just under 3 weeks ago. Bloody scary going under the knife in another country! I must however note that the surgeons were extremely professional.

The first 2 days post op were pretty damn painful but after 4 days I was walking around fine, and started going to work the next week. There's no pain now in the hernia area. The wound has completely healed up. No swelling of the testicles. I can walk around fine, but now the only tiny thing that's making me a little concerned is when I lightly press just to the right of my belly button there is a slight pain. Just a small sharp pain. This is odd because the hernia wasn't in the belly region but in the right hand side of the groin.

When I first noticed this pain it seemed to travel right the way down to my testicles, but now it appears to be only located in the belly area. I'm wondering if this is anything to worry about or if it is merely just tenderness in the muscle after everything was cut up?

sharp burning pain 2 months ago

hi hernia people!

i have had an inguinal hernia repair around 5 weeks ago. the operation was an afternoon one so I was in overnight, but as a whole it was very successful. Was off pain killers within a day, sneezing and coughing were better within 2 weeks.

in the last day only i have been getting a really sharp burning pain just below my pubic bone on the hernia side. it'sa little lower than the original hernia site so i have no idea if i should be worried about it. i did nothing the day before i woke up with the sharp pain, and the pain stayed with me for a whole day and then was gone when i woke up the next morning. has anyone else had a similar pain?!?! does it do away or should i be contacting my surgeon?!?!

Frank Williams 2 months ago

Hello All.

I had Inguinal Hernia surgery 9 days ago, right side groin area. Open surgery method NO MESH. So far everything is very good. First few days are hell but then everything is better. Just took of the steri strips over the incision. I feel good and the surgery site looks good- no infection. There is a slight lump at the surgery site which scares me thinking maybe the surgery was not successful and the hernia remains... but i found another post on here that says that lump is normal and will flatten out in several weeks. Part of the healing process.

I am glad the doctor decided to not use mesh. I have read lots of horror stories about mesh problems and complications, both early after the surgery and some years after the surgery. The doctor told me that he would decide to use mesh during the surgery based on the surrounding muscle wall where the sutures are placed. If the surrounding muscle is weak and the suture are tearing through or shredding through the muscle, then he will use mesh. But if the surrounding muscle is strong and no shredding occurs, then he will opt for no mesh.

I am 44 and in good health so thank God the doctor chose to not use mesh. I know that anything manmade, such as mesh, will probably eventually cause problems after being in your body for many years. My advice is to find a doctor that is a hernia specialist and does nothing but hernia surgeries every week...that is your BEST chance to get it done right and minimize complications. Think about it, anything you do over and over again for years, you are going to really know your stuff, know how to handle all different kinds of complications, know the best placement of the sutures to avoid nerve damage, be the most skilled at not aggravating the spermatic cord and all around most error free surgery. It is worth it. I found a great hernia specialist at a great price. If you want to know more, you can contact me at credit.frank@gmail.com Good luck on your surgery. Frank

michaela 2 months ago

ive read about 30 posts and only 1 has been a woman,now 2,me!!! this hurts! had my surgery 4 days ago,the 45 min. procedure took 3 hours,due to heavy scar tissuse,ive been trying to move around and walk,but man is it hard,ive had 2 c-sections,hysterectomy,gall bladder removal,and this is the worse of them all,my hernia,right ing. hernia,is not common in women? im not finding much about it,im supposed to return to work on sunday,6 days after,i just dont have any options,being a single parent,i cant afford more time off,i need the strongest otc pain meds,any suggestions?

Nakia 2 months ago

Scheduled next month to get both hernas repaired and yor right not hat many women. I just had gallbladder surgery last week now they are waiting for all the infections to clear up before my hernia repair. I'm nw worried because I've have neck surgery, hysterectomy, c section, myomectomy and some lap ovarian surgeries an from other people they all hav said this post op is the worst. Kinda funn though because m dr tod me that it would b easier than my gallbladder surgery....

Derek 7 weeks ago

I had a small quarter sized inguinal hernia operated on yesterday, I was in the hospital for 5 hours I left walking hunched over on obvious high from the morphine , went to my brothers for a barbecue , I've had very little complications except for it being very difficult to empty my bladder pain is tolerable using t3s I've had 7 in 12 hours but I'm waiting for myself to hit a wall here soon with pain because although it does hurt to walk , it's do able.

James 7 weeks ago

My testacles. Are the size of grapefruits big like a cantaloupe My penis hides inside of that cantaloupe My penis has a blood sack on the bottom side. Penis and testacles are both very black and blue testacles feel like they weigh a ton. Have to stand and walk with legs very far apart. Hard to get in and out of bed cause I sit on them. It's been 7 days today since operation and I see Sergeon in about 8 hours. I hope news is good and swelling will start going down .thank God for Carla and my grandson. Sal. They help me.

Tony Williams 7 weeks ago

Had my Inguinal Hernia repair 12 days ago. Brilliant!!! Apart from the first few days of pain controlled with Paracetamol I do not have any major problem apart from a bit of sensitivity around the scaring site , which hopefully will eventually go. Looking forward to playing golf again in four weeks time. Think positive everybody.

Teresa 7 weeks ago

I had surgery - 5 days ago, all seemed to be going well and wound has healed well - up and around quickly but now I have excruitiating pain at the top of my right leg (hernia side)everytime I try to straighten up and it burns like hell. I've looked at all your posts and it's scaring me (although not many from women)and a few of you mention burning pain but it's unclear when this goes. I'm supposed to go back to work and there's is no way I can drive hav ereally gone backwards in my recovery. Need some ary of hope - please

Jim 7 weeks ago

Hang in tthier Theresa. The burning will go away I know the feeling and it's not good.

Phil 7 weeks ago

Had my operation a double hernia repair with mess three weeks ago. It wasn't great post-opp, but it wasn't as bad as what I had read on some of the other post. The problem I am having is my right testicle. It started to hurt about 2 weeks after my operation. My testicles did not swell up or turn blue. I've been trying to find out if this is a common pain after hernia surgery.

Jim 7 weeks ago

Aeroscott I read your article about testa clears the size

of a grapefruit. I had surgery 9 days ago 3 days after surgery. I woke up with test ales size of grapefruit. Swelling not going down at all I was wondering how long it took for your swelling to go down and get back to normal. I have to push tentacles to get penis to come out enough to urinate please let me know how long it took for your swelling to subside. Do you know if there is anything to do to help me get back to normal. Or what might of caused it. Thanks.

Teresa 7 weeks ago

Thanks Jim, much appreciated. Thank fully it has started to subside a bit now and I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Wishing everyone a speedy recovery.

Jennifer 6 weeks ago

Had the surgery for a left-side inguinal Hernia yesterday. It was found during an emergency appendectomy last month. On the whole I feel better than the appendectomy (think the antibiotics did a number on me) but getting out of bed is ungodly. The pain is only for a minute or two, but it is that horrible burning. I'm glad to hear it will eventually go away, but I have to lee a lot so every time I get up its hell. I also feel very hadst. Like gas pains, but when it comes down to it I'm not really farting. Has anyone else had that? I've taken a stool softener because I'm scared for when #2 is going to happen. I'm guessing the pain will be worse than after the appendectomy. Trying to eat and keep up with my pain meds. Its only been 24 hours since the procedure... can't wait for it to be a week from now where it won't be as bad. They said today will be the worst, then tomorrow and the next will be bad, then I'll start feeling better. Also lots of hiccups. At least from what the ladies posted I know childbirth won't be as bad. Yikes! Good luck to us all!

Jennifer 6 weeks ago

*pee and *gassy

JOE 6 weeks ago

I went in an open mesh procedure (ingunial hernia )at 8 in the morning and was pack at work that afternoon EXERIANCED VERY LITTLE PAIN OR DISCOMFORT as a matter of fact was walking miles on the treadmill two days later

Migel 6 weeks ago

It is my 19 day since inguinal hernia surgery on my left side and I still have some swelling. I also had the same question Jim had: does anyone know how long it took for their swelling near the around the operation site to go down? Thanks.

mossyoak 6 weeks ago

Just had Surgery.n im n pain bad

John 5 weeks ago

Hi, I had a hernia op 4 weeks today. I am swollen where the hernia once was (not the incision). The doctor has told me thtat it is infected and contains fluid. I am now on my second dose of antibiotics - getting very fed up with this. It couldn't b a hernia as I did nothing strenuous after op. Has anyone else expereienced this - is it normal.

Mike 5 weeks ago

I had inguinal hernia surgery about 16 months ago. I had no pain at all for a year. I'm 56 years old and about 4 months ago I started an exercise program. Nothing very strenuous, just stretching, toe touching and knee lifts. That sort of thing, about 15 minutes a day. I was bending at the waist in about 1/2 of the routine. After about 2 weeks I started getting a lot of gas and pureed, mushy stools - sometimes explosive bowel movements. At first I thought my metabolism was speeding up and I was burning extra fat off my body, as I was losing weight. However, this has continued for 4 months now. I have constant gas, our house smells terrible and my wife is sick of the smell. It's not funny anymore. I have an appointment to see my surgeon in three days and I hope he has some answers. It feels like I have a kink in my intestines and waste has to be digested extra fine to make it through the tight space. Also, it feels like gas has to bubble up through the kink to break the vacuum and let the waste flow down. Has this happened to anyone else. It doesn't really hurt, but last night it was throbbing down there, in my lower abdomen. I think a large, more solid than usual bowel movement needed extra churning to get pureed enough to pass through the kink. As I passed the bowel movement I had nausea and labored breathing. I felt better afterward. I will be eating very carefully the next few days before my appointment. Also, I have to clean the toilet after every time I have a bowel movement. It is disgusting. I feel like that hippo down in Florida where the manatees are. Beware of the splatter zone!

Tony Williams 5 weeks ago

Hi Migel. 4 weeks as of today had my op. Swelling has gone down, have to be honest, slight raised area around the scare site but nothing to worry about. Now no pain, some numbness (Consultant did warn me)but do almost anything now, back to golf next week. Even at my age 71 glad I had it done.

wobly1 4 weeks ago

Had an iningual hernia op (non Mesh) 4 days ago, REAL PAIN! so much pain, constipation,,scrotum and panis red and blue, cant stand up or walk properly...im 62 yrs old and had a few ops in the past, but this takes the cake for pain,,,NEVER again, sooner live with the hernia

sammy 4 weeks ago

I guess I got lucky.. I had a double iningual repair on Thursday. I'm sore on mid section but its been pretty easy. Yes everything is black and blue but never had any pain. I'm ready to return back to work Monday but Doc said no. So far I can't really say it was bad at all.

Mike 4 weeks ago

Had right side surgery last Thursday . Having all the same post op pain and"blues" that you all speak of.Im worried about infection as scar/incision site is swelling up and yellow now although pus or weeping or fever so I am waiting to see doc on this thursday.

Joe is a liar if he says he's running around or he is superman!

dude 4 weeks ago

I had hernia surgey back in 97` and just now its been hurting me at night when I go to sleep....I think I might have to go see a doctor and tel him about it because it`s disrupting my sleep.

Inpain 4 weeks ago

All. I had my hernia surgery done a year ago and as I’m typing this message I am still in pain. I don't have pain everyday, but mostly after a few hours of bending and picking things up. I start to have lots of pain .I have lost all trust in my doctor. I feel as he has really screwed me up and I feel he lies to ma at all times just to get me out of his office with medication. I've seen 2 other doctors and one has suggested that I go to a pain clinic to get a shot. Is anyone in my situation or has received any kinds of shots in the hernia area where the pain is. I would appreciate and information on this.

Thank You!!

Sergeant 4 weeks ago

I had bilateral inguinal open surgery 4 days ago. It's been painful but I have been able to walk around fairly normal since day 2. Hardest things to do is sit upright, bend over, and definitely poop. For the most part, I feel pretty good EXCEPT, when I pee I can't help but check out my scrotum and look for the bulges I had pre-surgery. I used to be able to lift on my sack and see a bulge separate from my testicles. Well I STILL SEE THE BULGES post-surgery. My scrotum looks no different (other than some swelling of course) than it did before surgery. Should I still have the bulges in my scrotum? Right now because I don't know if I should, it is taking a mental toll on me. I feel good but can't stop thinking bout the possibility that the hernia didnt get repaired properly. Thanks!

Mo 3 weeks ago

I have had inguinal hernia repair 2 days ago. I am writing because not many women have written.

I am very active, to say the least,

Pilates instructor, personal trainer, & triathlete, oh & gave birth (no drugs) to 4 children!

I did not anticipate the pain to be to this degree.

Reading all of the posts, has helped put in perspective my time frame for getting back to workouts!!

I am teaching but without demos for the classes- painful & tired from standing!

Really hoping I heal quickly!

Icing helps!

Tyler 3 weeks ago

i have read every single post here.. and i am terrified to get my surgery next month... from what i see, a road of pain is before me... but even being 19 yrs old i know this is what has to be done... sigh.. i hope i dont experience the pain that most of you guys did! wish me luck!

notbad 3 weeks ago

I had bilateral laproscopic inguinial hernia repair three days ago. I'm doing fine. No enlarged testicles. Only took 1 percocet each of the 1st two nights. No other pain medication. Yesterday I was able to move my bowels (which was a relief). Last night I slept with minor pain. My stomach is bloated from the CO2 and the incision in my belly button is bothersome. But I'm walking normally and I hope to make a full recovery in a few months.

Sergeant 3 weeks ago

It has been 1 week since my bilateral inguinal hernia surgery. I must say, it has been easier for me than most in this forum and even from what the Dr's made it up to be. I am walking around normally, bending over w some discomfort, and passing bowels fairly easily now. I had to stop the pain medication early on because the constipation was kicking in and pooping was an adventure. Plus the pain has been minimal since. I think my age and fitness level (28, run couple days a week, lift weight 4 days a week, play basketball) have really helped in my healing. I still have bulges in my scrotum that are wearing on me mentally. I really see the same bulges I saw before my surgery. I just don't understand. I have a Dr appt in a few days, so hopefully I'll get some answers then. If anyone has any insight to why I still have scrotum bulges, please share.

Karyn 3 weeks ago

My aunt went in for the lyproscopic sergery to fix her 3-5 hernias. She was in the hospital for 3 days. She now has her post surgical menstral cycle, and doesn't know why her blood is still dark. She's concerned about it being the Haparin, but we aren't sure seeing as she's been off of it since Wednesday night-Tuesday morning. Could someone please try to help out? Thank you.

My e-mail is KPerry1194@yahoo.com if you can help in any way possible.

TomDai1966 3 weeks ago

Hi, i am new here trying to find some answers. I am a 45 yr old male who had 3 hernias fixed on April 6 ,2012. 2 of them were bilateral inguinal and the other was an incisional hernia from a previous colon resection in which they took out 10 inches of my colon in June 2009 due to diverticulitis. I drive a truck and all day long and I would feel my incisional hernia constantly pulling or contracting, now even after the surgery I still feel the same feeling, like its tight and pulling, i know they used mesh in there too. It was supposed to be a same day surgery, but when I woke up, they told me they had to put a couple of stitches in my bladder, they said when they went in the incisional hernia was starting to get strangulated and was getting twisted, only the week before i had extreme abdominal pain in that surgery site which was relieved when i went to the bathroom. Anyway I stayed in the hospital for 3 days with a catheter and a drainage tube coming out of my abdomen. The catheter was removed after a 11 days, which i think i miss just a little, because all I do is pee. They told me that my bladder had fused together with the scar tissue and when went to move it or when they use CO2 (carbon dioxide) to blow up your abdomen, it either ripped or they poked it, I am not sure. Only 1 was done laproscopic and the other 2 weren't. 1 cut is 4 in almost in the leg crease going down to the groin, the other 1 is 3 in. I will admit that when i get up from sitting or bend down, I am still sore. Sorry if I said too much on here, but I was just looking for answers and I did read everyones post.

Sergeant 3 weeks ago

Ok, so my follow up went well. I learned that the bulging I see in my scrotum is caused by all the bleeding from the surgery essentially draining to my scrotum. Dr explained that "gravity is not my best friend" so the blood will flow into the scrotum. Dr said this will gradually resolve itself and suggested I wear some type of supportive underwear that will prevent the scrotum from hanging as much (I am wearing compression/althetic shorts). Dr also said to continue walking as much as I can tolerate. This is day 10 and I feel good. I have little swelling, little pain (usually only when bending, making quick sudden movements, sneezing), and have been able to walk normally for quite some time now.

Mo 3 weeks ago

Day 8 - po- left open mesh inguinal repair

Trying to get off Advil! I feel a great deal of pulling internally, that is quite painful!

Trying to walk with a normal upright gait, instead of hunched over.

I really envy the people that were able to get back to working out right after- I am teaching my Pilates classes but still cannot demo due to sharp tearing pain!

I truly miss a stress- reliever run!

And can't wait to get on my road bike!

Marco 3 weeks ago

Man! it really sounds like you guys had it bad, its now 4 days after post-surgery and i have little pain in the area not even taking the pain meds just my anti inflams...went to walk my dog today as well and eveything seems great, very little internal pressure and sometimes pulling but other than that the surgery went great i chose to be locally frozen when i got home i was already able to walk but chose to relax and since then i feel less and less pain. God bless to all those who choose the surgery, just get it over with.

TomDai1966 2 weeks ago

I'm glad to hear some people are doing well.

Jan 2 weeks ago

26/4/2012

I had right side open inguenal hernia repair 2 weeks ago. I am only today started to feel pain free at times, but am suffering with nerve pain and numbness at top of thigh and pubic bone. Like all you blokes have said, the post pain is herendous!

There seems to be very few women out there who have had this op so am desperately trying to find a female take on how it feels after the op. Any ladies out there?!

David 2 weeks ago

16 days since my open inguinal surgery with mesh on left side. Rested most of the first day. After that moved and walked around as much as possible. Hardest part for the first few days was getting in and out of bed and chairs, but it got eaisier each day. Hit golf balls 10 days after surgery and with no ill effects, played a full round the next day. Felt myself kind of holding back a little but not much. I seen so many post on here saying they had to wait 4 to 6 weeks to swing a club. Not me. Almost completely pain free now, only hurts a little when I sneeze.

lilRAWlady 2 weeks ago

i just had double inguinal hernia repair...after having undiagnosed pain for over a YEAR..

i am 5 ft tall and 100 lbs...docs joked that my body parts are just "too small" to detect them....pain is bad..i am on day 3 post op. ADVICE?

TomDai1966 2 weeks ago

Take it slow and easy and dont lift up anything, i'm still having alot of pulling or my intestines keep contracting, very annoying.

Niv 2 weeks ago

Hey jan,

I just had open bilateral inguinal hernia repair with mesh 10 days ago. After spending 3 days in the hospital for pain this has been one of the worst post op pains EVER!!! I too am suffering with burning pain in the upper thigh and a heaviness pain in my stomach . I can barely get up from the recliner and can hardly stand upright when walking. My dr switched my meds to hydromorphone and ibuprofen and that only takes a slight edge off for a brief time. I feel like I'm not getting better but stuck. Unfortunately all the Internet seems to have is a lot of post op responses from men so if you find anything from women please let me know.

Kourtney 13 days ago

Hey, everyone,

I have been reading through the post and don't see many at all from women. I am scheduled to have inguinial hernia repair in about two weeks. I was just wanting to find out what I should expect after the surgery. The doctor said I probably wouldn't feel any pain until about 12hrs after the procedure was done and the initial pain medication had worn off. He also said that some people don't even take pain medication afterwards because the pain may not be bad at all. Ater reading these posts (mostly men) I've come to the conclusion that the Dr. isn't speaking from experience like everyone here is. He mentioned that numbness could be a potential complication, and I don't recall him saying anything at all about the burning sensation, which seems to common from what I've been reading here. Now I'm feeling a little nervous about this. I also feel like maybe he down played the after effects. At first I thought most of the symptoms described were commmon only to men and I still wasn't sure of what I should expect as a woman. I wasn't expecting to have trouble getting up and down or in and out of bed. I'm greatful that my husband will be taking off from work to stay at home with me for atleast a week. Now i am expecting pain, burning,and the inability to stand upright comfortably. If there are any other women out there who can enlighten me on what I'm in for, please come forth! Praying for the best, but expecting the worst!

Sherry 12 days ago

I am a woman and had bilateral inguinal hernia repair three weeks ago laparascopically. The pain after the surgery was not that bad. Yes, it is painful to sit up and move around for the first few days, but I did not even have to take any painkillers and I have a low tolerance. I was not in a lot of pain before the surgery, but I had a bulge in the pubic hair line and I had to take care of it. The incisions healed up very well and I feel pretty good. My only concern is that I still feel pinching twinges in the area where the hernia was (and this is not where they make the incisions). It it tender to the touch all around. The surgeon told me that it will be for a while, but I thought this pain should have subsided once the hernia was repaired. In any case, I am hoping I made the right decision to have it repaired and that they do not recur at all.

Mramish 12 days ago

I had Laparoscopic bilateral inguinal hernia repair and a vasectomy three weeks ago. I was in surgery for less than an hour. After 3 hours of sleeping in recovery, I went home. I spent the first few days in a recliner including my sleeping time. I took the maximum dose of Percocet allowed. After that I went back to a regular routine. I went slow and very careful with what I did. On day 5 post-op I had some pain bad enough to complain. It lasted for several hours. Other than that, the percocet was all I needed. I probably would have been OK with just over-the-counter pain killers. I stopped taking pain killers after 10 days. I didn't have a lot of pain and the swelling was minimal. After reading some of the stories here, I'm so glad things went so well for me. I had a surgeon that has done this procedure many times. I will give him credit for my great post-op recovery.

JamesWC 10 days ago

I have an open inguinal hernia repair surgery scheduled , reading this is making me half wonder if i should cancel it, what is the point if it creates more problems than it solves?

David 10 days ago

Agreed. I too hear so many different things about mesh or no mesh open vs lap? Mesh complications or pure tissue with a higher recurrence rate? Does anyone know the actual mesh chronic pain rate? Also does anyone know the percentage of people who get this done that can never go to work again due to chronic pain. I just read so many different opinions = don't know what to believe anymore. Thank you

Nicki 10 days ago

I'm a women and had posted earlier but hit the send button too early to complete my name.

See the post from niv 5 days ago. The pain has finally lightened up a bit from my previous post but the burning nerve pain in my thigh is still pretty bad. I have gone ack to he dr for that oncern and he tells me that it's going to take time. I kinda regret now that I ad them both done only because I have to deal with pain from both sides.

Jan 10 days ago

Hy Niv and Nicki

have only just come back to this forum after deciding not to read any more about post op hernia and just wait and see what happens. My op was 3 weeks ago just this last Friday and although it is getting much easier, I still feel internal pain when bending, standing and moving around perhaps too much. The doc says this is normal, and tells me it could be some months before this goes away.

I too still have the burning and numbness in my upper thigh, but I had this develop around 2 years ago when I was rushed into hospital with excruciating groin pain but, because of a history of back trouble the doctors insisted it was nerve damage pain from my back. I believe this was when the hernia 'developed', but was not diagnosed. It took 2 years of me going to and from hospital before a 'friendly' radiologist took pity on me as I was so upset that no one believed I had that amount of pain and what I thought was a hernia. He had a eureka moment and finally found it. I just worry that this burning and numbness is totally permanent.

It would be good to hear how you two ladies are doing with recovery now? Isn't it frustrating trying to find out how this hernia repair affects women!

JamesWC 10 days ago

just saw this about mesh

http://www.ktvu.com/videos/news/special-report-doc

David 10 days ago

Saw article about mesh earlier this week. Not sure if these stories are the norm or just the exception. Mesh = chance of chronic pain or pure tissue = higher chance of recurrence? Again there are so many articles that show different outcomes? Don't know which way to go??

JamesWC 10 days ago

there is a way to do this procedure without the mesh

some guy in Las Vegas does it

the first Doctor I spoke to never mentioned that as an option

I think if you are not in immediate danger of your hernia

being a health threat and you have time to thoroughly check out all possible options it might be a wiser route

David 10 days ago

Are you having mesh? I have bilateral hernia one on each side. I was told to go laporoscopic with ultra pro ethicon lightweight mesh Johnson and Johnson. Less chance of chronic pain he said with lap. My biggest fear is to have the surgery and not being able to go back to work to support my family after.

JamesWC 9 days ago

I just had a breakthrough , I spoke to a doctor thru a family friend who said he could do my procedure lapro with

the light mesh you mentioned

The first Dr. I consulted with would not do it lapro and he said there was only one type of mesh etc, the more I thought about the things he said the more I wanted a second opinion

Now I feel better having this surgery done, there is no getting around it , it has to be done, but it sure pays to find a second opinion and a Dr that has confidence in this procedure because he or she has done it many times

David 9 days ago

Great news. What did he say about the chance of chronic pain after. Thank you.

David 9 days ago

Great news. What did he say about the chance of chronic pain after. Thank you.

JamesWC 9 days ago

he made it sound like the recovery time was quick and the chronic pain was not on the radar, I suppose every surgery carries with it a percentage of risk since nothing is

foolproof in this realm but with the advances in the procedure you can go into this with some measure of confidence. Whatever the outcome there is no possibility of avoiding the surgery, that would be a certain disaster

My takeaway from this experience in this is you have got to do your footwork prior to the surgery and gather information and multiple consults for any medical procedure

David 9 days ago

Do you know anyone who has had mesh. If so what was there experience? Thank you

JamesWC 9 days ago

I saw several testimonials on you tube where people posted about success with the mesh so do not think it is as big an issue as I thought it was and they were not having any post op pains later on, I think if you can get it sutured without the mesh that is a good option, but that would be an open procedure.

Once you have this surgery though you need to be patient with the healing process and ride it out to completion to make sure you are 100% before going back to the old routine

David 9 days ago

Thank you and good luck with everything.

Nicki 9 days ago

Hey jan ,

Niv and nicki are the same person it was just an auto correct error lol sry for the confusion.

I'm now going on 3 weeks post op so my last post (nicki) is my current status. I can tolerate the internal pain but what's been giving me the blues is the leg pain. I'm glad to hear that ur surgery went ok. Maybe we should start a women's hernia website :)

sean 8 days ago

Anyone know the percentage rate of mesh complications???

David 8 days ago

What I found interesting is that the majority of all athletes get the repair done by this guy in PA that does not use mesh. Why wouldnt the athletes get mesh? Is this a red flag to any one else?

JamesWC 8 days ago

who is the guy in PA that does the non mesh repair?

David 8 days ago

I think his name is William Meyers. Again wonder why big time athletes aren't getting mesh if it is so great?

JamesWC 8 days ago

interesting

the mesh is effective and there are several types of it

but sometimes I think a lot depends on how the surgeon installs it

David 8 days ago

What is the best type of mesh you have heard. Also, what is the best way to install it?

JamesWC 8 days ago

there is a lighter more flexible mesh

from my point of view it is best installed laprocopically

The last Dr I spoke to also said if he were to do open procedure then he would not use the mesh and he would suture the gap

I am having more faith in going with the mesh provided the Dr is a good lapro surgeon .

David 8 days ago

When is your surgery? I have to wait until oct/nov. No bulges and only hurts once in a while. Have desk job so that helps. The FDA says that mesh is now more risky than originally thought and may be doing a more extensive study before putting on market.

JamesWC 8 days ago

I am going to talk to another Dr today so I will find out if he will do it without the mesh or not etc

Part of me wants to go without the mesh the other part of me knows that this is a very common procedure with a high rate of success with lapro mesh

But I still do not want to be the 1% that needs surgery later on to remove it and that is a risk

The other big risk are the idiot Dr.s that mess with the nerve down there and leave you with numbness

This whole thing is an epic pain in the ass LOL

david 8 days ago

I feel the same way you do (LOL). How old are you, Have you ever had a hernia before. Do you know anyone else who has had an inguinal hernia before and if so mesh or no mesh. What was the outcome? Also how long have you had the hernia? Is it painful?

JamesWC 8 days ago

54 no pain or discomfort, don't know anyone directly, a friends son had it done and is now fine. I have actually talked to tow people in the last couple of weeks that have a bump like mine but are leaving it alone, I told them that is crazy. I say that because I know of someone who did and then ended up in a world of hurt.

Yo can postpone the surgery to a more appropriate time but just pretending it is not there is not wise from what I know now.

The other interesting thing I just found a few minutes ago is to Google Hernia patch Lawsuits. it seems there was a brand of patch material on the market that was a disaster. Hopefully the newer material out there has changed that.

I will know more later today after I speak to the Dr.

JamesWC 8 days ago

the mesh in the lawsuits was called Kugel and this happened in the early 2000-2006

http://www.injurygroup.com/kugel-mesh-settlement-a

david 8 days ago

Please update later on what Doc say's. Also how long have you had your hernia?

Thank you

JamesWC 8 days ago

I only noticed this about ten days ago

Take a look at the first paragraph of this

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inguinal_hernia_surge

It says choice of surgeon is more important than the technique or material,

More later

David 8 days ago

Thanks - just worried about the chronic pain afterwards. I am 32 yrs old.

JamesWC 8 days ago

That is why the surgeon is going to be paramount, the Doc i talked over the phone on Sunday was saying telling me about the nerve down there, a bad surgeon messing with that is worse than the mesh.

Gotta do the homework on this

At 32 I see your concern

david 8 days ago

I heard. There are actually 3 nerves that you have to worry about. Its also known as the "triangle of doom". Another important question to ask him is - "what will you do to help me if I do experience "chronic pain afterwards" See what he says.

JamesWC 7 days ago

that is why I balked at the first Dr and his open mesh procedure, if you are going to patch underneath with the lapro I think that reduces the nerve risk. I'll ask about the chronic pain

david 7 days ago

This can really drive someone crazy.

JamesWC 7 days ago

they even have an acronym for post hernia operation pain

PHPS

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post_herniorraphy_pai

David 7 days ago

Saw that. Anyone else on here know what the true chronic pain that is associated with inguinal hernia surgery?

JamesWC 7 days ago

Got back from the Doc

Going to go with state of the art lapro mesh sugery

I have confidence in this Dr. he has done this procedure many times and has a good pedigree. I asked his opinion regarding post operative pain and he said although there is some risk the long term picture is good

and not something to be overly concerned about

David 7 days ago

That's great to hear. What type of mesh? Also when is your surgery?

JamesWC 7 days ago

The surgery is at the end of this month, the surgeon described the mesh as state of the art and flexible. the tech in this has changed quite a bit in the past 12 years according to the Doc. So there a ray of hope

Fingers crossed I will report back here a year from now with positive results

David 7 days ago

Please let me know how you did afterwards. Hope all goes well. I look forward to see how you are doing.

JamesWC 7 days ago

Thanks, I will do that

Happy 7 days ago

I am a woman who posted earlier in this forum. I am almost five weeks post op from bilateral lapro inguinal hernia surgery. Dr. told me she put mesh on both sides from my hip to my groin. My pain has pretty much subsided. I only have some pain in my lower groin area where hernia was. Bulge is gone, but I still feel tinges of slight pain. When I orgasm I feel twinging also. Dr. said this is normal and that leg tingling and tenderness will go away. Full recovery is a couple of months.

Chris 5 days ago

I'm new to this but about 4 weeks ago I discovered a lump in my right groin area, went to doctors about 2.5 weeks later to discover it was a right inguinal hernia. I am now 4 days post op and every time I try to get up or plant my foot on the ground, there's a severe burning pain right above my penis but below and to the left of my incision site. If it wasn't for this burning I'd be fine. Can anybody help me?

david 5 days ago

it could be an injury to the ilioinguinal nerve which can result in pain similar to what you're describing. It's also still very early in your recovery and could very well go away as time goes by. Did you have mesh? If so, was it done open or lap?

Chris 5 days ago

It was open mesh. The incision site itself just feels bruised but the burning hurts so bad I can't get up and walk without cringing and tears. I feared this operation, and now I'm paying the price. I don't know If I'll ever walk normally again. I just wanna walk but I can't.

david 5 days ago

what did your doctor say? It is still early on in your recovery period. I would give it a few more days and see if it gets better. They say with open it takes 2-3 weeks to recover.

Chris 5 days ago

Okay, thanks David, I'll let you know how I'm doing in about 3 days.

TomDai1966 5 days ago

Hello Everyone, I wrote about 2 weeks ago, I had 3 hernias operated on, I went for my 2nd checkup yesterday with my surgeon and i asked him what he used in my repairs, on my incisional hernia which is on the side of my abdomen, that one was the one where my intestines were getting twisted and he said it was the most difficult, he used a Mesh plug on it. The other 2 were regular pieces of mesh. I still get a lot of intestinal pulling or tightening.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNTfUvmh5Xk

JamesWC 5 days ago

Chris what pain meds they have you on? oxycodone?

Hopefully in time it will get better

david 4 days ago

tom - are you feeling any better? Are you able to at least go back to work? Were the 2 other hernia inguinal?

Chris 4 days ago

Well guys, I'm back and glad to say that I can walk , well limp without huge problems, recovered going by nicely now. Still get that burning but it's not nearly as severe. I even walked outside today. I haven't passed stool yet but I feel it coming, should I take more softener to make it easier, at least where it just plops on out?

David 4 days ago

That's great to hear. I would keep popping the softeners and eat nothing but fiber until you are able to go. The pain should get better as the days go by. Also drink plenty of water. What ever you do. Don't push.

Chris 4 days ago

Oh yeah, I don't wanna push, that would hurt like crazy! I coughed slightly and it still kinda hurt, so I've been grunting to clear my throat instead.

TomDai1966 4 days ago

Hi David, yes, the other 2 were bilateral inguinal. I try to do alot, i dont sit still and always moving around, but when I feel that right side tighten up , it bothers me, but right now i am off from my job as an oil truck driver.

Rjay 4 days ago

Hi fellow sufferers, I'm three days post double inguinial mesh repair surgery. Testicals the size of a blackening watermelon,black penis hiding somewhere within. Literally pot luck peeing,how can one aim 1/2inch and two wrinkles accurately? I too have concernes with the gross discomfort and excruciating pains.I am also worrying about a sheduled long haul flight scheduled over a year ago and coming up soon. My surgeon warned of post op' DVT possibilities.

David 4 days ago

Did you have open or lap? Are you able to walk? Are they really that big? Are you experiencing any pain in your testicals? Try ice on and off.

Chris 2 days ago

Ahhh, at last in not plugged up anymores, im already starting to walk more normally, the pains still there but it's bearable, next week I go back to work for light duty.

Mike 2 days ago

Hey everyone....I had surgery on Friday morning. I was released by 11am. Got home and rested in bed for a few hours and the pain brought me to tears. Went back to the ER and was admitted and given Dilaudid. That knocked the pain down a considerable ammount. I woke up yesterday morning and the pain was 1/2 of what it was. I was released yesterday and stayed in bed the rest of the day. Woke up this morning feeling even better. Walking around now with some pain but nothing like the first day. I would say ice and support the boys as much as possible has helped alot. I hope tomorrow is even better. Although the first day was miserable, it is improving rather quickly. All of you dealing with it hang in there. Getting up and moving, as much as it may hurt circulates blood flow to the area and helps speed up the healing. Btw my surgery was open mesh on the left side. Ice...ice...ice!!

Yl 2 days ago

I had left inguinal hernia repaired a week ago. I have hardly any pain but I have still numbness and swelling. I do have some burning sensation to the top part of the thigh. I am hoping to be some kind of active soon. Dr. Said recovery was 2week! I'm beginning to wonder if that is possible.

Mike 2 days ago

The burning in the upper thigh is normal and so id the numbness. There are alot of nerves in the general region. In time that will go away. Just take it slow.

Paul 44 hours ago

Has anyone heard of the "synthetic mesh" eroding over time. Based on what the wiklepedia website states thats exactly what happens. It erodes or hardens inside of you. There has actually been a recall for synthetic mesh based on it eroding in the body?

Jason 43 hours ago

I just had an open right inguinal with mesh repaired on 05/10/12. Of course I was numb all day from meds and was prescribed hydrocodone. I only took half the dosage because I have had trouble with nausia before. Today is day 5 and to be honest it's not been bad. I quit the pain killer on day two.....now just taking advil. On a scale of 1-10, my worst pain has been maybe a 3 if that. Lots of swelling which isn't the most enjoyable, but it's not really painful. I've got a 3" incision and as long as I think about what I do before I do it I'm good to go. WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK.....sitting in the chair for hours at a time will only make things worse. Walking will increase blood flow and help with pain and healing. I was going up and down stairs the first day and things just keep getting better. Ice and walk, ice and walk, ice and walk! I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to get mine done. Dr. said I had a lot of scar tissue he had to cut out, but so far (day 5) it's been a breeze.

Bill 38 hours ago

I am five days post surgery for a small hernia and am experiencing very few of the problems that have been described so I feel very lucky! I have a little pain, 2 on a scale of ten maybe and my penis is the color of a beet. But I can walk, sit, eat, toilet without any problems. Today my wife took me to the babrber for a haircut even. Good luck.

Jason 27 hours ago

Day 6- A little more pain today than yesterday. Still very tolerable. I switched from Aleve to ibuprofen to help with the swelling some and it seems to be helping. Both the swelling around the surgical site and the testicles are much improved. The pain (a 2 on a 1-10 scale) mostly occurs first thing in the morning after laying down for an extended period of time. I try not to sit over 30 if I can help and when I am sitting I'm icing. The more you can move the easier the whole ordeal is. You get more blood flow to the area and things stay loose. When I get up from a nights sleep, things are tight and I start getting some sharp "pulling" pains around the surgical site. Once things get warmed up and stretched out I'm good to go. I hope this helps someone. I lived with my hernia for 8 yrs mainly because I was scared to death of getting it fixed. By doing so I ended up with a lot of scar tissue. The Dr. orignally said he would have to make a 1-1.5" incision....it turned into 3" because of the scar tissue from having it so long.

JamesWC 23 hours ago

Paul I think the problems with the mesh you refer to were from the early 2000's when they had not refined it. The mesh has changed quite a bit in the past 12 years from what I understand and is no long an issue with most cases

paul 22 hours ago

MedicalIts most common medical use is in the synthetic, nonabsorbable suture Prolene, manufactured by Ethicon Inc.

Polypropylene has been used in hernia and pelvic organ prolapse repair operations to protect the body from new hernias in the same location. A small patch of the material is placed over the spot of the hernia, below the skin, and is painless and rarely, if ever, rejected by the body. However, a polypropylene mesh will erode over the uncertain period from days to years. Therefore, the FDA has issued several warnings on the use of polypropylene mesh medical kits for certain applications in pelvic organ prolapse, specifically when introduced in close proximity to the vaginal wall due to a continued increase in number of mesh erosions reported by patients over the past few years.[21] Most recently, on January 3, 2012, the FDA ordered 35 manufacturers of these mesh products to study the side effects of these devices.[22]

HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN THIS. THIS IS ACTUALLY WHAT THEY ARE PUTTING INTO YOUR BODY. SOMETIMES THE SURGEONS WILL SUGAR COAT THE TRUTH. SOMETIMES THEY ACTUALLY DONT KNOW THE LONG TERM EFFECTS. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THIS MESH IN 20,30 OR EVEN 40 YEARS FROM NOW. THE TRUTH IS NOBODY KNOWS.

However, a polypropylene mesh will erode over the uncertain period from days to years.

gail 22 hours ago

I am scared at all the comments of Post Surgery, I am female, and hope it wont be as bad,cant sit down, cant get up, cant walk, no poos, not likeing the sound of all this Dr did'nt mention any of this, and nothing of choices, mesh,etc, sounds like I will never be my healthy self again!!!

Jason 20 hours ago

Gail,

I think most of what you are hearing on here are rare cases. Like I said before I have a 3" incision and yes you will be sore, you will swell, but all in all it's been a breeze for me. Minimal pain. I talked with several people I know that have had hernias repaired in the past and they all said it wasn't a big deal. Get off the pain meds as soon as you can, and walk as much as possible......piece of cake. Wish I would've had mine repaired sooner.

Nicki 19 hours ago

Gail,

Everyone's experience is different and especially the guys experience is different from is females. I had a bilateral open hernia with plug and mesh almost 4 weeks ago. I have a 3.5" and a 4" incision. I also had my gallbladder removed 3 weeks prior to this surgery so maybe that's why my pain was so intense. I ended up being in the hospital 4 days because of the level of pain (it was suppose to be same day). Everything that you read is just out experiences and who knows you may have no problems at all. I was shocked how my ordeal turned out because my doctor made it seem like it was going to be easier than my gallbladder surgery boy was he wrong. I hope it all works out for you.

paul 19 hours ago

POLYPROPYLENE ERODES - THATS A FACT. I WASN'T TRYING TO SCARE ANYONE, BUT THIS WILL HAPPEN. JUST LOOK IT UP. I WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THIS ON WIKLEPEDIA.

However, a polypropylene mesh will erode over the uncertain period from days to years.

Geo2 15 hours ago

I had surgery 5 days ago and the first couple of days were very painful, especially getting out of bed. The first morning I got up and I broke out in a sweat and felt like I was going to pass out but once I got up I just limped along and was ok. I only took the percocet 2 times because they made me dizzy and nauseous so I just take Advil. I was able to drive the second day and I walk my dog . I have the burning pain trying to tie my shoes once in a while but the only real problem I have are my testicles are kind of big but I see that I should be wearing more of a supportive underpants so they don't hang down cause they are like heavy, lol. Not real bad now but I wish I could exercise again.Good luck to everyone.

JamesWC 14 hours ago

Paul I would take you more seriously if you did not use the caps...this might sound silly but I always assume that is someones shouting if they are using them, if that is the case then it does not reinforce your point.

I know of some case where the mesh has been removed later down the line... but there have been advances in mesh and hopefully those of us getting the surgery will be getting it with new mesh.

What are the options mesh free surgery?

Postpone the surgery?

Both options =fail

robert 7 hours ago

i had inguinal surgery in 07 three weeks out of hospital was in car accident i had the mesh used on me the pain after was horrid i still get pain because of back problems the muscles pull the inguinal area tight and make for some great pain i still get a cough reaction but it all checks out good with my doc it just aint the same i also ended up with half a forskin after opp because they tie up penis during surgery and strech loose skin on shaft that was 1 good thing that came out of it other than that its all good

Paul 4 hours ago

There hasn't really been any advances the mesh that they are using erodes. Look it up and ask your doctor what type he is using. You will see it erodes over time. If the repair fails - I'd rather not have mesh in me. Did it ever cross your mind that sometimes doctors don't always give the truth. Remember he is a surgeon - he sells surgery. You can very easily look up all the people who have had problems with the mesh at some point.

JamesWC 73 minutes ago

There have been advances in mesh, some people have a problem with it, but this procedure is done quite frequently and the techniques are getting better

I did not go with the first Dr I chose, yes I would rather not have the mesh but a mesh free suture surgery can also fail

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    Things to Expect After Inguinal Hernia Surgery

    Post-surgery, you can expect to be sore in the area around the incision for at least a few days. Do your best to get plenty of bed rest, especially for the first few days after surgery.

    One common mistake that many recipients of inguinal hernia surgery make is to try to rest too much after surgery. This sounds counter-intuitive, but staying in bed or on the couch for too many days after surgery without exercise fails to help the body heal after surgery. In other words: you need to get up and walk around a bit each day in the days and weeks following surgery. Of course, it goes without saying that you will want to avoid any kind of heavy lifting or athletics during this time. Still, walking and moving around is generally a good idea. Stop, of course, if you experience great pain. In that case, check with your doctor.

    You should also consult with your doctor right away if your wound fails to heal (continues to weep or leak, for example) or if you develop a fever after surgery.

    For more on what to expect after this type of surgery, also check out these fun surgery recovery gift ideas.

    Fresh Fruits and Veggies are Recommended Foods After Hernia Surgery

    Celery, lettuce, corn,, legumes, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber after hernia surgery. They help your body heal much faster.
    Celery, lettuce, corn,, legumes, fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber after hernia surgery. They help your body heal much faster.
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