Recovery from Hernia Operations: What to Expect
If you’ve just had, or are planning to have, an operation to repair a Hernia you should be prepared for your recovery.
Recovery after this type of operation takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks depending on your health at the time of the surgery.
Most patients are released from the hospital on the same day of the surgery, once you get home its best to rest, during the entirety of your recovery its also advisable to eat well, and a variety of foods so your body has all the nutrients it needs to repair itself.
For the first few days after surgery you may feel especially tired or confused, and for the first four days of recovery you will be restricted to completing only absolutely necessary tasks and nothing strenuous.
After a week or so you’ll be able to go on short walks, this is recommended as it will help prevent blood clots.
As long as your work doesn’t involve heavy activity or lifting you may be able to go back to work sooner than you think, around day 4-5 of your recovery, but expect to feel some pain while getting back to your normal routine.
Normally this pain can be managed easily by over the counter pain medication, however if this is not the case for you and you are experiencing more extreme pain contact your surgeon for advice.
By week two of your recovery you should be back to work and able to lift up to 20 pounds, expect to feel a bit of soreness and stiffness but feel free to get back to light exercise, such as yoga, tennis or jogging.
Around the three week mark you should be feeling much more like yourself and can take up slightly more strenuous activity, but lifting heavy weights in still not recommended.
By the end of week four, you should be able to do any activity you like, you may still feel occasional sharp pains, once these pains subside you can resume sexual activities as well.
While this gives you an idea of what your limitations will be during recovery, always listen to your surgeons advice, and follow any recovery guidelines they give you.
For more information about Hernia surgery and recovery contact our team! We have a professional, friendly and highly trained team on staff here at the Berkshire Hernia Centre and we want to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
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