After hernia surgery – 5 things to do
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 on and off, causing the person to doubt if it is really there.
After discovery, the first stage of the healing process is diagnosis by a doctor and then, for most, surgery. Hernia surgery has become a fairly routine procedure, with surgeons around the world performing thousands of them each year.
A hernia is essentially made up of a tear in the muscle that forms the wall of the abdomen or groin area. This tear allows part of the intestines below to protrude through this tear in the muscle, appearing on the outside of the body as a lump on the skin. A hernia can be painful, but just as often it doesn’t hurt at all. This leads some people to delay diagnosis and/or surgery. However, it is best to have surgery as soon as possible.
The surgery involves the surgeon creating a generally small incision near the area where the hernia occurred. Next, the surgeon proceeds to introduce a plastic mesh in the affected area, which serves to reinforce the weakened muscle area.
The prognosis for hernia surgery is almost always very good. There is little risk of complications such as infection, and 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 proper steps after surgery to ensure a positive outcome.
Whether you’ve had hernia surgery recently 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 smooth and worry-free recovery.
After Hernia Surgery: 5 Things to Do
1. Avoid heavy lifting: 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 artificial mesh, in some cases causing the area to reopen or not heal properly.
2. However, do not prevent the movement completely: However, some surgery patients take the advice to “avoid heavy lifting” too far, choosing to remain in bed for days or weeks after surgery with very little movement. This is, in fact, a big no-no. In fact, light body movement on a regular basis is necessary as it helps the muscles around the repaired hernia to get stronger.
3. Keep an eye on festering wounds: Your wound may leak or “weep” for a couple of days after surgery. However, this should end soon. If your wound continues to bleed for more than 3-4 days, contact your doctor. You could have suffered an infection.
4. Eat foods rich in protein: His abdominal or muzzle muscles need repair and healing. The fastest route to healing is to eat plenty of protein, such as that 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 in the body. An even smaller percentage may see a recurrence at the actual site of their surgery. In any case, it is very important that you contact your doctor right away if you notice a new lump.
After hernia surgery, the steps you take will be important to ensure a speedy recovery. Do these 5 things to improve your chances for a full and healthy recovery.