Your Best Guide to a Complete Recovery from Inguinal Hernia Surgery: What You Can Do

Inguinal hernias are arguably the most common kind of hernia, and it can result from a birth defect or a weakness on the abdominal wall that worsens over time. An inguinal hernia will most likely come with swelling in the area of the groin, and this swelling can also be more noticeable when you are straining or standing. If your hernia isn’t causing any problem, you will not likely need surgery for it. But there are cases when an inguinal hernia needs to be repaired, especially if it is large or if a portion of the bowel has become damaged or trapped within the inguinal hernia. If you are recommended for hernia repair, here’s your best guide to a complete recovery: what you can do.

General Info On Your Recovery

Once you have had surgery, you may have a few days of pain, and you may also feel as if you have a fever. You may feel nauseated and tired, but all these symptoms are common. Your physical condition will improve after several days, although you may feel some pulling in the area or twinges when you make movements. Most people can recover within a week of laparoscopic surgery, while open repair recovery will take longer.

Caring for Yourself

You will be advised by your hernia surgery specialist, such as the hernia surgeon London experts from The London Surgical Group, to stay home for at least a week after your surgery. During this time, you can do some things to care for yourself and speed up your recovery as well.

Activities

If you feel tired, rest. You may take a shower about one to two days after your surgery, but ask permission from your doctor first. When you shower, pat the cut dry and avoid taking baths for the first two weeks. Avoid lifting heavy objects. It also pays to be as active as possible, and you can go walking as long as you feel up to it. You could return to your regular activities in one week to three weeks, based on the kind of hernia surgery you have had.

Diet and Nutrition

You can continue with your regular diet, but if you have an upset stomach, try eating low-fat, low sodium foods such as broiled chicken, plain rice, yoghurt, and toast. If you don’t have a regular bowel movement, especially after your surgery, try not to strain. Make sure you drink liquids, as recommended by the hernia surgery London specialists of The London Surgical Group.

Medication

Be careful with medication, so make sure you understand and follow whatever instructions your doctor tells you and read the label carefully as well. Your physician will also decide when you can take your regular medications again.

Caring for your Incision/s

A dressing will be placed over your cut/s as it helps protect and heal the wound/s. Your doctor should give you instructions on caring for it. If there is a skin adhesive on the incision/s, just leave it until the adhesive falls off. If the cut/s is covered with tape, leave it until the tape falls off as well. If you underwent open surgery and have stitches, it will be removed by your doctor. Wash it every day with warm water and soap and pat the area dry.