Yes, it’s possible to live a normal life after hernia surgery. Depending on the severity of the hernia, your recovery time may take days to weeks. Generally, after the hernia is repaired, minimal rest is required and you’ll be able to resume activities over a period of about one to two weeks.
Your doctor will recommend which activities you should and should not partake in during different stages of your recovery but generally speaking you should avoid heavy weight lifting, straining, jogging or running, and swimming.
It’s important to listen to your body and give it time to heal. Following your doctor’s orders and taking the necessary steps to have a safe recovery will increase your chances of living a normal life.
After hernia surgery the repaired area is vulnerable to future hernias and an anatomically congruous ventral hernia repair should be considered in order to decrease the chance of it re-occurring.
What are the long term effects of hernia surgery?
The long-term effects of hernia surgery depend on the type of hernia repair procedure that was performed, but generally speaking, the majority of patients will experience full recovery of the affected area with no long-term effects after healing has occurred.
However, it is important to note that all surgery carries the risk of complications and it is important to understand the risks associated with hernia surgery.
The most common long-term effect of hernia surgery is a scar at the incision site. Although the scar will usually fade over time, it may remain visible. Other long-term effects can include infections, abdominal numbness, or nerve damage.
It is important to watch for any signs or symptoms of infection in the days and weeks following surgery, as this may indicate the need for additional medical care.
In rare cases, some people may experience recurrence of the hernia after it has been repair, which can mean additional surgery is needed. Other possible long-term effects of hernia surgery include narrowing of the intestinal passage and hernia mesh failure.
Finally, there is a risk of long-term pain or discomfort associated with hernia surgery, however, this is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Overall, understanding and managing the risks of hernia surgery can help to ensure successful outcomes and minimize the risk of any long-term effects.
Can you go your whole life with a hernia?
Yes, it is possible to go your entire life with a hernia without any treatment. Depending on the size and location of the hernia, it may not cause any symptoms and can be safely ignored. However, it is important to consult with a doctor if you experience any pain or difficulty moving in the area of the hernia, as these can be signs of a more serious condition that may require medical treatment.
Additionally, a doctor may suggest that you have the hernia surgically repaired if it becomes too large or is causing other symptoms. It is important to note that hernias can become strangulated, which is a dangerous condition when the hernia becomes trapped, blocking blood supply to the area.
In this case, urgent medical attention is required.
How careful should I be after hernia surgery?
It’s important to be careful after hernia surgery to ensure a successful recovery. Be sure to follow your doctor’s post-surgical instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. Your doctor may recommend not lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds and avoiding physical activity or strenuous exercise for several weeks.
You should also take any medications prescribed by your doctor and monitor the incision site for any sign of infection. Avoid straining while having a bowel movement, and try to take preventive measures to reduce your risk of constipation.
Additionally, be careful not to strain or lift heavy objects, including children or pets, as doing so can cause your hernia to reoccur. Contact your doctor if you have any pain, swelling, redness, or discharge at the incision site, or if you have a fever or any other symptoms that concern you.
Is hernia surgery considered high risk?
Hernia surgery is generally considered to be low risk. The vast majority of hernia surgeries are simple, outpatient procedures that can be done safely using local or regional anesthesia. Complications associated with hernia surgery are rare, but can include bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
Because of the potential risks of hernia surgery, it’s important to discuss any concerns you have with your doctor before the procedure. Additionally, it’s important to follow all your doctor’s pre-operative instructions closely, as well as post-operative instructions, to ensure the best results and a safe recovery.