It is possible to have some pain for up to two weeks after inguinal hernia surgery, but it should not be considered normal. If you are experiencing persistent or severe pain beyond two weeks after your surgery, you should follow up with your health care provider to ensure there is not an infection or other complication from the procedure.
Common signs of infection after hernia surgery include fever, persistent pain, redness, oozing, and swollen lymph nodes.
It is also possible to have soreness, tenderness, and swelling in the area of the surgical incision that extends beyond two weeks. This is usually not cause for major concern, but you should still mention any concerns to your doctor.
Pain medications prescribed by your doctor or over-the-counter medications can help manage your discomfort. Severe tenderness may be relieved with a cold compress applied to the area. It is important to follow all post-operative care instructions as outlined by your doctor, including any activity restrictions, to ensure a successful recovery.
Why is my hernia repair still hurting?
It is possible that the post-operative pain from your hernia repair is normal, and the majority of this pain should subside within a few weeks following the surgery. However, it is also possible that there may be underlying causes that could be causing your post-operative pain, such as wound infection, chronic hernia, trapped nerves or swollen tissues.
It is best to check with your doctor or another medical professional to assess the source of the pain and determine the most appropriate treatment. Tests like X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound or MRI may be conducted to determine the source of the pain.
Additionally, increasing your activities may help to reduce pain. Slow and gradual increase in physical activity and exercise can help build strength and reduce recovery time. Make sure to follow the doctor’s advice and take rests as needed, and perform exercises that are not too strenuous to avoid straining the affected area and aggravating the pain.
Finally, it may be helpful to apply a cold compress to the affected area, as this can help to reduce swelling and soothe the pain. Taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen may also help alleviate pain, but make sure to consult your doctor before taking any medications.
How do you know if something is wrong after hernia surgery?
After hernia surgery, it is important to monitor yourself and watch out for any signs or symptoms of complications. You should always follow your doctor’s orders and instructions after the surgery, and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments.
Some signs and symptoms that may indicate something is wrong with your hernia repair include: bleeding or discharge from the incision site, pain or discomfort in the affected area, nausea or vomiting, fever or chills, or signs of infection such as redness or swelling.
You may also experience unexpected or worsening pain or discomfort, or a bulge near the incision site. If you experience any of these symptoms after hernia surgery, contact your doctor right away for follow-up assessment and care.
Can a hernia come back 2 weeks after surgery?
Yes, a hernia can come back 2 weeks after surgery. This is known as a recurrent hernia and can occur for a few reasons, such as the surgical repair was weak or not performed properly, the hernia reoccurs because of an increase in abdominal pressure (such as from constipation or coughing), or because of a structural weakness in the abdominal wall.
Generally, the success rate of hernia surgery is high, but recurrent hernia may still occur. If you experience any signs or symptoms of a hernia returning, such as a bulge or pain around the incision, seek medical attention right away.
Your doctor can evaluate the hernia and recommend further steps to help ensure it does not recur.
Why does hernia pain come and go after surgery?
After surgery to repair a hernia, the pain may come and go. This is because the body is still in the process of healing and the surrounding tissue that supports the repair site may sometimes overstretch or become damaged again due to activity or tension.
Also, the body sometimes releases chemicals called cytokines that cause inflammation and pain, which can come and go during the healing process. Finally, the pain may wax and wane due to the body being in different positions, changes in activity levels, and gas buildups.
To minimize the pain, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions such as avoiding undue strain or lifting heavy objects, maintaining good posture and body mechanics, and getting plenty of rest.
How can you tell if a hernia is coming back?
In order to tell if a hernia is coming back, it is important to monitor any potential recurrence of symptoms. People who have experienced hernias before may notice a familiar feeling of discomfort, heaviness or tightness in their abdomen, groin or scrotum.
Signs of a returning hernia may also include a feeling or bulge in the same area where the hernia was previously located, and in some cases, a dull, aching pain. A hernia may also cause pain or pressure that increases with physical activity, or when an individual coughs, sneezes, lifts or strains.
While some hernias may be visible, others may be too small to see. If any of these symptoms are present, a person should contact their healthcare provider for further evaluation.
How likely is it that a hernia will come back after repair?
The likelihood of a hernia coming back after a repair is dependent on several factors, including the type of hernia being repaired and the patient’s lifestyle choices. Generally, the overall risk of a hernia returning after repair ranges from 10-20%.
The type of hernia being repaired plays a role in determining the likelihood of it coming back. Laparoscopic hernia repair offers the lowest recurrence rates, followed by a hernia mesh implant and finally open hernia repair.
Laparoscopic surgery often offers a recurrence rate of 10-15%, while the risk of a hernia returning after a mesh implant is 15-20%. Open surgery tends to have the highest recurrence rate, with the hernia returning in 20-25% of cases.
Patients can also help reduce their chances of a hernia returning by leading a healthy lifestyle. After surgery, a doctor may recommend activities that strengthen the muscles in the abdomen, as well as other lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and avoiding heavy lifting.
All of these measures can help protect against hernia recurrence.
In conclusion, while it is impossible to guarantee that a hernia will not return after it is repaired, the likelihood of this happening is usually quite low. Depending on the type of repair used and the patient’s lifestyle choices, the risk of hernia recurrence can range from 10-20%.
What happens if hernia comes back?
If a hernia comes back after surgery, it is referred to as a recurrent hernia. Recurrent hernias can happen for a variety of reasons, such as a weakened or damaged abdominal wall or failure of the suture material.
Often, patients who have recurrent hernias need to undergo a second surgical procedure, which is typically more complex than the initial hernia repair procedure. The surgeon will perform a more comprehensive repair to ensure that the hernia is closed properly.
This may involve reinforcing the abdominal wall with synthetic mesh and/or special surgical techniques. After the surgery, patients should be monitored closely and follow their surgeon’s recovery instructions carefully to ensure that the repair is successful.
How long after hernia surgery does it stop hurting?
The time it takes for a person to recover from hernia surgery varies from individual to individual, and is usually dependent on the type and severity of the hernia, and the healing process. Generally speaking, you can expect to feel some soreness and pain for up to two weeks after your surgery, and occasionally longer.
Once the healing process starts, the pain should gradually lessen over the course of the next few weeks as the incision heals and the hernia repairs itself.
The majority of patients report that after about two to four weeks, most of the pain should subside. This can vary greatly depending on how well the body is able to heal, since each patient is different.
In some cases, the pain may even last up to a couple of months. It is important to follow the instructions given by your doctor and include rest, proper nutrition, and the use of pain-relieving medications, if prescribed, to help the healing process.
Does hernia surgery pain come and go?
Hernia surgery pain can come and go depending on the individual case. Generally, pain associated with hernia repair is managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications. Many people experience the most pain soon after the procedure, but the pain should gradually improve over time.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for pain management, including when and how to take medications. Most people will take a pain reliever for 7 to 10 days after the surgery. You may feel tenderness and discomfort around the operated area for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.
Additionally, there may be some soreness, bruising, and swelling in the area.
Most people feel back to their normal routine within a few weeks after surgery. As you recover, it is important to be gentle to your area of repair, avoid strenuous activities, and increase your activity as directed by your doctor.
Participating in physical therapy and abdominal strengthening exercises may be recommended to help decrease the risk of hernia recurrence and improve your overall recovery.
Why does it feel like my hernia is still there after surgery?
It is common for people to feel like their hernia is still there after surgery, even when the surgery was successful. This is because the body has to adjust to the changes created by the surgery, and it can take time for the body to heal from the incision and adjust to the newly repaired muscle and tissue.
Additionally, the area around the hernia may be tender or sensitive for some period of time after surgery, which can make it feel like the hernia is still present. The sensation can last for days, weeks, or even months after the surgery.
It is important to talk to a doctor if the feeling persists to make sure there are no complications from the surgery.
Should I still be able to feel my hernia after surgery?
It is not uncommon to still feel some sensation or pressure in the area where the hernia was repaired after surgery. This can range from a feeling of tightness to slight discomfort or pain. It is important to remember that it can take weeks or even months sometimes for surgical site wounds to fully heal.
During this time, you may experience some localized discomfort or sensitivity in the area of your hernia repair. Additionally, it is important to note that if the hernia has occurred in a sensitive area, such as the groin, it can take extra time for the body to adjust to the recovery process.
It is important to speak with your doctor if you have any pain or discomfort that is more than minor level and does not seem to be improving over time. Your doctor can advise you on further steps to help manage your pain.
How do I know if my inguinal hernia repair has failed?
If you have had an inguinal hernia repair, you should keep an eye out for any signs that the repair has failed. Common signs and symptoms of a failed inguinal hernia repair include pain in the area where the hernia was repaired, a feeling of pressure or fullness in the area of the hernia, or a lump or bulge in the inguinal area.
You may also experience a weakened abdominal wall, and notice that activities that involve lifting, pushing, or straining cause discomfort or pain in the area. Additionally, you may experience frequent trips to the restroom due to difficulty controlling your bowels, or difficulty passing urine.
If you have any of the symptoms associated with a failed hernia repair, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will be able to perform tests to rule out any other causes and determine if your hernia repair has indeed failed.
Common tests include an abdominal or hernia-specific CT scan, an ultrasound, or an endoscope. Depending on the results of these tests, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a hernia repair surgery to correct the failed repair.
How long does it take for hernia mesh to set?
The exact time frame needed for hernia mesh to set can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of hernia mesh and the surgical procedure performed. In general, it can take up to two weeks for the body to begin accepting the hernia mesh.
During this time, scar tissue will form around the hernia mesh which will eventually become strong enough to provide the necessary support for healing and hernia prevention. After the initial two-week period, it can take additional several weeks for the hernia mesh to fully integrate and become part of the body’s soft tissue and abdomen wall.
During this time, patients are typically advised to take it easy and refrain from straining or engaging in strenuous physical activity.