Were you able live an active life style after hernia surgery..?

Had a double inguinal hernia repair, orthoscopic under general anesthesia and mesh. Was back to lifting six days later, and was back to the usual lifting regimen with lower weights in two weeks.

I would be more concerned about what you are doing without the surgery. The reason they install a mesh is to keep your guts from spilling out. Even if a small part pushes past the muscle, you could damage the intestines or even die.

I've also had a double hernia surgery (about 5 yrs) ago now and have no problem lifting or living an "active" lifestyle.

FYI, I'm 66, 160# and can DL 350 and SQT 250 with no pain or ill effects

I didn't go through but my dad did, and he was pretty active before the surgery. It might be due to his unique situation but they said he really can't lift heavy anymore due to the strain it can put on the mesh, and the risk of tearing. He mostly does cardio - including running - now but I know he misses heavy lifting. Again, this might just be his situation so wait to see what your doctor recommends for yours.

ETA: His hernia was through the muscle and he had some intestines spilling out so it was a little more complicated than just a hernia, but with mesh there will always be a chance to tear it if you have to strain too much or put too much pressure on your abdominal muscles, which a lot of heavy lifting requires you to. Just some food for thought, though, and just go with what your doctor says . . . they'll be able to take your situation into account and let you know what's probably best for you. Make sure you listen to them . . . ripped mesh and another hernia would be ugly.

Crazy diagnosis story! I hope you can get sorted. As to your initial question, absolutely! I had two surgeries without mesh, and a final one with mesh 10+ years ago. I do whatever I want, which is a lot.

verizonkelly4 wrote: »

TimothyFish wrote: »

I would be more concerned about what you are doing without the surgery. The reason they install a mesh is to keep your guts from spilling out. Even if a small part pushes past the muscle, you could damage the intestines or even die.

Currently i work out and push my self just as i had no hernia, i seem to be able to do most anything without pain or changes. Recommended... possibly not.

But when i first noticed a bulge i went to a doctor he said it was not a hernia then over a two year period i saw 6 more Drs none of them thought hernia, mean while i still had the bulge and little to no pain so i did 4 rounds of p90x and got up being able to do 15 pull ups in addition to going to the gym. But i had a bulge in my side and wanted to know what it was! I always thought hernia so i saw two hernia specialists both of them thought this is not a hernia so i finally had a ct scan and the radiologist said it was not a hernia but a lipoma (a fatty tumor, usually not cancerous) the specialist that ordered the cr said no its not a lipoma its a hernia, the second specialist said it might be either so he recommended exploratory open surgery to find out!!! This has been a crazy journey!

But its had to justify the surgery when 1. there has yet to be consensus as to what i have so the treatment options differ, 2. other than i have this bulge it doesnt bother me or limit activity.

I went about a year between noticing it and getting the repair.

I'd suggest getting a third opinion if possible, it seems like the experts aren't sure what's going on.

I would strongly recommend against "exploratory" surgery in that area. Those muscles are fairly important.

Had an umbilical hernia repair a few years ago. I was born with it, it reduced when I was a baby, and then re-emerged when I was in high school. It wasn't bothering me at first and I was very against surgery, so my doctor agreed to just watch it for the time being. But my first year post-college, it became partially strangulated. The pain was debilitating, so I was begging to get it done at that point lol. It was supposed to be with mesh but when they opened me up, they felt like they didn't need the mesh, so they left it out and just closed the defect. I was pissed at first because I was worried about it returning, but in retrospect, I'm glad to not have the mesh.

I was able to walk and do things pretty normally immediately after surgery. I actually went to the grocery store for some stuff that I forgot right after I was discharged. Throughout the first week, I spent most of my time lying down, but I also made sure to get up and walk a bit every other hour or so. Even if it was only one time around the block, or pacing the hallway, I made sure to stay as active as I felt I could comfortably be. I also had a job interview a few days after surgery that I was able to attend and be fine at. Maybe a week after surgery, I went to the mall with my family and spent the day walking around, and that was also okay. I had a bit of pain at the very end of the day because it was my first full day being on my feet and active since surgery, but it was nothing that a lie down and an advil couldn't fix.

I was back to lifting 25+ lbs about 2 weeks after surgery, and since my final followup at about 4 weeks post, I haven't had any problems with the repair site or exercising. I can run, lift weights, swim, stretch...I can do whatever I want. I work my abs alot in order to keep the entire structure strong (after one hernia, I never ever want to experience that again) and that has also not been problematic at all.

So my only suggestion would be to try to have an active recovery.
If you can manage it, get up and walk around as much as you safely can. The added circulation is good for the wound, and the physical activity/fresh air will help keep your spirits up and stress levels down. I believe very strongly in the healing power of exercise. But also listen to your body. If you're tired, you're having pain, you're feeling a pulling or tearing sensation, etc., then don't push it. Those first few days of walking, I spent the whole time stooped over because if I straightened up, I would feel the site pull a bit lol. Do what you have to do to let your body heal.