What to Expect After Hernia Surgery
A hernia erupts when a weakened abdominal muscle tears, allowing the organs inside the body to push through. If you are going to have hernia surgery, you may be curious about what to expect after your operation.
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Hospital Stay
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In the Hospital Many people who have hernia surgery return home the same day as the surgery. In some cases, the stay may be a bit longer.
Activity
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Back to Work Your doctor will encourage you to begin walking immediately. You can resume most of your normal activities right away, but you should avoid heavy lifting or straining for six to eight weeks after your surgery. This could disrupt the hernia repair.
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Pain
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Pain Medicine There is no cutting or sewing of muscle tissue during hernia surgery, so the pain you experience should be minimal. The doctor will prescribe a pain medicine or have you take Tylenol for relief.
Sports and Recreational Activities
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Playing Football Under most circumstances, the doctor will encourage you to resume normal physical activities immediately. You should begin walking immediately after your surgery. Avoid contact sports for at least three weeks.
Complete Recovery
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Recovery You should completely recover from your hernia repair in two to four weeks.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Steve Winton Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Henry Merino Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of foundphotoslj Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Charles Williams Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Wonker Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Ruben