Hi, Andrew. I certainly hear you and I understand about the pain. While I can’t claim any expertise about this, I can certainly relate personally to it, and can at least offer a few thoughts for what they’re worth:

I had my inguinal surgery 4 weeks ago for a small hernia on the left side. Like yours my surgery was also open. Sounds like you found a good surgeon, which is great!

Just like you, I did a lot of reading on forums, and developed extremely high anxiety over the stories of post-operative complications, chronic pain, etc. So much so, that it took me some time, and at least one cancellation date (when I had second thoughts), before I finally took a deep breath, and proceeded (with some trepidation) with the surgery.

At four weeks post-op I’m only one week further along than you are, and still experiencing some various pains and discomfort, though they’re diminishing. I still feel discomfort and various pulls and twinges getting in and out of bed and getting up and down from a sitting position. I still have occasional, very brief stabbing pains, though they’re getting fewer. I also still have some mild testicular discomfort, but again, it’s getting less. I notice in the evenings, in particular, I have various “sensations” of pulling or tightness in that area of the groin. Interestingly, my pains and sensations change somewhat from day to day, though, in general things are showing gradual improvement. There’s still some mild swelling in the area below the incision. All in all, I’m feeling “okay” about my progress, though I know it will be some time yet before I’m back to anything approaching normal.

Like you, I’ve read accounts of those who are mostly pain-free at the three week mark. At the same time though I’ve also read many, many stories from people whose recovery was much slower than this. From what I read and understand, it’s not at all unusual at the three week mark, and well beyond this, for there to be various pains and discomfort. I know the prospect of this may seem discouraging, but for me, it has also been somewhat reassuring to know that this isn’t unusual, and that recovery can extend well beyond the three, four or six week mark (and some say months for full recovery). Everyone recovers differently and at different rates. Healing – especially from this kind of surgery – takes time.

I can’t comment with any real knowledge about your question about nerve entrapment and at what point there may be indications of that Also I would never want to suggest that you or anyone disregard pain or other symptoms – particularly if they persist, get worse or if you are not experiencing progress. Obviously you’ll want to keep in contact with your doctor, regarding any symptoms, changes or concerns. The main thing I would reiterate, is that there isn’t a set timetable for recovery, and that it’s not unusual (unfortunately) for it to take much longer than what we are sometimes led to believe. I know it can be discouraging, but hang in there.

Again, just a few thoughts for what they’re worth. All the best to you!