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Is my recovery typical?
Male, age late 50’s–good health. On the 15th of August, 2018, I had robotic surgery (by a general surgeon) for an inguinal hernia (cause unknown though I did have a majorly strained constipated bowel movement about the time I notice the budge on the right side–within a week or so). Mesh was used. I was not given discharge instructions other than not lifting more than a certain amount of weigh for a period of time. I did not have any bruising or swelling while staying over night in the hospital–no pain other than discomfort in moving and woozy. Of particular concern, about 2 days later, I developed extensive bruising and swelling in the groin area and over the area of repair (the right side of the penis had more swelling though the base of the penis was swollen–I had some pain in the penis while urinating during this timeframe. I instinctively begun using ice several times a day. The bruising and swelling is subsiding, especially in the penis. The scrotum appears normal in size with bruising lessening but mostly still discolored. I have been walking (for exercise) for about 15 minutes off and on over the last few days. (The swelling and bruising began about the time of my first walk (the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery but may have been merely coincidence.) I have an orthopedic bed and have been sleeping with both feet and head elevated. I have not needed an opioid pain reliever on hand but I do use naproxen for a spinal condition, which I understand can thin the blood. I have not had very good communication with my doctor’s nurse: She asked if I have been using ice and the tightness of briefs though she did not elaborate on instructions or whether I should be wearing tight or loose clothing. Of question, is the bruising and swelling a couple of days after surgery natural? (If I sit at the computer for a period of time, I do notice more swelling over the repaired area as well as with the penis; however, bruising is dissipating.) There is 2 odd bruises over the repair area: Each appears to be about an inch in width by about a half inch. Your insights, please, on whether my overall recovery experience is not uncommon and if I am doing anything that would hinder my recovery or injure the repaired area–Gratefully, JHue.
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2 Replies
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Hello Good Intentions,
For me, 30 minutes a day with moderated (due to degenerative disc disease from a teenage broken vertebrae later causing osteoarthritis) resistance exercise before hernia surgery was where I was at–to walk 1 to 3 hours I would have to have a cardiologist approval (as I had a previously corrective heart rhythm surgery).
Upgraded cardiologist care is next on the list–no apparent pressing cardio issue (though such things can be silent), just that the doctor I recently ended relationship had not done a stress test in the 5 years I had been with him, no cholesterol testing, and 1 echocardiogram (at my request) when first establishing care. I live in a rural setting but found better care the next county over that serves a wider area but does not overlook the individual as a person. They did my robotic hernia surgery and have been prompted in answering my recovery questions.
Your point about getting the bodily fluids following is well taken–thank you. However, I would think it wise for anyone not having a recent cardiologist check up to arrange one before starting any exercise program.
I do intend to get my walking back up to 45 minutes a day regularly. Likewise, I hope to put back together my old SoloFlex for variety in resistance exercise in addition to light dumbbells–being careful with the neck and nerve issues that flare up.
Having this unexpected hernia (unknown of specific cause) has heightened my awareness to prepare health wise for the long haul. I have well taken care of myself (now into my late 50’s), but I can be more consistent and step up some things, like walking once I meet with my new cardiologist.
With gratitude, JHue.
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One week is still early. You could probably do with more walking. I did a lot more walking than 15 minutes at a time after my mesh implantation via TEP laparoscopy. Probably one to three hours a day, easily. The majority of the swelling was gone after about one week, but I was still sore. Walking and staying active gets the fluids moving to where the body can absorb them.
Good luck.
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