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Messed up hernia repair after core workout?
Hi, I’m in my mid 40’s and had laparoscopic mesh repair 8 weeks ago for an inguinal hernia. Prior to my hernia, I was a fairly active in playing sports and working out. I was told to wait 6 weeks before resuming my standard exercise routine. For the past few weeks, I’ve been engaging in some moderate sports activities like basketball with friends and doing yard work, etc. No issues at all. A few days ago I decided to return to the gym and resume my workout routine. Either I just wasn’t thinking or maybe I felt too comfortable, but I started up with my normal core work out including planks, leg lifts, and some crunches. During the workout, everything felt fine and I really didn’t think much of it. However, the next day and even now, I’ve been having a moderate amount aching and soreness around my groin area near my original hernia site. Obviously, I will discontinue to do any core exercises in the near future, but it does have me more than a little worried. Should I be concerned that I’ve compromised my hernia repair?
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8 Replies
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Most likely you did not injure anything and your repair is intact.
Sometimes, there are sheer forces of the mesh vs the muscle. This can cause the symptoms you experienced. They resolve with anti-inflammatory measures. You should be able to return to all your activities, including exercises.
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Dear Lee_2019
How are you doing?
Bill Brown MD -
I really appreciate your reply Dr. Brown. That’s what I was hoping to hear. I know I will still have to confirm everything with my surgeon, but at least it will give me a little peace of mind before my appointment. Thanks again!
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Dear Lee.
It is unlikely that you did any damage with the workout that you described.
There is a good chance that your symptoms will resolve with time.
I agree with rest, NSAIDs, and local heat.
Ask your surgeon to check the area.
Your surgeon should work with you until you feel normal again.
Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon quesitons.
Regards
Bill Brown MD -
quote Lee_2019:Hi, I’m in my mid 40’s and had laparoscopic mesh repair 8 weeks ago for an inguinal hernia.
Should I be concerned that I’ve compromised my hernia repair?
Your body will be adapting to the hernia repair mesh for years, actually for the rest of your life. It is a “foreign body”. As the body reacts to it, it and the tissue around it will contract. Then your activities will restretch those tissues, causing damage and more shrinkage. The cycle will continue until you hit a stable point if you are lucky.
Browse through the topics on the forum and you’ll get a feel for what to expect.
Good luck.
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Thanks for the responses guys. Yeah, I’ve already made an appointment with with my doctor for next week. I should have been more selective with the exercises. I don’t think the planks and leg lifts were too bad. I think I just fell into auto pilot mode with the other exercises that I should have avoided. Will definitely take it slower moving forward.
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You might have pushed a little too hard too soon. Even though surgeons tell patients to give it six to eight weeks, a lot of healing is still taking place on the inside and that can be a while to fully heal. You may feel 100% on the outside but might not be there on the inside just yet. If you’re doing a lot of core exercises and if you started then within those eight weeks, that could probably be the reason for your soreness. I also read on here somewhere that crunches are the main core exercise that puts the most pressure on the abdomen. If it’s only been feeling like that for two days, give it time and see if it improves. If it prolongs, then it really is important to go to a hernia specialist to see what might be the problem.
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I don’t believe people with post hernia operation can be active as before anymore, but I hope your problem is not serious, issues with post mesh repairs can be many and very serious. Did you talk to your doctor? they say you can be active as before but I don’t think it is true and somehow you will be get injured again if you try to be active.
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