[dh305]

Thanks again. I agree that exercise is good. The reason I ask is that whenever I see the surgeon and ask about exercise, he says “give it another month until I see you”. I especially think stretching would be beneficial because I do feel “tight”.

You mentioned not really being able to do any damage post-surgery. I’ve always been concerned about that because only a few minutes after I awoke from surgery, the post-op staff had a fixation with me urinating before they’d release me. They were pumping me full of fluids and constantly made me get up to try. Probably 20 times that happened. It was crazy. Since I had so many fluids, when I got home that evening, I must have gotten up 3 or 4 times that night to urinate. Needless to say, getting in and out of bed was not pleasant. Of course I was given no directions how to even get in and out of bed. I’ve always attributed my recovery difficulties to the post-op and that evening. My doctor just shrugs and says “the post-op staff knows what they’re doing.” Do you think I could have done any damage moving around like that fresh out of a surgery?

[dh305]

Thanks again. I agree. The reason I ask is that whenever I see the surgeon and ask about exercise, he says “give it another month until I see you”. I especially think stretching would be beneficial because I do feel “tight”.

You mentioned not really being able to do any damage post-surgery. I’ve always been concerned about that because only a few minutes after I awoke from surgery, the post-op staff had a fixation with me urinating before they’d release me. They were pumping me full of fluids and constantly made me get up to try. Probably 20 times that happened. It was crazy. Since I had so many fluids, when I got home that evening, I must have gotten up 3 or 4 times that night to urinate. Needless to say, getting in and out of bed was not pleasant. Of course I was given no directions how to even get in and out of bed. I’ve always attributed my recovery difficulties to the post-op and that evening. My doctor just shrugs and says “the post-op staff knows what they’re doing.” Do you think I could have done any damage moving around like that fresh out of a surgery?

[dh305]

Thanks again. I agree. The reason I ask is that whenever I see the surgeon and ask about exercise, he says “give it another month until I see you”. I especially think stretching would be beneficial because I do feel “tight”.

You mentioned not really being able to do any damage post-surgery. I’ve always been concerned about that because only a few minutes after I awoke from surgery, the post-op staff had a fixation with me urinating before they’d release me. They were pumping me full of fluids and constantly made me get up to try. Probably 20 times that happened. It was crazy. Since I had so many fluids, when I got home that evening, I must have gotten up 3 or 4 times that night to urinate. Needless to say, getting in and out of bed was not pleasant. Of course I was given no directions how to even get in and out of bed. I’ve always attributed my recovery difficulties to the post-op and that evening. My doctor just shrugs and says “the post-op staff knows what they’re doing.” Do you think I could have done any damage moving around like that fresh out of a surgery?

[dh305]

Have a follow-up with the surgeon in 2 weeks and going to ask him ALL these questions (name of procedure, type of mesh, etc.).

Question: Seems like the lingering discomfort I feel on my left side (only when I am more active) is a long-term thing. I have been avoiding basically everything since the surgery (not lifting more than 10 pounds, no gym, cardio, etc.). At this stage (3 months out) is there much a risk of reoccurence by doing these activities when the discomfort comes back, or should I just push through it and see what happens?

[dh305]

Have a two week follow up with my surgeon, and going to ask him ALL these questions. Type of procedure, mesh type, etc.

question: as it seems the discomfort I am feeling is a long-term grind, should I be getting back to my usual activities like the gym? At this point, I still am not lifting much over 10 pounds because I feel like I could cause some damage. But, after reading these posts, it seems like that is not much of a risk at this stage.

[dh305]

Have a follow-up with my surgeon in 2 weeks. Going to ask him all these questions.

Question: given this discomfort, should I be limiting myself still? Or am I past that and should I try to push through it, such as going back to the gym, etc?

[dh305]

Wow. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with me. This really gives me some hope.

I’m located in Florida.

The only context I have is my father and his cousin (who are waaaayyyyy older than me) who recovered from their inguinal hernia repairs perfectly in 2 weeks. No one can believe that I’m not back to 100% or back to the gym yet. So, with that context, I’ve basically lost hope that I will ever fully recover and it’s depressing.
The terrible nerve pain I felt about 3 weeks into my recovery is gone completely, but it was located on the same left side where I have this continual discomfort so I figured I have a complication that I’ll not ever fully overcome.

It really helps to hear about stories like yours to help me better understand what is “normal” recovery vs. “abnormal”. Since as you point out, objectively I am making incremental progress, perhaps I am jumping the gun and should just chalk it up to a delayed recovery and let the process play itself out. Really appreciate it!

[dh305]

Wow. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your insights and your own experience. Definitely gave me hope. All I know are a few people, including my father and his cousin who are waayyyyyy older than me, who had inguinal hernia surgeries and were perfect in a couple of weeks. They can’t believe that I’m not perfect yet. Comparing their experiences to mine being 12 weeks in to this, I have been basically losing all hope that I would get back to how I felt before this surgery and very much regretted having the surgery to begin with. The nerve issue I had a few weeks into my recovery really freaked me out. It was unimaginable pain, but as my surgeon said, it did ultimately resolve on its own. But, it’s always in the back of my head that because that happened, and because this nagging discomfort is on the same side where that pain was, that I have some type of complication that will never get 100% healed.

I describe what i feel more as general discomfort after walking for a while, etc. Almost feels like a deep bruise. Then the next day, it is tender, but wouldn’t describe it as “pain”. Usually doing desk work, sitting, driving, etc., I actually feel pretty good.

It helps hearing stories like yours, as I really have no barometer to judge what is a “normal” recovery period, and what’s abnormal. Get no answers from my surgeon other than “everyone is different”. But, after hearing your experience, maybe I’m jumping the gun too early and worrying for nothing and am being impatient and should not get too upset over this “delayed” recovery I am having.

Located in Florida btw.

Really appreciate it.

[dh305]

Wow. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your insights and your own experience. Definitely gave me hope. All I know are a few people, including my father and his cousin who are waayyyyyy older than me, who had inguinal hernia surgeries and were perfect in a couple of weeks. They can’t believe that I’m not perfect yet. Comparing their experiences to mine being 12 weeks in to this, I have been basically losing all hope that I would get back to how I felt before this surgery and very much regretted having the surgery to begin with. The nerve issue I had a few weeks into my recovery really freaked me out. It was unimaginable pain, but as my surgeon said, it did ultimately resolve on its own. But, it’s always in the back of my head that because that happened, and because this nagging discomfort is on the same side where that pain was, that I have some type of complication that will never get 100% healed.

I describe what i feel more as general discomfort after walking for a while, etc. Almost feels like a deep bruise. Then the next day, it is tender, but wouldn’t describe it as “pain”. Usually doing desk work, sitting, driving, etc., I actually feel pretty good.

It helps hearing stories like yours, as I really have no barometer to judge what is a “normal” recovery period, and what’s abnormal. Get no answers from my surgeon other than “everyone is different”. But, after hearing your experience, maybe I’m jumping the gun too early and worrying for nothing and am being impatient and should not get too upset over this “delayed” recovery I am having.

Located in Florida btw.

Thanks again!!

[dh305]

Wow. Thanks for taking the time and sharing your insights and your own experience. Definitely gave me hope. All I know are a few people, including my father and his cousin who are waayyyyyy older than me, who had inguinal hernia surgeries and were perfect in a couple of weeks. They can’t believe that I’m not perfect yet. Comparing their experiences to mine being 12 weeks in to this, I have been basically losing all hope that I would get back to how I felt before this surgery and very much regretted having the surgery to begin with. The nerve issue I had a few weeks into my recovery really freaked me out. It was unimaginable pain, but as my surgeon said, it did ultimately resolve on its own. But, it’s always in the back of my head that because that happened, and because this nagging discomfort is on the same side where that pain was, that I have some type of complication that will never get 100% healed.

I describe what i feel more as general discomfort after walking for a while, etc. Almost feels like a deep bruise. Then the next day, it is tender, but wouldn’t describe it as “pain”. Usually doing desk work, sitting, driving, etc., I actually feel pretty good.

It helps hearing stories like yours, as I really have no barometer to judge what is a “normal” recovery period, and what’s abnormal. Get no answers from my surgeon other than “everyone is different”. But, after hearing your experience, maybe I’m jumping the gun too early and worrying for nothing and am being impatient and should not get too upset over this “delayed” recovery I am having.

Located in Florida btw.

Thanks again!!

[dh305]

Thank you again. Not sure where to find a mesh pain surgeon. They all purport to be “hernia specialists”, experts in minimally invasive techniques, etc.
I am sure the next shoe to drop will be recommending “pain management”.
I have read some articles that it can take up to 6 months to recover. So, afraid that I’ll be jumping the gun getting second opinions, pain management, etc.
I wish I had some direction. It’s really an awful situation. The doctors made it like I was getting a cavity filled. Quick, simple and back to normal life in no time. Absolutely zero discussion about complications, etc.

[dh305]

Thanks so much. Good information. Didn’t even know there were different names for the procedure.

However, the main question is is there any hope for a full recovery if it hasn’t happened in 3 months? I seem to be getting better after the 7 week mark, but still not there fully.