Question to those who've had inguinal hernia surgery

[keyser13]

I had a bilateral (both sides) groin hernia surgery about 4 months ago. The pain first appeared when I started a 5x5 heavy squats (and was on/off for 10 months until I decided to go with the surgery). I also had a hernia surgery when I was 6 years old (so it could be I'm just genetically weak in that region).

Anyways, for 3.5 months after the surgery, I did no lifting (although I did do cardio). And I felt pretty good (no real pain in the groin except once in a while a twinge or so)
In the past 2 weeks I've taken up moderate weighted squats; and I'm feeling discomfort in the region. Nothing close to as bad as pre-surgery; but a low-level of discomfort has been constantly there and I'm afraid to push it (with heavy squats).

So the question for those who have had the hernia surgery:
After the surgery, were you 100% repaired; and felt nothing?
Or was there still lingering discomfort/pain when you exerted force on the region?
And is there anything I (or my doctor) can do to further reduce/eliminate the discomfort (besides asking my doctor for another surgery)?
And if not, should I cease all squatting for a few weeks until the pain subsides, then try again?

[Bigboyxxl]

Yes Keyser13 I've had that same surgery and I guess it took me a good 6 months before I was or felt like I was 100%. I would just ease back into the squats or any heavey leg exercises until your comfort level was good. I don't think anyone after that surgery is ever not thinking of the area when lifting heavy weights but I'm sure with the "memory mesh" that they repair the hernia with you should be fine. I found that the worst exercise for me was leg extentions I guess because of the setting position that your in and anything abdominal wise, lower abs especially, will put extra strain on the area. Make sure you breath correctly when pushing heavy weights and use your lifting belt if you get crazy with heavy weights. Hope that helped.

[Frantec]

It could very well be the scar tissue is contributing to your discomfort. WIth time it is possible that this discomfort will dissipate. If the discomfort increases or worsens consult with your surgeon.

[Frantec]

It could very well be that scar tissue is contributing to your discomfort. WIth time it is possible that this discomfort will dissipate. If the discomfort increases or worsens consult with your surgeon to ensure there is no recurrence.

[pcouch0328]

I had the bilateral hernia surgery in May. I also had the surgery when I was an infant. At the time, the Dr. said it was small and I could wait until it got larger, but I don't like to wait for things to happen, so we scheduled it quickly. It was a good thing I did, because my appendix was being pinched in the opening and was in danger of rupturing. The appendix was causing the pain I was having. (Unfortunately, he did not remove the appendix because of the risk of infection. Now I am having to worry about that!!!)

Before surgery, I asked the surgeon how long I would be out of commission and he told me I theoretically could do anything I wanted 3 days after the surgery. To me, I thought that meant I would be doing all I wanted in 3 days. That was a laugh. I started light lifting in 6 weeks and was back to "normal" lifting in about 3 months. But it was not and still is not pain free.

I have returned to him a few times because I was feeling some of the pains like you are talking about. He said (lucky me) that in about 1 in fifty cases, there is a continuation of inflamation in one side or the other. It is nothing to worry about, but that it would cause pain occasionally. He said in his experience, it only happened to those of us lucky to be bi-lateral hernia patients. I have a prescription for a megadose of ibuprofen if needed.

It does seem to be affected more with heavy weights on leg days, or anytime I am lifting heavy and contracting my abs more.

My doctor said, even if I run out of the prescription, to take ibuprofen 3 x a day as needed. For me it is 800 mgs 3 x a day.