What core buliding exercises do you recommend to strengthen the abdomen to prevent a recurrence of an abdominal hernia?
Any other tips for a person returning to lifting weights/cardio after hernia surgery?
|
Thread: 6 weeks after hernia surgery...
-
05-26-2007, 09:14 AM #1
-
05-27-2007, 05:39 AM #2
-
05-27-2007, 05:55 AM #3
I have had to groin hernia repairs done now, one on each side.
My advice would be to take it easy for a while, cut the weight back big time from what you were doing. Stay away from lifts like dead-lifts, squats, for you use a lot of abs in these.
Just work your abs lightly, with sit ups and stuff like that.
Be prepared for some discomfort in the repair area as the mesh is being worked, for me it felt like heat and still I keep wondering if it is healed.
-
05-29-2007, 06:12 AM #4
yea i'm taking it pretty easy. it's about halfway through the second week and my only exercise is walking for about 45 minutes at 2.0 mph @ a 8.0 incline.
Can't wait till week 8 or 9 when I get back into those weights. Hope muscle memory will get me back into form sooner then later"Do what you can with what you have..." - Anonymous
-
-
05-31-2007, 09:34 PM #5
-
06-04-2007, 05:30 AM #6
- Join Date: Jun 2007
- Location: Loxahatchee, Florida, United States
- Age: 54
- Posts: 55
- Rep Power: 212
I had two hernias repaired in my stomach two years ago. I took it easy for a while, but recently deveolped another one in my upper stomach area getting ready for a "strong man" contest at work. I am so pissed I reinjured my self doing something stupid. My advise to you is to take it real easy for a year. Go light with high reps, and wear a lifting belt to protect the area. I would not do squats, dead lifts or pull any trucks.
-
06-04-2007, 04:45 PM #7
-
06-05-2007, 09:38 AM #8
I had an inguinal hernia repaired laparoscopically about 11-12 weeks ago. The surgeon told me to lay off weight lifting for 4 weeks. I listened and started lifting with light weight, just my upper body, at week 4. I've expanded to a broader routine since then, re-implementing all my old exercises. Pretty soon I was back lifting at the original weights, and even increasing. Actually, I've been on Rippetoe for two weeks and I'm seeing good linear strength increases.
However, I STILL feel pain from doing squats or deads. I also have some swelling in the surgery site, called "seroma," which mimics the original hernia, so I'm really not experiencing much relief from the original pain, which is pressure on my nuts from the protruding intestines (gross? tell me about it). Surgeon said swelling was normal but this is getting ridiculous--actually I'm worried if it might be a recurrence after all. Just today I made a follow-up appointment with my surgeon just to make sure everything really is okay.
Worst thing is, I'm starting to feel similar pain on the other side.
In short, I've had a pretty ****ty experience with hernias and hernia repairs so far...Last edited by EdwardMorris; 06-05-2007 at 09:44 AM.
-
-
06-12-2007, 07:18 AM #9
My doctor said that it would take time (6 weeks is just a guesstamite). He told me that eventually I'd be able to do all of the old exercises, but that every body recovers differently so he advised me to listen to my body. Currently I'm not doing any weights or abs and it's week 4 for me. I'll probably get back into light weights around week 7 and abs sometime after that just to play it safe.
"Do what you can with what you have..." - Anonymous
-
06-12-2007, 07:20 AM #10
-
06-12-2007, 07:57 AM #11
You cannot strengthen the area of the hernia by working out, the hernia is caused by a tear or congenital defect in the muscular wall, allowing protrusion of the abdominal contents. Wearing a lifting belt can help a lot. But above all, go easy!
Any exercise that massively increases the intra-abdominal pressure, such as large multiple muscle group exercises such as squats etc are a particular risk factor. You can reduce the pain by breathing correctly, holding your breath during a really hard rep will potentially burst the hernia repair this early on. Exhale when you do a rep, this will reduce the intra-abdominal pressure due to the movement of the diaphragm.The first rule of cheat club is you do not talk about cheat club. The second rule of cheat club is you DO NOT talk about cheat club. Third rule of cheat cub, someone yells stop!, goes limp, taps out, the cheat is over. Fourth rule, one cheat at a time, fellas. Fifth rule, cheats will go on as long as they have to. And the sixth and final rule, if this is your first night at cheat club, you have to cheat.
Join us...
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=267863
-
06-12-2007, 06:27 PM #12
Hey man, thanks for the wishes. I went to the doctor today and everything is intact. She told me it was ordinary for an athlete to feel soreness and tightness when he returns to activty. Also, the swelling/lump was a hydrocele; she said that it might go away on its own, but if it's still there this long after the surgery, it will probably be there forever. Unless I get further surgery to have it removed. Kind of ****ed up, but I might just have to do it if the thing doesn't go away. It still feels like a mini-hernia down there.
Still, I'm just glad the actual hernia repair's healing correctly. Also the doctor was pretty encouraging of my return to exercise, stressing that I didn't have to stop what I was doing or anything, so I'm gonna get back on Rippetoe tomorrow. Full steam ahead!
Here's a will that will glow in the dark.
-
-
06-15-2007, 06:02 PM #13
- Join Date: Feb 2007
- Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Age: 41
- Posts: 33
- Rep Power: 0
Hi guys, I just thought I would share my experience here. I just had surgury on Monday..the surgery went well and I was back home by mid afternoon, surgery was at 12:30pm. First day was fine - was on pain meds - not much moving around - hard to get up at night to pee/poop. Second day - still on pain meds - still sore - hard to pee and poop. Third day (BAD DAY) - I was so overly constipated from the pain meds I was taking (******** - scheduled 2 controlled med - im allergic to codeine so I couldnt take tylenol 3's) - i sat on a toilet for 6 hours trying to poop - i went through 1 supository, and had to have an enema - it was bad - I finally passed the poop after a long battle - now my anus is sore, but the pain of the hernia is gone. Today - pain is fine - minimal discomfort - pooping ok, but still sore.
Word of advise - WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR HERNIA AND ARE ON PAIN MEDS - TAKE A STOOL SOFTENER ASAP AND INCREASE THE FIBER IN YOUR DIET - YOU DONT WANT TO BE CONSTIPATED AND PUSHING OUT POOP FOR A LONG TIME.
Good luck everyone,!
-
06-15-2007, 06:23 PM #14
-
06-18-2007, 01:28 PM #15
Hi Guys/Gals, I'm new to this forum. I found this thread googling hernia recovery times. I had my first left inguinial hernia when I was 22 - back in 1992. It was open mesh repair (four inch incision) and I was sore for the first week, and chose to take it easy. After that, I slowly introduced certain exercises with reduced weight, and omited others that put any strain on my core. I returned to playing hockey within the second week (non contact). My advice for training is simple (also depends on the athlete); error on the side of caution. Better to go too light than too heavy. Gradually increase your weights and re-introduce previous strenuous/heavy sets. I could not do any lower abdominal sets for several weeks without moderate tension in the repaired area.
Fast foward to 2007:
Reducable lump right side oh oh, better see my Doctor. Yep, right side inguinial hernia. (If you're an active person and you've had one, there is a high risk of other side giving out eventually). I new what to expect, so prior to my surgery, I increase my protien and glutamine intake. I also adjusted and monitored vitamins and mineral intakes. Good nutrition is mandatory for reducing post recovery time. Same type of repair as my first; open mesh repair and matching scar. Sore, however back in gym on fourth day. Again, I reduced weight and altered routine to avoid core strain. I was back playing lacrosse in the first week (non contact). Each week significant mobility and strength returns. Crunches ok but no lower abdominal (still pulls). That is my red flag - any percieved strain and I move on to the next exercise. June 24 will be four weeks post surgery. If it pulls/hurts - do not do it. Good form is essential.
The six week no lifting medical advice is standard for the whole spectrum of patients. (it is a safe number that reduces law suits) Most people on this forum know their physiology quite well, and can make informed and safe/healthy decisions. There are many patients that require much longer recovery times.
As for the comments regarding post hernia repair swelling/lump. What you may be feeling/seeing is referred to as a healing ridge. Healing ridges are normal, however do not assume that is what it is. If you have a concern seek out your surgeon immediately.Last edited by just another gy; 06-18-2007 at 01:31 PM. Reason: sp error
-
06-22-2007, 09:37 AM #16
-
-
07-11-2007, 07:13 AM #17
-
07-19-2007, 08:06 PM #18
- Join Date: Jul 2007
- Location: Shawnee Mission, Kansas, United States
- Age: 56
- Posts: 196
- Rep Power: 251
Reinjured!
I had hernia repair surgery back in March - I had two small hernias both in the right groin area. Prior to the surgery I had no exercie/fitness plan, afterwards I made a committment to eat right, lift and rest with the goal of building muscle. I started slowly as was advised by my doctor and did no lifting that affected my core. As I began to get results from my other training I began to slowly dabble in core exercises. Long story short (I know - too late) I overdid it. Three days ago I began to feel the familiar pain in the repaired area. Hoping it was a muscle strain due to training I laid off all training for the past since the pain was felt. Well the pain has increased and I know I have reinjured the area. I am looking at another surgery, one that will no doubt be more complicated since it is a reinjury. ADVISE: Don't over due it. Be open and honest with your surgeon about your training and what you want to do. Let him (or her) prescribe the proper rest period and OBEY their orders. I was just starting to really get the results I wanted and now I will be laid up for who knows how long. ARGGGGHHHH!
Mike
-
07-19-2007, 08:22 PM #19
Pushing your rehab schedule ahead a few weeks is not worth the risk of re-injuring yourself and being laid up for a few months. Doctors don't have a clue about bodybuilding.
When you ask when you can workout, he's probably picturing the sort of workouts he and his doctor buddies put in during their lunch breaks that involve 5 minute breaks in between sets of 50 pound bench presses.
I personally think ANY weights prior to 8 weeks is a bad idea, but I'm very cautious.
When you do start the weights, whenever that is, stick with machines, start light, and pay attention to how you feel. And skip the abs at first.
Keep in mind that Kevin Levrone used to take 6 months off every year in order to heal -- your muscles won't die a permanent death. If you've been lifting long-term and this is your first lengthy break, your muscles are probably enjoying every minute of it, and when you DO come back (at the right time) you'll be WAY better off in the long run for it.
So be safe, and good luck!
-
03-24-2009, 07:02 PM #20
Questions from a beginner...
Hey guys,
I was wondering if you would be kind enough to help me with some information...I received an open repair hernia surgery 5 weeks ago for a left innigual hernia in my groin. I saw the surgeon today and he said I'm healing slow but am healing well. I am not a body builder, but am planning when I get well I will work hard to become generally physically fit. I want to run and lift light weights. However, I never want to go thru hernia surgery again, I hated it so much as I have seen you guys do too. When would you guys recommend is a safe time for me to start exercise? Are there stories of people that just don't have any more problems after surgery or is it more common that people have to deal with it the rest of their lives?
Any way you guys could help me would be great.
Thanks alot,
- P
-
-
03-25-2009, 12:21 AM #21
- Join Date: Nov 2008
- Location: United Kingdom (Great Britain)
- Posts: 2,522
- Rep Power: 3247
There doesn't seem to be too many success stories about people coming back from hernias!
I haven't had a hernia, but I've recently had 2 operations on my abs in the past month, one on either side, that puts me at much greater risk of getting a hernia in the future. I'm terrified at the thought already! At the moment I'm 6-8 weeks from getting back into the gym, and then it will be step by step for weeks, but you know, we have to make the most of what we're given I guess!
-
03-25-2009, 06:44 AM #22
[QUOTE=Reach_Yeah;306831221]There doesn't seem to be too many success stories about people coming back from hernias!
I hope to be one of the success stories. Time will tell. It has been 15 days since my surgery. This is my second time in for it. The first was a double , one on each side and they did it frontal insicion. Ouch! I was out for weeks. This time the same surgeon did it lapro. Much better, but still sore as hell. I got my okay from the doc to start back lifting this week. Very light, upper body only. Last night I went to the gym for the first time and did a very light machines only work out. Sort of just going through the motions, but man it felt good just to be in the gym. I doubt I'll try any legs or abs for a few more weeks. There are a lot of you guys and some gals in this club. You all seem like decent folks and I hope you all become success stories. I'm a member of the hernia club but I can't say I'm too happy about it. Hernias suck! There is a good workout for post op hernia on this site. Check it out. www.bodybuiling.com/fun/hern...m?welcome=true I think that's right it's been awhile. I agree about the ********, my doc gave Vicodin, much better. The hernia recovery info was the reason I got onto this site to begin with. Best wishes, stay tight! Pun intended.
-
03-25-2009, 02:44 PM #23
I had abdominal surgery 15 months ago and developed a ventral hernia at the site of the incision. Didn't even notice it until I was doing some planks one day last month and looked down my tshirt and saw a bulge in my abdomen. Went to the Dr. the next day, he dignosed it and I had my surgery consult 2 days ago. My surgeon said that the greatest threat of developing these types of hernias is from massive weight gain and mine was unusual. I'll have laparascopy sugery some time in May but have the go ahead to continue exercising at the level I've been at. After the surgery, I won't be able to do anything for two weeks followed by two weeks of light exercise. After the follow up I should be able to gradually increase my effort.
Everyone is different but I felt fine 3 weeks after my initial surgery but didn't feel comfortable lifting until about 4 months after the surgery. Didn't go heavy until 2-3 months after that and deadlifts and squats still cause a strange sensation around the incision area. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Rob
-
10-18-2009, 01:38 PM #24
-
-
01-30-2010, 10:00 AM #25
umbilical hernia surgery yesterday
just had surgery yesterday morning to fix my protruding belly button. i don't know whats worse, the pain on the incision site or the gas pain from not being able to number 2. the hydrochodone is blocking me up like a mofo, and i can't push b/c it hurts from the surgery. if i stop taking the pain killers for more then 4hrs its this deep burning pain with every movement, and you use your core in almost every movement of your body. pretty much to say i'm completely miserable. if i could just get a number two out it would be so much better. i'm taking stool softners. any other advice would be welcome. pm me.
Don't waste time arguing with a stupid person. They'll take you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
-
03-07-2010, 10:39 PM #26
- Join Date: Nov 2009
- Location: Yeppoon, Queensland, Australia
- Age: 71
- Posts: 547
- Rep Power: 234
My worst nightmare, realised. I had a groin tear a few weeks ago, then a lump occured and I just pushed on (I could poke it back in), being conscious of what was going on. Now it is stuck out and bigger and painfull. I have taken a rest day today and just back from Doctors. I dont have health insurance and missed a job opportunity (knocked back the job because of pain and concern). I came home from the doctors a few hours now, and it is bigger and more painfull (rapid deterioration).
I decided to ring the specialist and see him next Monday (pretty fast). I decided to use my savings (bit of a chunk) to pay cash for the surgery and get it done, I can't live like this any longer. The only upside is I have a broken rib atm ( 2 weeks ago) and was told to take it easy for 6 weeks. This will mean the hernia repair will be 2 weeks done when my rib should be healed, kill 2 birds with one stone on "downtime".
OK, I can take pain, and I mean pain, it is just messing my head up, that my guts has popped out of my stomach into my freaking groin. Screw the money and screw the pain, I wont have constipation because I wont take pain killers, but will take some softeners after reading above. I had an apendics taken out a few years ago and was back at work in 2 days, the pain was pretty severe, but the Doctor said it was ok to work, the stitches will hold, so I did, had 3 kids and needed the money, too simple.
If I miss more than a few weeks of "lifting weights" I will be devestated. I have come so far to be cut down by injury right now has me worried. If I miss too many "jogs" I will be devestated. I am trying to come to terms with "doing this repair now" and the consequences. Is it really "only pain" which caused bad outcomes above? I have not read anyone who damaged their repair, just "pain".
I need some encouragement to get my head straight, can I go back to gym after 2 weeks and workout, what would I be able to do, specifically? any ideas appreciated.!! My rib will be healed and if the repair is in, why is it not possible to go back to gym? I wont take "pain" as an answer, that is for pussies..
Seriously, I am devestated by this "down time" nothing else, I am a machine and my wheel has fallen off!! No negatives please..."The best way to keep your health is to eat what you dont want- drink what you dont like- and do what you would rather not"
If your still doing this as well as I do, at my age, it is in your DNA !
-
03-08-2010, 12:14 AM #27
-
03-08-2010, 12:19 AM #28
-
-
03-08-2010, 03:08 AM #29
-
04-29-2010, 08:05 PM #30
back at it
Just an update, after four weeks off I hit the weights again doing a slow rep time under tension technique that really helped get me back up to speed. I participated in a bio signature with a trainer at my gym, Kassem Hanson Fitness World West - West Des Moines Ia. After six weeks of better diet and different training techniques taught to me by Kassem, I had lost 10 pounds and gained 6.5 pounds of muscle and back to benching 315 x 3! I was pretty depressed when I wrote the earlier post after my surgery but glad to report I'm now in better condition then I was pre-surgery!
Don't waste time arguing with a stupid person. They'll take you down to their level and then beat you with experience.
Bookmarks