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    Registered User OngsiaJW7's Avatar
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    Talking Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Surgery Recover (FAST).

    I noticed there aren't many recovery "logs" of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia surgery (a rather common injury too). My surgeon told me that it's the "go to" surgery now, as "open surgery" is becoming outdated. I was extremely worried after getting this surgery, because most of the threads on here had like 1-3 month recovery periods...however, they were "Open Surgeries" not "laparoscopic". So I figured I'd share my recovery log for those who get this specific type of surgery done, so they know what to expect. I sure as hell didn't.

    *I was BACK IN THE GYM in 18 days* *HIGHLY recommend Laparoscopic surgery over Open (which has a LONG recovery period).

    The injury:
    I had an inguinal hernia for a solid 2-3 years, but my health insurance was garbage, so I didn't get it fixed for a long time. Me being a stubborn dummy, I kept lifting with it and it got larger. I finally got some better insurance, and did some research in my area to determine who would be cutting me up. Luckily I found a surgeon who is a specialist in Laparoscopic surgeries (hernias being his most common surgery). This took a lot of worries off my mind.

    The surgery (general anesthesia + standard post / pre procedures):
    You get put under and they cut three 1'' incisions starting at the belly button and then 2 more underneath, progressively closer to the groin. They inflate the belly with gas, then they put all of the instruments in the incisions and repair the hernia with mesh from the inside of your body (BIG difference between "open" style surgery). That's the gist of it. My surgery took 45 minutes (typically they take 45 min-1.5 hours). They discharge you the same day of surgery, and then give you a script to fill (I got 30 ********s, you may get something else depending on your surgeon). Also, you will have a mild sore throat for a few days, don't panic. You aren't sick, it's from the anesthesia. DO NOT take a bath / swim for 1-2 weeks, because it can get the cuts infected.

    Recovery:
    Days 1-4:
    Pretty miserable. I spent 85-90% of these 4 days on a buddy's couch while he brought me water and an occasional snack when I needed one. You'll need a buddy or family member for a few days. I was popping 1-2 Percs every 4 hours, due to the pain. It's a very constant dull pain (like a 24 hour bad cramp) on your entire torso and a sharp pain in your groin area. It sucks. Drink a lot of liquids and sports drinks. Only eat a snack here and there. You DON"T want to have a bowel movement the first 4 days. I was only eating 600-1000 calories a day during this period.

    When you do need to walk or get up be careful. Have a friend help you off the couch if possible, because it's quite painful. Pee when you can, but let it kinda flow out on its own when you do. Don't push, or force it. It is painful to pee, but it's manageable. When you do need to walk around, walk kinda slouched forward, it eases the pain. When sitting back down, almost do a box squat and slowly sit back. You won't be doing much walking though, lol, trust me.

    When sleeping (I just napped whenever I could), I had a pillow on each side of me, legs propped up on the ottoman , and held a fluffy pillow. Basically you "cuddle" the pillow and lean your neck on it. It was the best way for me to sleep during this period, so my neck didn't get too stiff. You'll find out what works for you. TAKE IT EASY during this time, because you're very fragile still. Overall pain during this period 7-9/10. It sucks. I didn't even change clothes or shower during this period. Avoid stairs at all costs. Be as careful as humanly possible during this period so you don't mess up the mesh.

    Days 5-6:
    I was alone at my place by this point on, because I was confident I'd be able to handle it. I finally took a quick shower first thing in the morning. It felt great to not be a dirtball. I stopped taking Percs, and began using 600mg Ibuprofen instead. Be prepared for flu like symptoms, or a splitting headache the next day(I got both...yay). This is from the Percs when you stop taking them suddenly (pain pills are no joke). The side effects subside in about 1-2 days though, since your body has flushed the pills out by then. This is when I started quickly recovering. Pain was maybe 6-7 in the AM but 4-5 by mid day. I was walking around much more, since I had to get myself water, pee, make food, etc. I was still on the couch for 60-75% of the day though. You will be able to take care of yourself during this period just fine. Finally had a bowel movement day 5. It took 30 minutes, since you cant push it. Like peeing, you have to let it just come out on it's own. Take a laxative if possible, I didn't.

    Days 7-10:
    Stopped taking ibuprofen on day 8. The pain is barely a 3-4/10. I was back to eating 2000-3000 calories a day, and was going to class again (day 7, spring break was over, so luckily I didn't have class the first 7 days post surgery). So I only was on the couch about 30-40% of the time by this point. It's encouraged you walk about 1 mile a day at this point to get blood flow back to the area, which is easy if you're a college student like myself just from walking to classes. If not, a treadmill will do just fine or a walk in the neighborhood. Had a follow up with my surgeon on day 8, and he told me by next week I can return to the gym and ease back into things. He said just do 55-65% of my normal weight and go from there based on how you feel. I was told If I feel pain in my groin during exercise, STOP working out, and rest another week. The next 2 days were each better than the previous, and I felt like I was at about 85%.

    Days 11-18:
    Each day the pain slowly went away, and was completely gone by day like...13. Every now and then I felt a pinch in my groin, but it only lasted a few seconds. My incisions were about 80% healed (they use glue), and I peeled the glue off through the week. I was basically on my feet again no problem 80% of the day. I decided to wait a few days after a week passed before I went to the gym again, just to be safe. So by day 18 I was back in the gym. I just started the first week 12-15 reps on my exercises, about 55% of my normal weight. I could have easily went up to 65-75%, but didn't, just to be safe. Instead I just plan on decreased the reps by 2-3 each week
    (Week one 12-15, week two 10-12, 8-10, 6-8, and so on). I don't plan on doing ANY legs, or cleans, etc. for 2 more weeks though, just to be safe. I'm only one day removed from the gym, so I'll post updates the next week or two.

    Overall, it's a fast recovery. There were some small details I left out about the surgery and recovery, so If you have a specific question, just ask! Hope this helps someone!
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  2. #2
    Registered User herniao's Avatar
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    Need hernia repair, but i did prostate surgery before.

    If you did surgery for prostate, is it possible to use laparoscopic method to repair an hernia?
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    Registered User culican's Avatar
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    culican is offline
    Originally Posted by OngsiaJW7 View Post
    I noticed there aren't many recovery "logs" of Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia surgery (a rather common injury too). My surgeon told me that it's the "go to" surgery now, as "open surgery" is becoming outdated. I was extremely worried after getting this surgery, because most of the threads on here had like 1-3 month recovery periods...however, they were "Open Surgeries" not "laparoscopic". So I figured I'd share my recovery log for those who get this specific type of surgery done, so they know what to expect. I sure as hell didn't.

    *I was BACK IN THE GYM in 18 days* *HIGHLY recommend Laparoscopic surgery over Open (which has a LONG recovery period).

    ...

    I don't plan on doing ANY legs, or cleans, etc. for 2 more weeks though, just to be safe.
    I was back in the gym after 10 days and did squats @275lb on day 11. Deadlifted a few days after that. There is no real reason to hold off on legs.
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    Registered User jordanbark's Avatar
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    Open inguinal hernia repair

    Hello all, I just wanted to write a post on here about my experience with open in going all hernia repair that I just had done three weeks ago. I was very nervous about the procedure for several reasons, I have never been put to sleep, I was worried about getting addicted to the pain medicine, and I was also worried about how long I would have to wait before I could start working out again I did not want to gain weight, and I was worried about how much time I would have to take off of work. I read every post I could find about real life experiences and so I just wanted to do my part for the people who are nervous and tell you a little bit about what happened to me. I had ending going no hernia for 2 1/2 years before it ever bothered me or hurt. When it did start hurting I called the doctors office and decided I would need to make an appointment to have it fixed. I live in North Carolina and I used Dr. Tyler from Wilmington health, he was fantastic I highly highly recommend him if you are nervous patient. As far as the actual procedure, I would recommend doing a morning appointment if possible, my appointment was around lunch and got pushed back an hour and a half during which time my nervousness got worse and worse, the doctors gave me verse at which calm me down. I was then taken to the operating room and I do not remember counting down or even seeing my doctor before I was under. being put to sleep was a lot like time travel, I woke up and was on sure of the procedure was over. I was worried that I would be talking out of my head when I woke up but that was not the case I fell alert and OK due to the anesthesia. Overall, I was just very happy that I didn’t wake up in the middle or not wake up at all! Then after the surgery I was able to go home a few hours later after I was able to go to the bathroom. Once I got home
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    Registered User jordanbark's Avatar
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    Continued, I pretty much camped out in a recliner for about a week. I highly recommend having a recliner because it was the only place I could get comfortable and sleep. As far as the pain medicine I took 3/4 of the dose for the first couple days and then taper down from there, I have an addictive personality and was very worried about that part. What no one told me was that you will have problems going to the bathroom while you were on the pain medicine. I drink MiraLAX twice a day and took three stool softeners, the max dose, every day until I was off of the pain medicine. I would recommend that you have those at the house and ready to go and start taking the same night as your surgery. Pain was moderate to severe the first night and the next two days. After that you start to feel normal-ish again and every day is better. Once I hit the one week mark I felt a lot better was able to return to work started walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes at the time and have been lifting lightweights and will return to my regular workout routine next week when I am a full month out. My doctor said at four weeks you are 98% and it will take you the next two years for your body to come up to 100%. I hope pain was moderate to severe the first night and the next two days. After that you start to feel normal-ish again and every day is better. Once I hit the one week mark I felt a lot better was able to return to work started walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes at the time and have been lifting lightweights and will return to my regular workout routine next week when I am a full month out. My doctor said at four weeks you are 98% and it will take you the next two years for your body to come up to 100%. I hope this helps anyone out there who is nervous about their surgery, say few (thousand- haha!) prayers before and leave it in Gods hands!
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