Umbilical hernia op + recovery

unforeseen

roddydogs wrote: »

No probs here just a bit sore for a few weeks, and, er pooing is a bit of a prob as you can't strain. Out same day they suggest you have someone with you overnight.

That's pretty standard if you have GA. I was in for TURBT earlier this year which was an overnighter but the guy in the next bed was supposed to have been a same day surgery but because he had no one to be at home with him they had to keep him overnight.

apple_muncher

Here I am, having had my 6-week post-op follow up appointment and all is well.

I had an epigastric hernia, so it was halfway between my belly button and my sternum. The incision was vertical and has healed well. I went to see my nurse after about 4 weeks, as I thought that it had become infected and didn't know if it was from overdoing it or from the top knot of the stitches. Fortunately it was the latter and I started to feel much better very quickly once it was pulled out.

6 weeks on and I'd say that I'm back to normal as regards my exercise habits (kettlebells, bodyweight, skipping, dumbells, sandbag) although I'm still careful with carrying shopping bags! And I ensure that I stretch a lot. I started this the day after the op and it has helped immensely - the wound would get all squished up when I sat down so frequent stretching out of my abdomen was good.

I did throw up a couple of times after coming round from the GA, but that was prob because I drank too much water too quickly. And the drive home...

I was given a sick note for 2 weeks, where I was not allowed to even contemplate returning to work. That was perfect for me.

I also have an proper umbilical hernia, right in the middle of my belly button, which is being kept under observation (well, I go back in 6 months and we'll see if it's any bigger!). So if I need another op later on, then I'll know what to expect!