Hernia refers to a hole in the muscular abdominal wall. The tissue inside of the body protrudes through the muscles, resulting in a bulging effect. It may cause significant pain and discomfort and disrupt your routine. When hernia is not treated on time, it may lead to further complications, especially if it develops around the abdominal area. Surgery is the sought-after solution to this problem. A hernia repair surgery has many types. Depending on your condition, the doctor may decide the best approach.
Hernia surgeries aim to repair the weakened walls. These surgeries are safe to perform. At the same time, the recovery phase plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful outcome of the surgery. The post-surgery care for hernia repair is not complicated. The doctor will give you a list of instructions to follow so that you can resume your normal life as early as possible.
How Much Time Does it Take to Recover from Hernia Surgery?
Hernia recovery time is characterized by the type of surgery performed and also the location of the hernia. Laparoscopic hernia surgery is the safest alternative that has less recovery time than traditional hernia repair surgery. The recovery further depends on how aptly you follow the post-op instructions imparted by the doctor.
The duration of time until you feel back to normal may range anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
What are the Recovery Tips from Post Hernia Repair Surgery?
Here are the important tips to follow for a quick and smooth recovery after hernia surgery.
Rest, but Do Not Overdo
After the hernia repair surgery, your doctor will suggest you rest adequately to allow your body proper healing. However, extended bed rest is a strict no as it may result in complications, such stiffness and blood clots.
You will be instructed to prioritize rest for 24-48 hours after the surgery. After 2-3 days, start indulging in light movements, such as short walks to enhance blood circulation and fasten recovery. As you indulge in physical activity, it is strictly advised to avoid lifting heavy objects.
Pain Management
It is normal to experience mild to moderate pain during the recovery process. The doctor will give you the following pain management tips.
- Take prescribed pain relievers to keep pain and discomfort at bay. Avoid using over-the-counter options without consulting the doctor.
- If the site of surgery is causing you discomfort, use a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling.
Get Proper Nutrition
Hernia repair recovery also requires to you pay attention on your diet. You will be given a list of food items that you must take and another list of food items that you must avoid consuming.
- Consume protein-rich food to accelerate smooth recovery. You can opt for eggs, lean meat, and beans to support muscle repair.
- Add a lot of fiber to your diet to prevent constipation. Consume fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Do not undermine the importance of water during your recovery phase. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily as it aids digestion, removes toxins from the body, and prevents dehydration.
- Do not consume food items that may cause bloating or gas. Foods such as fried foods, junk foods, or heavily spiced foods may strain the abdominal area.
Main Hygiene
Proper wound care and hygiene are important parts of hernia repair surgery. Taking proper care of surgical sites reduces the risk of infections by manifold and speeds up recovery. You must keep the area clean and dry and use gentle soap and water to clean the site of the surgery. Do not use harsh chemicals while cleaning the surgical area. Wear light clothing or compression garments if recommended by the doctor.
It is vital to change the dressing regularly. You can either do it yourself or visit the doctor for the same. Watch for warning signs such as swelling, redness, and discharge, as these may indicate infection. If you experience fever or any of these symptoms, visit the doctor.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking can significantly slow down the recovery process and increase the risk of complications after the surgery. Thus, it is strictly recommended not to indulge in smoking in any form. Likewise, do not consume alcohol, as its consumption may interfere with painkillers and slow down the healing process.
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Lastly, you must attend all the follow-up appointments on the scheduled time during recovery as it will help the doctor to keep an eye on the wound and understand whether you are responding well to the recovery phase or not. During each visit, the doctor will examine the area and address other concerns.
Takeaway
When you follow the above-listed post-operative instructions of hernia repair surgery, it enables smooth and quick recovery. You can resume your normal routine as early as possible. Take a note of all the above-listed instructions to recover well. All the best.