Whenever someone is contemplating a surgical procedure, one of the first questions they ask about is post-surgical restrictions. They want to know how soon they can get back to their normal life and activities. The answers to these questions may determine when and if they have surgery. When it comes to hernia surgery, what are the activities to avoid after hernia repair?
Moving Is Beneficial After Hernia Repair
If you thought you would need to spend days in bed after hernia surgery, time to think again. Don’t allow that mistaken belief prevent you from getting a needed hernia repair. The truth is
Kolachalam Surgery wants you to move around even on the day of your surgery since it provides a number of benefits.
Benefits of moving after surgery include:
- Breathing improves with walking and moving.
- Blood flow from the legs to the heart improves circulation and lowers the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis or developing a blood clot.
- Your intestines will start working sooner thereby encouraging your appetite to return.
- Psychologically, moving around soon after surgery gives patients a sense of a faster recovery.
Extended bed rest is no longer part of hernia post care. You will be prescribed pain medication to go home, but you will need someone to drive you. You are not quite ready to perform that activity just yet. The more movement, the shorter the recovery time.
Common Restrictions and What to Avoid
Patients can shower the first day after surgery but avoid bathing or swimming for five days. Also avoid strenuous activity, lifting, or moving anything over 15 pounds. Do not drive until you complete prescription medications.
With a laparoscopic procedure, on the third day you can resume daily activities like climbing stairs, walking on flat surfaces, and getting out of bed without help.
In one week, you can leave the house, drive, and walk outdoors. If possible use a treadmill or stationary bike. If you are without pain, you can have sexual intercourse, mow the lawn, or do anything that does not hurt. Let pain be your guide.
In one month you can resume jogging or walking but avoid weight training exercises for at least 6 weeks. At three months, a young active adult can resume weight training and go back to the gym.
If you had an open procedure, some of this will be delayed and take a bit longer.
Unless you have a very strenuous job, you can return to work within two weeks.
Signs of Rare Complications and When to Call Your Doctor
If you experience any of these signs, be sure to call Kolachalam Surgery.
- If you have a fever greater than 101 degrees
- Redness and warmth at the site
- Excessive swelling
- Bleeding or drainage from the incision
- Persistent nausea or unable to drink liquids
If you have been postponing hernia repair thinking it is a long recuperative process, now is the time to act. A hernia will not go away on its own.
Contact Kolachalam Surgery at (248) 662-4272 today if you suspect you may have a hernia in Detroit, MI.