I have to have hernia surgery. Any suggestions ?

[steve2470]

I inherited the inguinal hernia gene from my dad, who also gave it to my older brother. So, before the hernia becomes really painful and becomes an emergency, I'm having the surgery. Any suggestions on how to make the experience more pleasant ? My doc says I have to take about a week off work. Thanks in advance.

http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/inguinalhernia <~~~~ a link if you're really curious

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Follow your doctors orders regarding lifting post surgery

and watch your lifting in the future. Inguinal hernias are due to a weakening of the abdominal musculature...the tissue following surgery is more prone to herniate again..so limit lifting and follow proper lifting mechanics to the best of your ability.

[seriousstan]

2. Wear a loose pair of sweat pants to surgery.

You will thank me later.

[Dave Reynolds]

3. Insist on anesthesia.

:7

[Ron Green]

4. See if they might want to do both sides while you're in there.

Usually the abdominal wall is weak on both sides, and it could save you another anesthesia and confinement later. The only drawback is that the soreness is pretty intense after a bilateral (more morphine, yaaay!)

And I hope you can piss without a catheter. That's important.

[steve2470]

5. Ouch. My doc says the GI surgeon would do it on a semi-outpatient

basis and I would go home the same day, albeit with some soreness. Catheters, ugh.