Do you have pain around the hernia caused by a strangulated or incarcerated hernia? Hernias are least likely to heal by themselves, and you might need surgery to correct the complications. Open surgeries can correct inguinal hernias, and it is best to look for an expert hernia surgeon in Astoria, near you. Finding a hernia surgeon might be challenging, ask for recommendations from your loved ones and your primary caregiver. Moreover, patient reviews about the hernia surgeon might help you find an expert. Here are ways to care for yourself after hernia surgery.
What Is Open Hernia Surgery?
An open hernia surgery corrects hernia, which bulges above the abdominal walls. A surgeon would make a long incision on the groin, push back the bulged hernia into its traditional place, or tie it off and remove it; when possible, the surgeon will use stitches on the hernia without causing further complications and distress on the organ. The surgery reduces the possibilities of recurring hernia problems.
Recovery
You would go home the same day after hernia surgery or one day after the operation, it would be wise to arrange an adult to take you home or take a taxi if you do not have a designated driver. The groin feels sore and uncomfortable after hernia surgery, and you can strain the unhealed wound if you choose to drive by yourself.
You can ask a caregiver or an adult friend to look after you 24 hours after hernia surgery to prevent any issues. You may have pain after going home, and it would be prudent to take the medications as directed by the physician. When coughing or sneezing, you could hold a soft pillow on the hernia to reduce the discomfort which arises from coughing. You might feel constipated when you eat everyday food, and you can avoid constipation by drinking a lot of liquids, eating fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber food like whole grains. A mild laxative might help reduce constipation and improve the passing of stool.
Activities After Surgery
If the surgeon uses anesthetics, your movement and mental reasoning might decline, and you should not operate machinery or sign any legal documents for two days after the operation. Moreover, alcohol can impact how the medications work in your body, and it would be better to stop drinking until you are okay. Over time, you will return to normal activities when the pain subdues. Additionally, you would return to work in one or two weeks, and you would need time off if your work requires manual labor.
After hernia surgery, you would need gentle exercises and increase the intensity when the pain is subdued. Exercises improve the healing process, but heavy lifting might be challenging for the healing process. You can call a doctor after hernia surgery if you have constant high temperatures, bleeding, chronic pain, chills, nausea, shortness of breath, and difficulty passing urine.
Final Thoughts
You should opt for hernia surgery if you develop chronic pain associated with strangulated or incarcerated hernia. Your surgeon will tie off, cut part of the hernia, and reconstruct the hernia into its normal position. After surgery, you should have a designated driver and take care of yourself to avoid rupturing the hernia.
