Experiencing anxiety before and after hernia surgery is completely normal.
After all, surgery can be a daunting experience, requiring time and effort to get back on your feet. However, with proper care and attention, recovering from hernia surgery can be much easier than you think.
The experienced surgeons at Hodgeman County Health Center perform general surgery services, including hernia surgery. They are supported by a team of knowledgeable healthcare professionals committed to producing favorable patient outcomes.
In this blog post, we’ll share some valuable tips that will help you recover quickly and smoothly so you can return to your daily life in no time.
What is a Hernia?
A hernia occurs when an organ, such as the intestine or bladder, protrudes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or tissue.
The most common types of hernias are inguinal (groin) and umbilical (belly button).
What Risk Factors Contribute to Getting a Hernia?
You may be more likely to get a hernia if you have the following:
- A job that involves heavy lifting or many hours of standing.
- A chronic cough or allergies that cause chronic sneezing.
- Chronic constipation and straining to urinate or defecate.
- A history of abdominal or pelvic surgery.
- Pregnancy, especially repeat pregnancies.
- Chronic obesity (a body mass index, or BMI, greater than 30).
Where on the Body Will Hernias Appear?
You may get a hernia:
- In your lower chest through your diaphragm.
- In your groin through your lower abdominal wall.
- Along the front midline of your abdomen.
- Through a former abdominal surgery incision.
What are Hernia Symptoms?
Not all hernias cause symptoms, but the ones that do cause different symptoms.
One telltale sign of a hernia is a visible lump or bulge that appears during certain activities or physical positions and goes back in at other times.
You may also feel pressure, dull aches, or a pinch when the hernia emerges. It may come out when you’re straining, lifting, laughing, or coughing.
How Does a Hernia Feel?
Depending on the type and severity of the hernia, one may experience various sensations when it protrudes through an opening in the abdominal wall.
Some may not feel anything, while others could experience pressure, dull aches, or sharp pains.
It’s important to note that frequent discomfort should never be ignored, as it can indicate a more significant problem that requires immediate medical attention.
For instance, hiatal hernias are notorious for causing chronic acid reflux, which manifests as heartburn or indigestion.
Seeking prompt treatment from a healthcare provider is critical in managing such conditions effectively and reducing their impact on your daily life.
What is Hernia Surgery?
Hernia surgery is a common surgical procedure performed on people who have hernias. It involves repairing the weakened area by placing mesh over it to reinforce and strengthen the abdominal wall.
This can be done using open surgery or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery.
- Open hernia surgery involves making a single incision near the affected area and manually pushing back any protruding organs before closing up with sutures.
- Laparoscopic hernia surgery uses several small incisions to insert instruments and cameras into the body to perform repairs with fewer cuts.
The type of procedure used will depend on various factors like size, location, age, and general health condition of the patient.
It’s essential to consult with experienced surgeons who can determine which type of repair suits best for you based on your medical history.
What are the Types of Hernia Surgery?
There are different types of hernias, each requiring a specific type of surgery to repair it.
Here are some of the most common types of hernia surgeries:
- Inguinal Hernia Surgery – This is one of the most common types of hernias and occurs when part of the intestine bulges through an opening in the lower abdomen.
- Umbilical Hernia Surgery – This type occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot near your belly button.
- Hiatal Hernia Surgery – A hiatal hernia happens when part of your stomach pushes into your chest cavity due to a weakened diaphragm muscle.
- Incisional Hernia Surgery – An incisional hernia occurs where you had previous abdominal surgery, causing tissues or organs to push through an incision scar.
Each type requires different techniques for repair during surgery. It’s essential to consult with your surgeon about what’s best for you based on their professional opinion and expertise.
Tips Before Hernia Surgery
The period before and after hernia surgery can be daunting, but with proper preparation and post-operative care, it can be a successful and painless process.
Remember to follow your doctor’s instructions closely and communicate with them throughout recovery.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind before going into hernia surgery:
- Quit smoking at least two weeks before surgery
- Maintain a healthy diet leading up to the procedure
- Stop taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements as directed by your doctor
- Arrange for transportation home after the procedure, as you may not be able to drive yourself
Tips for Recovering After Hernia Surgery
Recovering from hernia surgery can be challenging, but with proper care and attention, you can make the recovery period as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Here are some tips to help you recover quickly after hernia surgery.
- Follow your doctor’s orders strictly: Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself during the postoperative phase. Follow these instructions carefully to avoid any complications or delays in your recovery.
- Get plenty of rest and sleep: Giving your body enough time to heal after surgery is essential. Make sure you get enough sleep and take it easy during the first few weeks following the operation.
- Start moving gradually: Although resting is crucial for healing post-surgery, gentle movement helps keep blood circulating while preventing muscle stiffness.
- Pay attention to nutrition! A healthy diet enriched with fruits and veggies ensures speedy recovery from hernia surgery by providing nutrients that aid tissue repair and the healing processes.
Stay positive throughout this challenging journey no matter how difficult it seems at times. Remember that every day brings new opportunities for improvement!
What are the Benefits of Hernia Surgery?
There are numerous benefits of hernia surgery.
For starters, patients often experience a significant reduction in pain and discomfort following the procedure. This is because the surgery helps to repair any tears or weaknesses in the abdominal wall that may have been causing the hernia.
Another benefit of hernia surgery is improved mobility and quality of life. Patients living with a hernia for an extended period may find that their condition limits their daily activities. By undergoing surgery, they can once again perform tasks without pain or discomfort.
In addition to these physical benefits, many patients also report feeling less anxious or stressed after having hernia surgery. This can be attributed to knowing they have managed a health issue and are on track to recovery.
It’s important to note that the benefits of hernia surgery will vary from patient to patient depending on factors such as age, overall health, and severity of their condition.
Consulting with a qualified medical professional can help individuals make informed decisions about whether or not this type of procedure is right for them.
Hernia Surgery Available in Jetmore, Kansas
At Hodgeman County Health Center, we’re committed to providing top-quality hernia surgery to residents in Jetmore and surrounding areas.
We’ll also advise you on how to take care of yourself while on the road to recovery.
You can connect with us by calling our office at (620) 357-8361 or by scheduling an appointment online today!
