How long until you were able to get back to semi normal routines ? I am going to see the surgeon tomorrow but was wondering how much time from work should I plan for.

Dad's (82yo) recent open cut repair in february was 2 weeks with no driving and 5lb weight limit, then moved to 10lb limit for another month. This was the second repair on the right side in this area. He was back to making deliveries, with others loading and off loading oil buckets from his pickup, 2 weeks and a day after surgery. He still has help for the heavier stuff, 80lb boxes and pigs of oil, but up to 50lbs is his self-imposed limit...doc told him future tears in the area likely won't be repairable with the previous repairs (first in his 40's and second in 50's).

don't overdo it too early, you'll feel better than you're body is able and be right back in to repair the repair!

Laparoscopic, 2-3 weeks. Open cut, more like 6-8

Which type of surgery are you going with?

Here are my pro tips from a previous post:

I had open incision surgery to repair an abdominal hernia. I returned to work after 2 days, but should have stayed out longer.

Whatever you do, heed this advice. Get home after surgery, kick your legs up in the recliner with an ice pack and don't do ANYTHING for at least 3 or 4 days. Or really more. A disturbing amount of swelling will occur in an unfortunate area if you try to get back into the saddle too soon. Trust me on this.

Additional pro tip: Get off the opioids quick or better yet, don't even take them. Being constipated and having a surgically repaired hernia and needing to go = not fun.

If you have a low pain threshold, start the stool softeners immediately when you start the opioids. I dropped the opioids quick and just took an elevated dose of something over the counter.

I will have to get another hernia fixed eventually. I plan to set that surgery up prior to Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays to where I can take a week off to sit in the recliner.

Good luck!

4-6 weeks recovery for me. Closer to 4 though. I have had both sides repaired. One with the mesh cuz it was bad and one just sewn back. You don't realize how important your stomach muscles are until you can't use em.

I have an Inguinal hernia on both sides. I hope it can be done laparoscopic. I guess I will find out more tomorrow. Its just a really bad time of year for me to be off of work.

I had open incision inguinal hernia surgery in September, 6-8 weeks. I felt fantastic, possibly got too active too quickly. I reinjured the site (never felt it happen).

Had the same exact surgery to repair it on March 28th, was given the same 6-8 weeks timeframe. This one has been a little worse, the first two weeks were much worse, I was very limited. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks and I still wouldn't even consider doing anything strenuous. I have an office job, but just getting in/out of my truck is tedious.

Both times we discussed at length laparoscopic vs incisional, and both times the surgeon and I agreed incisional was best. The recovery time is "about two weeks" longer, but the recurrence rate is much, much less (roughly 5% vs 15%). The chance of infection is also less with incisional, sounded odd to me, but I Googled it and found it to be so. Oddly too, the pain is often worse with laparoscopic. I had basically ZERO pain ever on the first time, and mild enough pain this go round to completely alleviate it with meds (I took them sporadically for about 10 days).

He did tell me though, if we ever had to go in this same side a 3rd time, it would be laparoscopic (not negotiable).

YES X2 (that's 100% spot on)

Had one done when I was in college. 8 long weeks walking around bent over. A gravity poop is the worst. No laughing, coughing, and God help you if you sneeze.

What is a gravity poop or better yet, is there any other kind? I mean there is the occasional post Mexican supper one that if you don't get seated will shoot out about 20 feet or so.

I do need to know what this gravity poop you speak of is though?

Maybe he meant anti-gravity...?

I compared hernia surgery notes with a co-worker who did laparoscopic. Swelling shut his water off. He almost had to go get a catheter, but finally managed to go on his own. He said (and I remember my surgeon saying this too) that the bruising on your nuts is real bad after laparoscopic. Like everything is almost black like it got hit by a sledgehammer. Those were his only two “complications.”

What he said take it slow and be smart dont rush to get back to work!!

Ive had 2 surgeries. After both, i took Tylenol w/codeine. Nothing stringers required. Ice things down and youll do fine.
Healings different for everyone. My 2nd surgeries recoop time was longer, as expected. I was 12yrs older and it showed lol

2 weeks out of work but had pain by the end of the day for a year. I actually enjoyed the whole 2 weeks.

Same here....no sleep like that post-anesthesia (and opioids) sleep on the couch...scrolling outdoors TV and YouTube fishing vids!

I had one a few years ago. Had it done on Friday morning, they wouldn't let me coach that night's football game, but I was at my son's the next day. Went back to work on Monday, just had to be careful not to get to excited at practice. My Dr. told me after a week the mesh would be grown into my flesh enough that I would not damage anything and then it was just up to my pain tolerance. Good luck on the surgery.

Well looks like surgery on May 20th. Dr said I would be out of work maybe 2-3 days then can start going back for half days . Cant drive for 1 week and cant lift anything for 6 weeks. For someone that is used to working 55 hrs a week I dont know how long I can stand not being active.