Question:
If anyone else has had a large incisional hernia repair...

How long before you could resume "normal" exercise? My repair was last Thursday with a 5 by 8 piece of gortex stitched in for good measure. I can do a bit of walking. I'm thinking of bending, stretching, even hand weights for my arms. My doctor has okayed the walking, but is hesitant to give me a timeframe on anything else. I will, of course listen to him, but I'm curious if any of you were able to resume semi-normal movement and such after the repair and when. Thanks.    — Mary Ann B. (posted on February 20, 2004)

February 20, 2004
Hi! I wouldn't push it just yet. Obviously, you need to follow your doctor's orders, however, 7 days after my hernia repair I bent down to pet our dog. When I stood back up, I felt something rip. Pain, burning and within a few hours a large hematoma developed. Apparently an internal suture ripped on the edge of the mesh. It stayed swollen and very very tender for about 2 weeks. I would wait at least 4 weeks before using those abdominal muscles too much. Some doctors recommend as many as 6 weeks.
   — chelle3081

February 20, 2004
I had a 9" open ab hernia repair done with the mess - I was fine for walking, and pretty normal stuff like 10 pounds of weight after 6 weeks. But no exercise for - gasp - three months. Always follow doc's orders. They saw your guts, not us :)
   — kultgirl

February 20, 2004
Hi; Just had mine done too. Doc says NO on any lifting or upper body strain for at least 6 weeks. He said that the potential to damage the repair is high. I am not allowed to lift anything at all until he sees me next month and can evaluate the progress. You have to give yourself time to heal and to allow the suturing and mesh to "take." Please, be very careful and don't push yourself. Take good care. Polly
   — Jackie O.

February 21, 2004
I had a large incisonal hernia repair on 1/26. It was huge the entire abdominal wall and the piece of mesh they put in was 10 cm x 30 cm. If you put your hands together they told me that was 10 cm. It has been very painful. I had a panniculectomy at the same time which removed 8 lbs of fat and skin. Believe me, that was so much easier than the hernia repair. I just started feeling human again this last week. So I had 2 wks of intense pain. My ribs feel like they have been broken. Can anyone tell me DO YOU HAVE TO WEAR A BINDER WITH HERNIA REPAIR? I have been wearing mine off and on for the swelling from the surgery but it seems to make me more sore and I have to take it off. So far I am not pleased at all with the way the panniculectomy and my abdomen looks. It sticks out up top now! I am hoping that even though the apron is gone, that my tummy will get flatter. I have some draining from my belly button which they moved 6 inches and it is yucky. No odor but is very thick and gooey, sometimes yellow/red and now white. Anyone have this?
   — Mylou52

February 28, 2004
Amen to what Shelli K says. I've found the board here a really great forum, but what was good for one person is not always good for another! You have your own situation that ONLY your operating surgeon is fully aware of. Trust his judgement and stick with it until he is comfortable letting you excercise!
   — DrL