Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => The Knowledge => Health & Fitness => Topic started by: TimO on 09 May, 2011, 09:01:55 pm

Title: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: TimO on 09 May, 2011, 09:01:55 pm
I've got an operation to undertake an Inguinal Hernia Repair in a months time.  I've also got a pre-operative assessment clinic in a couple of weeks time, at which I'm going to ask them some questions, but I thought I'd ask here as well, since some on here have probably had a similar operation.

The surgeon reckons that I need to take it easy for a couple of months after the operation.  He was of the opinion that this would encompass cycling, and I'm willing to avoid cycling for a couple of months, but wondered what advice others may have had as regards this.

Just to complicate things, I'm not sure how Insulin Dependent Diabetes is going to complicate this, and since I live by myself, I'll probably have to stay in hospital for at least 24 hours after the operation (otherwise in all likelihood I could go home the same day).

I'm also going to have to book Talisker into Prison the local cattery, so he gets his kitty noms, and daily hyperthyroid pills (we're a fine pair for drugs consumption!)

Interestingly the Surgeon didn't seem to be at all concerned about the operation, he said he's done over 13000 of them in his career!  (He's retiring fairly soon).
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: hellymedic on 09 May, 2011, 09:22:56 pm
Your diabetes probably means they'll keep you overnight. That's probaly good cos
You'll be looked after
You can get decent pain relief
You won't escape until most of the anaesthetic is out of your system.

My cycling companions have had widely different experiences.
One divorcee was home alone in dreadful pain, crying and not coping. It was horrible being hundreds of miles away as we were on the phone.
One chap went home the same day to his wife, had minimal discomfort and walked to the newsagent within 48 hours of the op. He eschewed most of his painkillers.
One chap had quite bad pain for around 10 days.
My Dad took several weeks to recover but he's older and had complicated surgery.

People vary enormously.
Expect six weeks off the bike.
Hope yours goes smoothly.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Canardly on 09 May, 2011, 09:25:59 pm
Tim just get yourself sorted no rush....
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 09 May, 2011, 09:35:00 pm
Talisker is the most complicated bit of the whole thing!  I'll take him into the cattery the day before, but depending on how well things go, I'll have to drive around a few days after to pick him up.  Normally I'd cycle around there, but I think cycling a day or two after would be a seriously bad idea!

The cattery is pretty good, so I suspect that if I can't go around for a few days, then happily keep him there until I can pick him up.

I'm not going to cycle until I'm sure it's OK, since I suspect that if things haven't been given a long enough time to heal, then there's going to be a bigger risk of a re-occurrence.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: simonp on 09 May, 2011, 09:43:16 pm
I had a minor inguinal tear, hadn’t fully herniated yet, but it was predicted that it would given my activity levels (I was playing 5-a-side football weekly, and cycling regularly) which was likely secondary to an operation down there when I was in my teens, repaired in 2004.

I had open surgery with a nylon mesh repair, not keyhole, and was kept in overnight.  I did not cycle for 6 weeks after the op.

I found that any activity I was doing for the first time post-op (playing football, sailing, etc) would cause a bit of discomfort after the activity, presumably as adhesions were pulled around.

That’s about it really.  Not a big deal tbh.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: clarion on 09 May, 2011, 09:48:47 pm
Hope it all goes well.  Pretty routine stuff, I understand.  Take care of yourself and listen to the doctors so you can get yourself right & back on your bike as soon as possible.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Adrian on 09 May, 2011, 09:54:07 pm
Talisker is the most complicated bit of the whole thing!  I'll take him into the cattery the day before, but depending on how well things go, I'll have to drive around a few days after to pick him up. 

Assuming availability, I'm sure that can be worked around.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: simonp on 09 May, 2011, 10:00:30 pm
Driving was out for at least a week iirc.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: CrinklyLion on 10 May, 2011, 08:55:06 pm
Tim, I know nowt about the surgery or the post-op recovery, and can't really offer to pop round and look after Talisker because there is rather a lot of geography in between here and there, but I hope it goes smoothly and the recovery is quick.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 10 May, 2011, 09:05:41 pm
LOL, Talisker in the cattery is a fact that I'm resigned to.  I don't expect other people to know how to deal with feeding him a pill every day, it took me several weeks to get things sorted out!

I think the cattery knows me well enough that they'll accept a relatively open ended booking, especially since it's not a terribly busy time of the year.  Talisker may not be impressed by this, but he'll get over it.

Hellymedic's reply was interesting, and informative (Thanks).  Anywhere from a day to over a week for initial recovery.  Hopefully it'll be nearer the shorter end of that, but there's not a lot I can do to deal with that, other than hope.  I will however make sure I've got plenty of food in the house, so if it is painful to move about initially, I won't need to travel much.

Obviously if it stays painful, and I can't move much, beyond what the hospital tells me to expect, my GP will get a call!
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: hellymedic on 10 May, 2011, 09:15:51 pm
Don't forget the wonderful Meals on Wheels services provided by the local Indian and Chinese food outlets; in my part of Londonton, I can have a fresh, tasty, hot meal 20 minutes after my phone call.
Collect menus (and phone numbers) now for when you CBA to shop and cook!
Sickness is never cheap; be prepared to shell out for takeaways and taxis.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 10 May, 2011, 09:18:59 pm
... Sickness is never cheap; be prepared to shell out for takeaways and taxis.

Good idea!

I'm resigned to a taxi home from the hospital, but may cheat and walk to the hospital, since it's less than a couple of miles (even if though I need to be there for 7-30am).
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: hellymedic on 10 May, 2011, 09:24:32 pm
They are not 'takeaways'; they are Meals on Wheels, a vital service for the feeble , lazy and infirm. Right?
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 10 May, 2011, 09:28:33 pm
In three years of living in my current house, I've used a local Chinese food place once, and that was when my brother and sister-in-law visited, and I walked around to pick it up (because it's about two minutes walk away!)

Making sure I've got telephone numbers and menus isn't a bad idea however.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: matthew on 10 May, 2011, 09:29:05 pm
Tim

I have had two hernias, one either side, though I can't remember which type they were. (I was ~6 months old when I had the first and 5 when I had the second).

Being 20 odd years ago the surgical procedure has changed but I was effectively released from hospital early from the second one as I was too energetic on the ward.  :demon: I promptly got an infection in the wound once home. How to get a home visit from your GP at 9pm  :facepalm:

Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: simonp on 10 May, 2011, 09:29:35 pm
Menus?  I only order about one thing ever. :)
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Adam on 11 May, 2011, 11:07:01 am
Tim - once you're out of hospital, if you need any deliveries of beer or any other essentials or even just food, just say the word and I can load up my trailer.   :thumbsup:

Hope it all goes OK.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 08 June, 2011, 08:25:58 pm
Well, mostly done and dusted now.

They put me under around 10-00am (I don't know exactly when), and I recovered consciousness at 11-15am, so barely an hour including all the anaesthetic and coming around time, which is an impressively short time.

Both the Diabetes and not having any one at home to watch me, meant that they kept me in for 24 hours, but otherwise I would have been able to leave at lunchtime yesterday.

The doctors said I could go home when they saw me just before breakfast today, but by the time I had the paperwork and pain killers, it was after lunch!

In the end I walked home from the hospital, since I wasn't in a rush, and it was a nice afternoon.  I've barely got any pain, although after not moving much this afternoon, the bruising had stiffened up a mite, so it hurt a little when moving about.

The hospital gave me a heap of different pain killers, most of which I don't expect to use to any great extent.

I have got a heap of staples holding things together, which I'll have to get the nurse at my GP to remove in ten days time, and I must avoid getting the wound wet, which is going to make showering interesting for a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: andrewc on 08 June, 2011, 08:29:13 pm

I must avoid getting the wound wet, which is going to make showering interesting for a couple of weeks.

Duct tape..... the answer to everything...... ;)
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Greenbank on 08 June, 2011, 08:29:50 pm
Mexican shower.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Kim on 08 June, 2011, 08:31:38 pm
I have got a heap of staples holding things together, which I'll have to get the nurse at my GP to remove in ten days time, and I must avoid getting the wound wet, which is going to make showering interesting for a couple of weeks.

Mepore dressings in an assortment of shapes and sizes should be available from your local pharmacy.  You'll probably have to ask for them.  I used them on my leg last year after the sustrans shark-bite incident, and they did an excellent job of keeping the wound dry in the shower, and while keeping the leg elevated in suboptimal weather conditions on my recumbent bicycle.

Shaving the area the adhesive is going to stick to is probably a good idea - they're pretty stubborn to peel off.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: hellymedic on 08 June, 2011, 08:37:55 pm
Good to hear things seem to have gone smoothly; GWS!

Most wounds are pretty bug-proof after 48 hours so whilst avoiding soaking the wound is wise, a quick spritz and thorough, gentle dry with a scrupulously clean towel is unlikely to cause a wound infection. The bugs that naturally inhabit your groin skin (and won't be killed by surgical preps cos they live deep in the sweat glands and hair follicles) are much nastier than anything from a tap.

Go for strip-washing if you must and don't tell anyone I said a quick shower probably wouldn't hurt...

[EDIT] Dressings must be kept dry; I don't know if your wound is exposed. Wet dressings can fester big time...
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 08 June, 2011, 08:52:54 pm
It's essentially got a waterproofish dressing on it, so as I understand it, a shower is OK, but as you say avoiding getting the dressing too wet is a good idea.  I've got several spare dressings, as well as a suspicious looking tool to give to the GP's nurse, to remove the clips.

From a "things creaking and aching when standing a certain way" point-of-view, a bath would be easier, since I could just lie back and relax, but I'll have to live with showering and washing at the sink as appropriate for a while.

Since I won't be cycling, I won't get half as sweaty and smelly anyway!
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: peliroja on 08 June, 2011, 08:54:33 pm
Get well soon, Tim!
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Tim Hall on 08 June, 2011, 09:40:54 pm
Aye, get well soon. There's heavy panniers of bike tat to be lugged to the seaside.

And I reckon the "suspicious looking tool" could do duty as a tyre lever. After it's been used on your staples, obv.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: hellymedic on 08 June, 2011, 09:46:04 pm
These tools are no good as tyre levers. They are tweezer like devices designed to reshape staples from [__] shaped to \/\/ IYSWIM. You're better off with spoons...
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Jurek on 08 June, 2011, 09:48:37 pm
These tools are no good as tyre levers. They are tweezer like devices designed to reshape staples from [__] shaped to \/\/ IYSWIM. You're better off with spoons...

GWS Tim  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Adrian on 08 June, 2011, 11:10:51 pm
It's essentially got a waterproofish dressing on it, so as I understand it, a shower is OK, but as you say avoiding getting the dressing too wet is a good idea. 

Cling-film and duct tape.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Adam on 09 June, 2011, 06:22:06 am
It's essentially got a waterproofish dressing on it, so as I understand it, a shower is OK, but as you say avoiding getting the dressing too wet is a good idea. 

Cling-film and duct tape.

Sounds like the making of a dodgy film.........

You'll be missed on the night rides Tim.

Hope Talisker is OK and take it easy.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Wowbagger on 09 June, 2011, 07:28:03 am
I'll echo the good wishes and the advice to take it easy for as long as...

Do they say there's any limit to you r alcohol consumption? Perhaps you could acquire a bottle of Talisker.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 09 June, 2011, 11:27:22 am
I think I'm OK as regards booze, excepting one of the stronger painkillers, which says you should avoid alcohol with it (phrased strongly enough that it's quite a bit more than just advice).  Since I've barely used the painkillers, I don't think that'll be an issue.

I've got at least two bottles of Talisker, plus random other hard stuff.  I don't actually drink Whisky that heavily, I more partake of it moderately for pleasure.

The fridge also has enough beer in it, that the glass shelf that it's all on, is actually slightly bending under the weight!
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: simonp on 09 June, 2011, 06:19:20 pm
It sounds like you're in better shape than I was post-op.  Was yours keyhole in the end?  Mine wasn't and the recovery is probably a bit harder in the initial stages.  I stopped the painkillers within 36h though as they were dodgy on my stomach.

Or maybe you're just more well 'ard than me.  :)
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Biggsy on 09 June, 2011, 06:32:24 pm
Glad you're ok, Tim.

My Dad is due for a op soonish.  The inguinal hernia is shockingly large - so bad that it's causing groin soreness.

How straightforward will it be for an 85-year-old?  I'm worried enough about the general anesthetic, though his heart rate and blood pressure tend to be very good for his age.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: jane on 09 June, 2011, 06:44:45 pm
Hi Tim, only just seen all this. Hope you and Talisker get back to your normal routine soon. Glad the op went well and you are not in too much pain.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 09 June, 2011, 06:48:29 pm
I'm not exactly sure what is defined as keyhole, the incision is something like 4 or 5 inches long, so not huge, but I don't think it's tiny either.

Oddly the worst bruising seems to be on the side of my thigh, and I can't work out why there would be a bruise there.  I suspect it's something ancillary to the process rather than directly related to the operation (or they dropped me at some point!)

My hernia was occasionally causing some pain, which is mainly why I went to my Doctor about it.  A handful of times it was actually very painful, although admittedly very rarely. On a few more occasions it was just annoying, roughly like mild indigestion, but sitting down could be enough to relieve it.  Post operation pain is substantially less than the hernia itself was on some occasions, so definitely a win!

Talisker is happily back to normal, I picked him up earlier, and aside from him being annoyed at travelling on a bus, he's back to his normal self ie complaining when I don't feed him fast enough, and snoozing in the back garden.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Kim on 09 June, 2011, 07:00:10 pm
Oddly the worst bruising seems to be on the side of my thigh, and I can't work out why there would be a bruise there.

Grounding pad for diathermy usually goes on the thigh.  Maybe they slapped it on a bit enthusiastically?


Quote
Post operation pain is substantially less than the hernia itself was on some occasions, so definitely a win!

And yet it's afterwards they deem to give you a barrowload of painkillers.  It was like that with my gall bladder.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: Jaded on 09 June, 2011, 07:20:07 pm
Maybe they sat on your thigh to stop it twitching  ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 09 June, 2011, 07:36:26 pm
Quote
Post operation pain is substantially less than the hernia itself was on some occasions, so definitely a win!
And yet it's afterwards they deem to give you a barrowload of painkillers.  It was like that with my gall bladder.   :facepalm:

To be fair, I never complained to my GP or the surgeon about the pain.  It was mentioned, but it was infrequent enough that I wasn't overly worried about it reoccurring.

If I remember, I'll ask the practice nurse what was likely to have caused the bruising.  Most nurses will have seen enough previous cases to be able to at least make a suggestion.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: simonp on 09 June, 2011, 07:39:03 pm
My op re-used the same incision from an op I had in 1988.  It’s likely the fact I had surgery predisposed me to herniation.  It’s the same length of incision as yours, roughly, and I know mine was open surgery.

I didn’t have any external stitches with mine, it was a very high quality job and the re-used incision is less visible than the original op was by far.  Given the location it’s hardly a cosmetic issue though.

I was in far more pain post-op (a fair bit) than pre-op (a little discomfort when cycling in tight trousers, or slouching in them).  The doc wasn’t sure it was a hernia and in fact it was only a slight giving way of the muscle.  Surgery was only suggested because being active it would likely progress to a full hernia.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: perpetual dan on 09 June, 2011, 08:23:19 pm
Glad to hear it's going well, I hope it keeps on the same.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: hellymedic on 10 June, 2011, 12:17:43 am
Glad you're ok, Tim.

My Dad is due for a op soonish.  The inguinal hernia is shockingly large - so bad that it's causing groin soreness.

How straightforward will it be for an 85-year-old?  I'm worried enough about the general anesthetic, though his heart rate and blood pressure tend to be very good for his age.

My Dad was 79 80 when he had his done last year.
He was not too bad after the first 2-3 days but suffered a wound infection after a week. It was about a month or six weeks before the general fatigue, weariness and weakness wore off.
Dad's hernia was big and complicated. He's otherwise fit. Obviously YDMMV but I was not too surprised at the course of events.
Title: Re: Hernia Repair Operation
Post by: TimO on 16 June, 2011, 04:13:15 pm
Aside from resting, and not doing any heavy lifting or exercise, I'm hopefully now done with the medical professionals.  The nurse at my GP just took all the staples out, thirteen as it turned out (I guessed there were a dozen when talking to the receptionist earlier in the week, so pretty close!)  That was probably the most painful part of the entire process, but it was minimally annoying.

I forgot to ask her what the bruising on my side was, mainly because it's pretty much entirely gone.  In fact, most of the bruising has gone, although I suspect there's still some internal bruising, since it can very occasionally feel slightly annoying, although less now than last week, so it's clearly getting better.

So, just under 51 days and 8 hours, and I can be back on my bikes.  I'm being conservative and waiting two months from the operation.  Various people have said eight weeks and six weeks, so I'm going with the more conservative period, and actually saying two months instead of eight weeks.  I really don't want to do it all again!
Title: Cycling with a Hernia
Post by: trumpet on 06 August, 2011, 08:14:45 pm
Just been diagnosed as having a hernia - Should I continue cycling regardless?  Any words of caution?
Title: Re: Cycling with a Hernia
Post by: Biggsy on 06 August, 2011, 08:16:11 pm
What sort of hernia?
Title: Re: Cycling with a Hernia
Post by: trumpet on 07 August, 2011, 07:41:38 pm
Good question... How many types are there? it's located on the RHS of the pubic bone / groin area -it's not too painful at the moment & it isn't as swollen as it was a week ago when I felt something ' go'  - My local GP was a new chap who turned out to be a cyclist & we soon got sidetracked talking about classic bikes !   - I think I might have to hang the fixie up as I suspect a couple of the hills I grind up on the commute will cause further strain in the area.
Will be seeing a specialist at the end of the month.
Title: Re: Cycling with a Hernia
Post by: Biggsy on 07 August, 2011, 08:06:04 pm
I just asked the question about the type of hernia to possibly help someone else to help you.   I don't know anything about cycling with hernias myself.

There are many types.  See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hernia

My elderly dad has a double scrotal inguinal hernia that gradually has become huge.  He's due for an operation.  He's a non-cyclist, but wouldn't be able to cycle if he tried.

They don't always need operating and don't necessarily cause problems - but you have to watch for them getting larger.  THere's a danger of bad ones strangulating - an emergency situaton.
Title: Re: Cycling with a Hernia
Post by: hbunnet on 08 August, 2011, 11:39:45 am
I have a small one in pubic bone / groin area.  I've had it for > 10 years, doesn't stop me cycling only hurts after a very long day walking, and is then alleviated by holding it in.

I hold it in if I cough, otherwise it's not a problem.
Title: Hernia Recovery
Post by: PaulF on 05 January, 2012, 06:09:03 pm
Obviously I'll take medical advice but....

Scheduled for a hernia repair at the weekend. What's the recovery like?  And the most important question, how long typically before I can ride again?
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: Psychler on 05 January, 2012, 07:08:41 pm
Hey, I'm in tomorrow morning for a paraumbilical hernia repair so I shall be watching this thread.

Good luck with your op + recovery
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 05 January, 2012, 07:40:41 pm
Good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery to both of you.
There are many variables, such as size, site and duration of hernia, surgical technique used for repair and technical difficulty making repair that make it unwise to generalise.
Think 1-2 weeks to heal the skin and 4-6 weeks to get back on the bike. YMMV!
Take your surgeon's advice as s/he will know most about your hernia.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: PaulF on 05 January, 2012, 08:02:33 pm
Hey, I'm in tomorrow morning for a paraumbilical hernia repair so I shall be watching this thread.

Good luck with your op + recovery

And to you!

Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: PaulF on 05 January, 2012, 08:04:33 pm
Good luck and best wishes for a speedy recovery to both of you.
There are many variables, uch as size, site and duration of hernia, surgical technique used for repair and technical difficulty making repair that make it unwise to generalise.
Think 1-2 weeks to heal the skin and 4-6 weeks to get back on the bike. YMMV!
Take your surgeon's advice as s/he will know most about your hernia.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: PaulF on 10 January, 2012, 03:50:44 pm
Well was out of hospital the same day and taking it easy now.  Up to taking gentle walks round the block and it only hurts when I laugh!

Just have to get used to taking it easy for a while.
Title: Hernia Followup
Post by: PaulF on 13 January, 2012, 04:10:42 pm
A quick question following http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=55432.0

I took the 'top dressing' off (there's another dressing covering the stitches) and the skin is yellow! It looks like the colour of bruising. Is that normal?

Also I get the odd pain near the site - sort of stabbing, lasts very briefly and no more intense than say carmap. Again, should I be worried?

Thanks
Title: Re: Hernia Followup
Post by: tonyh on 13 January, 2012, 04:18:08 pm
I had a hernia op about 10 years ago. Felt quite battered for a couple of weeks, with various symptoms like the ones you describe, but it was ok apparently (I started Audaxing soon* afterwards).
I hope yours is ok too!

*Edit: within a year, anyway!
Title: Re: Hernia Followup
Post by: hellymedic on 13 January, 2012, 04:41:15 pm
A quick question following http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=55432.0

I took the 'top dressing' off (there's another dressing covering the stitches) and the skin is yellow! It looks like the colour of bruising. Is that normal?

Also I get the odd pain near the site - sort of stabbing, lasts very briefly and no more intense than say carmap. Again, should I be worried?

Thanks

While I had an anaesthetic a while back, some surgeons cut me, pulled my innards around and stitched me up.
Now it looks bruised; is this normal?
 ;) ;D

Of course it's normal!
Title: Re: Hernia Followup
Post by: PaulF on 13 January, 2012, 05:17:37 pm
:D

Thanks
Title: Re: Hernia Followup
Post by: Juan Martín on 13 January, 2012, 07:35:05 pm
That's nothing. When recovering from an operation on my jaw and removal of some wisdom teeth I noticed that I had what looked like a footprint in the middle of my chest. I presumed that someone couldn't be arsed to walk round the table...
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: GraemeMcC on 07 August, 2012, 12:43:49 am
Any updates?

I had an inguinal hernia repair (slice and mesh insert) on 25th July.
Was discharged from the local NHS hospital 22 hrs after surgery.
Could walk OK next day.
Off painkillers after 4 days.
Now, 13 days later, am able to drive, so get back to work (to a predominantly desk-bound job).
So, any opinions as to when I should realistically get back on the bike (say, for 100km BPs to rebuild fitness)?

I've still got a bit of swelling and soreness at the repair site so am wary about trying too much too soon. The surgeon suggested 6-8 weeks! A friendly triathlon coach has suggested similar from 1st hand experience, albeit after surgery practices from some 10 yrs ago.
But the surgeon also agreed that I could and should swim (front crawl) with a pull-buoy (thus legs inactive) as soon as the skin scar has healed which is now!
So, recent conscensous is what?

BTW, I had swelling and bruising to "sensitive parts" appearing 48 hours after the op. Using Arnica pills, lost the discolouration within a further 3 days. Arnica is a favoured bruise remedy proffered by senior BC coaching staff at M'c'r velodrome. Marginal gains?
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: Peter on 07 August, 2012, 12:49:01 am
No hernia experience, Graeme, but be careful.  You might be champing at the bit but most of us wouldn't notice you'd had 6 weeks off!

(Swimming sounds good)
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: Psychler on 07 August, 2012, 02:04:25 am
7 months on and I'm back to normal, no issues at all. 

Couple of weeks before I could drive again, after about 6 weeks I'd forgotten that I'd had any sort of op at all
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: PaulF on 07 August, 2012, 07:00:52 am
I saw my surgeon after 4 weeks and his first words were "did you ride here?". I hadn't as I was waiting for his OK but he said I could have ridden as soon as I felt comfortable. But YMMV so see how you feel and follow your surgeon's advice.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: GraemeMcC on 07 August, 2012, 12:54:28 pm
~4 weeks! That's encouraging then.  :)

Also, the NHS surgeon, as current standard practice, severed a local nerve so that it wouldn't get bound in and trapped by the mesh/scar tissue repair zone. This is apparently to avoid/lessen the risk of future pain in this area. But is this the same nerve that feeds the area that can give forwards-saddle-area chaffing pain? Don't know if loss of sensation in this region will be a good thing or a bad thing!  ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: PaulF on 07 August, 2012, 02:02:03 pm
I'm guessing mine did the same thing. He said I'd be a little numb for a while. My area was at the top of my thigh and it took a few months to recover feeling there.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: GraemeMcC on 07 August, 2012, 04:28:23 pm
... it took a few months to recover feeling there.

Aah! There was I was kind of wishing that it may be permanent!

In both LEL and PBP, I suffered severe sweat rash type symptoms "down there" (just at the height of my surgical repair) aggravated by chafing within my shorts, mainly after about 80 hrs in. And that was despite liberal applications of Creme D'Assos. The hope of not repeating such suffering may have made prospects for future long events less un-appealing.  ;D
Never mind. I'll just have to try and ride faster next time...
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: TimO on 09 August, 2012, 09:49:18 am
I only just caught this thread, so a bit late to the party.  I had a hernia repair last year, but had no significant pain whatsoever.  I didn't need to take any of the pain killers they gave me, and indeed I walked the couple of miles from the hospital back home!

I was advised various times that I shouldn't cycle for, so in the end erred on the side of paranoia and didn't cycle for three months (which was at the top end of the two to three months that most advice specified).  That wasn't too bad for me, since I can fairly easily travel on public transport to work, with only five minutes of walking and three quarters of an hour of Tram and Tube.

I suspect I didn't need to leave it that long, but I really didn't want to have to go back in and deal with any damage.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: GraemeMcC on 23 August, 2012, 12:49:50 pm
Update on my experiences.

Exactly 4 weeks + 13 hours after I was ejected from surgery, I swung a leg over a bike and rode 21kms to work.  :)

4 wks, 13 hrs + 10 mins : The repair wasn't the problem - it was my legs and specifically the calves and quads that objected most - so I had to keep it sub-evens.
< happy bunny >
Right, where's my CTT handbook and my Audax Calendar...
< /happy bunny>

So, I still have a mound on my groin at repair site - bigger than the original hernia - so I hope that will eventually dissipate when/if scar tissue breaks down.
Still itching a bit where hair is re-growing.  ::-)

I could walk OK ( or rather hobble about the room OK) several hours straight after surgery and was like that for about a week.
Decided I was safe to "emergency stop" thus drive, at 13 days, thus go back to work.
Eased into a swimming pool at 15 days (after the entry wound had healed) for light front-crawl (arms only, with a pull-buoy).
Got a full 60mins pull-buoy session at 3 weeks.
Last week, managed 2 swim sessions.
Monday managed light kicking and a bit of breast-stroke and 'fly  :o
Could walk at full stride pace quite briskly around the office/home and pushing a lawn-mower and grass-raking without trouble.
Yesterday, full-on 75 mins masters swim session, full strokes (Free, Bk-Str, Br-Str, Fly) plus leg kick drills.

So, all that swimming has got my aerobic system back into gear quite nicely. Its just my legs that are a bit lagging now.
But that's it. Bring on LEL. Can ease back into riding and training. Will start with hopefully 3 day BH weekend on progressive miles and build it up from here.
Have last round of the Club 10m TT Champs to train for in 3 weeks.
A week in Mallorca in early October.
Eureka 200 in November.

Hell - where's Winter Solstice 200 gone? Memsec must have aborted 'coz of past weather conditions. I might do it as a Perm!  O:-)


Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: Peter on 24 August, 2012, 01:01:47 am
Good news, Graeme!  I've never been able to do butterfly - do you reckon a hernia would do the trick?

See you on Eureka, if not before.

Peter
Title: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: Skungo on 14 February, 2014, 09:12:17 pm
Hi Guys,  Any one out there who has experience of cycling with an inguinal hernia? I am awaiting surgery for this condition and the docs I have seen to date have limited knowledge of risk associated with this condition and cycling prior or post surgery. Any thoughts, tips and hints would be gratefully received. And this was the year I had intended to reclaim my lost climbing abilities.
Skungo
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 14 February, 2014, 10:25:58 pm
Looks like you're not alone...

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php%3Ftopic%3D55432.0&sa=U&ei=sJX-UsasAsmg0QWu8YCICQ&ved=0CAYQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHpraPksI7p0nmEDnCse-lAk8RuHg (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php%3Ftopic%3D55432.0&sa=U&ei=sJX-UsasAsmg0QWu8YCICQ&ved=0CAYQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHpraPksI7p0nmEDnCse-lAk8RuHg)

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php%3Ftopic%3D50457.0&sa=U&ei=sJX-UsasAsmg0QWu8YCICQ&ved=0CAgQFjAB&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGOde6mXWtHAdwrGTWRkZxCuA4IWw (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php%3Ftopic%3D50457.0&sa=U&ei=sJX-UsasAsmg0QWu8YCICQ&ved=0CAgQFjAB&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGOde6mXWtHAdwrGTWRkZxCuA4IWw)

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php%3Ftopic%3D55693.0&sa=U&ei=sJX-UsasAsmg0QWu8YCICQ&ved=0CAoQFjAC&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHE8PU55heyVPHigH9GHL4Rv4AvdA (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php%3Ftopic%3D55693.0&sa=U&ei=sJX-UsasAsmg0QWu8YCICQ&ved=0CAoQFjAC&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHE8PU55heyVPHigH9GHL4Rv4AvdA)

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php%3Ftopic%3D47231.0&sa=U&ei=sJX-UsasAsmg0QWu8YCICQ&ved=0CAwQFjAD&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGO43Pl4MyCNQnIMv7hch-R5rbHhA (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php%3Ftopic%3D47231.0&sa=U&ei=sJX-UsasAsmg0QWu8YCICQ&ved=0CAwQFjAD&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGO43Pl4MyCNQnIMv7hch-R5rbHhA)
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: Hummers on 15 February, 2014, 08:52:44 am
I would suggest asking others what they did when diagnosed with a medical condition is futile.

It is your body, your situation, your risk.

H
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: Skungo on 16 February, 2014, 08:43:38 pm
Thanks 'hellymdic', the links provided were most helpful and provided much assistance and helped me with completing a risk assessment.

Dear Hummers, please note, the focus is upon assessment and upon having met an uninformed response amongst the medical professionals available to me to date, in order to complete an informed risk assessment, I opened the question to a wider, and I had hoped, a more informed public!
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: aidan.f on 16 February, 2014, 08:57:21 pm
 mine, now repaired was no bother on the bike. Was uncomfortable when standing for a while. The repair was rather uncomfortable for a while - but again ok on the bike.
Of course as previous posts mine is not yours.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 16 February, 2014, 09:11:21 pm
I think acting on one person's experience would be unwise.
Inguinal hernia is pretty common amongst middle-aged cyclists and seeing a range of posts from a number of different people with variations of this condition can give some balance to the issue.
We are all different and hernias will also differ but a broad view of a number of individual experiences might still be helpful.

I don't think anybody here is silly enough to suggest anything dangerous.

It's natural to discuss these matters with both one's doctor and one's mates.

That does not mean ignoring a professional who can examine you assess you and discuss treatment options with you.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: cycleman on 16 February, 2014, 09:12:27 pm
Mine was back on the mid 90,s . It was uncomfortable standing until I used a strap and pad to hold it in . I did cycle quite normally with it.  :)
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: Hummers on 17 February, 2014, 01:29:25 pm
Didn't Martin have one on PBP 2017? He would show it to anyone unwise enough to discuss it with him  ;D

H
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: trickletreat on 31 March, 2014, 09:22:14 pm
Hi, I cycled for about a year on trike and bike before having the hernia diagnosed. My memory fails me, but don't recall any probs cycling. Had a keyhole repair last April, back on the bike after 4 days, but only managed a few yards! Kept at it and was up to 100km by the end of June, didn't progress any further as a heart attack and triple bypass in early July/August put paid to my quest towards the hundred mile mark. I did manage to get back on my bike ten days after being discharged post op, and did approx 25 miler with local club a few weeks later. Winter has slowed me up more than expected, but the quest begins again.
Listen to your body, and try everything at a slow pace. The hernia repair had dropped from my mind, but still get occasional twinges, no worse than those pre op.
Nigel
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: simonp on 01 April, 2014, 04:39:20 pm
I had a partial tear in the muscle and the repair kept me off the bike for 6 weeks. I wasn't really having much trouble on the bike, I'd noticed a slight bulge in my abdomen and some discomfort in some seating positions and when riding in trousers when the bulge pressed against the seam of my trousers.

After that I returned to cycling. This was 2004; I had the odd twinge for several months, but no issues since. I cycle far more now than immediately before the surgery, and have done minimum 4000 miles a year in every year since the surgery, so it hasn't limited me at all apart from the initial recovery period. A hernia repair is far stronger than you ever were before you herniated.

Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: Skungo on 21 May, 2014, 02:29:56 pm
Thanks one & all for the reassurance. Had repair done by open surgery just 12 days ago and can now walk a couple of miles without any sense of overdoing it. Have been strongly advised to lay off bike for a good 8 weeks which is a great shame with all the fine weather lately. Going to have a cracking 5" scar below to speedo line!
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 27 August, 2015, 01:40:37 pm
I have 2 abdominal hernia - 5mm and 3mm, with a little nob of fat bulging through - It's quite visible atm as I'm currently BMI 20.1. No discomfort other than when I poke it,.do press ups or planks. Cycling doesn't make it worse. I thought they were lipoma (I have many).

Referred to a surgeon. GP undecided whether I should have it done now, whereas respiratory consultant and ultrasound person said they'd wait until it gets more painful. My feeling was rather get it booked in now when convenient, rather than find it needs doing at an inconvenient time. Hopeful that smaller hernia = shorter recovery.

Advice welcome.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 27 August, 2015, 02:28:25 pm
Do they hurt?
Are they troublesome when you cough a lot?
Is your coughing getting worse, better or static?

Would only interfere if coughing worsening AND hernias painful, meself...

Epigastric hernias usually only entrap fat, not guts so rarely have serious complications AIUI.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 30 August, 2015, 11:26:19 am
Don't hurt unless I poke them, and only the bottom one is tender then. No pain when coughing, and no increase in coughing. Yes, it's just entrapped fat.

Is it likely to change? If I knew it wasn't going to require surgery at a later (less convenient) time, I could live with it forever.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 30 August, 2015, 09:04:02 pm
I am no hernia expert but I'd probably live with these if they were mine.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 15 September, 2015, 04:15:21 pm
Saw the surgeon's helper today. Took a dim view of my "are you sure it needs doing?" question. "You are a youngish man, and it's only going to get worse. The plugs of fat are all that's between some bowel poking out and you being in A&E".

So I'll be popping along to pre-assessment in due course.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 15 September, 2015, 04:27:20 pm
Fair enough, I suppose.
The cynic in me thinks hammers look for nails.

Treating these is surgically simple.

I don't think I've ever seen them develop complications but I am not a surgeon.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 15 September, 2015, 05:11:56 pm
Fair enough, I suppose.
The cynic in me thinks hammers look for nails.

I'm sure you would have more relevant experience than me, but I've heard others involves express reticence about unnecessary treatment. I did make it super clear that if I didn't need it, I really didn't want it.

I got a "if it gets hot and uncomfortable, get yourself to A&E ASAP" talk.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 15 September, 2015, 07:45:26 pm
Fair enough, I suppose.
The cynic in me thinks hammers look for nails.

I'm sure you would have more relevant experience than me, but I've heard others involves express reticence about unnecessary treatment. I did make it super clear that if I didn't need it, I really didn't want it.

I got a "if it gets hot and uncomfortable, get yourself to A&E ASAP" talk.

What, if anything, does your GP think?

Are any of your colleagues au fait with these things.

(FWIW I think my kid brother has a couple of these that we've always ignored. I don't know if Mum noticed them; I certainly did when I changed his nappies!)
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 15 September, 2015, 08:08:42 pm
In order of me seeing them

Ultrasound operator - "small, it's just fat poking through, they won't do anything"
Chest clinic consultant - "small, not painful, they won't do anything"
GP - "small, not painful, surgeon won't do anything, but to be sure, I'll refer you"

Not spoken to any of my medic mates. Colleague are all "who is going to do your teaching!?!". I have two MSc modules I convene coming up, plus 3 new PhD students starting. My HoD looked crestfallen when I left him know. As soon as word gets out I might need someone to stand in to do some teaching for me, offers to come for coffee will dry up.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 30 January, 2016, 03:57:55 pm
Was done yesterday. Lorks, I'm sore. And swollen. And gassy.

Did I mention that I'm sore? I feel like I've been punched repeatedly in the stomach, and then for fun, inflated like a balloon.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 30 January, 2016, 04:04:23 pm
That might be because you have!
GWS!
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 January, 2016, 04:25:37 pm
It is good to be able to empathise with a balloon. gws
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 30 January, 2016, 05:10:57 pm
Are you calling the stickman a balloon??!!   :) ;D
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: TimO on 31 January, 2016, 05:14:05 pm
It's interesting how much this can vary.  I guess the position and size of the hernia can change things.  Mine had so little pain, it was barely any issue.  The most painful part of the whole process, was having the staples removed by my GP's nurse, and that was just a brief transient slight "ouch".
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 01 February, 2016, 09:20:53 pm
I really thought i would be fine. I trained hard in prep - did 500km+ a week for over 6 weeks. No booze since end of May. Am BMI 21.1 atm - I think I did as much as I could to get ready for it. The first night was horrific. It felt like something was tearing or bursting. Really dreadful.

Spoke to the GP today. Her feeling was that I'd been let go with quite limited pain management advice (although to be fair, when I left the ward, I was so groggy, I could barely stand, so maybe I didn't hear) . Had a chat, got more codeine, and told to take drugs differently. First advice was to take 60mg of codeine 4x a day. That was at lunchtime. The afternoon was a blur. Felt sick, then itchy, then like I might want to listen to some Spacemen3. Am saving the next dose for bedtime, as I've not managed more than 7hr sleep in total since I got home, and in no more than 2hr naps.

I have naproxen and paracetamol for when I don't fancy the big buzzy pain relief. Still feel very bloated. GP has asked that I go down for her to take a look tomorrow if I don't feel much better.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 01 February, 2016, 09:37:17 pm
Ex boyfriend of mine was on phone in tears, in pain the day after his hernia repair as a day case.

He was home alone (his marriage had failed between the time the op was booked and the surgery).

He was hundreds of miles away and I could do nothing to help.

Other friends strode out to buy a newspaper on the day after the op.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: simonp on 01 February, 2016, 11:55:25 pm
Hmm.

I had a minor hernia repair, not done by keyhole. I fainted when going for a pee about 12h post-op and was in overnight. Nausea the next day meant I still couldn't stand much at all.

Going to the toilet to sit down for the first time after the op was not an experience I wish to repeat. I was convinced I was going to burst. I guess the GA and tramadol caused a backlog. Walking was slow and painful for about 5 days. Was pretty much back to normal after two weeks but respected advice not to cycle for 6. Was helping people off the train with their heavy suitcases without thinking at two weeks. Didn't do any damage. Repair is stronger than normal status immediately after the op, tbh.

Discomfort didn't entirely disappear for 6 months. Doing something I'd not done since the op for the first time would cause an ache. Probably pulling on adhesions.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 02 February, 2016, 03:11:07 pm
Cheers Simon - relieved to hear that I'm not along in finding it a testing experience.

Doubling the codeine dose has helped massively. After 3 hours sleep one night, and 4 the next, all broken in 1-2 hour chunks, last night I slept for 14 hrs in two 7 hour chunks.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: TimO on 07 February, 2016, 11:36:31 am
.... Had a chat, got more codeine, and told to take drugs differently. First advice was to take 60mg of codeine 4x a day. ....

I don't think any of the pain killers they gave me, was as weak as codeine.  I had three different sorts, all with far more warnings on them than any pain killers that I've ever been given before!

I was actually kept in longer than a day case, because of diabetes and living alone, since they generally won't let you be left by yourself for 24 hours, if you've had a general anaesthetic.

I didn't need any pain killers lying in bed, waiting to be allowed to go, and actually had to wait too long the following day for the Doctor to write out the paperwork so they could give me the bag of painkillers, none of which was ever used!

I suspect that there are many factors which dictate how much pain you're likely to feel, and not all of them simple, hence them erring on the side of paranoia with me.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: Biggsy on 07 February, 2016, 12:12:36 pm
The effectiveness of codeine varies an awful lot from person to person.  I'm one of the unfortunates who'd need a huge dose to do more than bugger all.  Something to do with the way the liver processes it.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 15 February, 2016, 12:00:53 pm
Gosh, not me. 60mg makes the room spin a bit and feel like things are crawling all over me. Such a lightweight!

Two weeks in now. Stomach looks really lumpy (GP is really happy with progress and says it's just scar tissue), and any kind of stretching or twisting is still really uncomfortable. Don't feel confident with any kind of lifting yet - tried the pull the bin up the drive eased off before I did any damage. Exercise is basically going for walks for now. I really thought I'd be back on the bike by now. Still feel quite delicate.

On the plus side, the codeine is a massive appetite suppressant for me. I was worried I'd gain weight whilst being off the bike, esp as I'd been eating heartily what with doing 500+km a week for 6 weeks. As it is, the weight is falling off me at the rate of 1kg a week. I think it's a mix of eating lots of low calorie density foods (masses of fruit and veg) and being profoundly constipated, despite lactulose and fibogel.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: trumpet on 23 February, 2016, 08:44:24 pm
Sadly I've searched this thread as I am currently waiting for a hernia op ( should be within the next 15 weeks ! )  & was interested to see how my fellow cyclists have coped. I'm still managing to GENTLY commute 100 miles a week ( NOT ON THE FIXIE ) with no discomfort on the bike. However I think my chances of riding the Mille Pennines must be very slim as I don't think it will be wise to ride such an event before the op & not sure whether I will be sufficiently recovered & suitably trained up for the distance post op in time for the event. :-[ I was told it will be open surgery rather than keyhole, which makes me think I'll need longer to recover)
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: aidan.f on 23 February, 2016, 08:49:49 pm
Mine was not too painful no painkillers reqd fine on the bike, after a couple of weeks uncomfortable when stretching, (bellringing) AOK in about 6 weeks iirc.
Wait and see...
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: trumpet on 23 February, 2016, 09:32:12 pm
Mine was not too painful no painkillers reqd fine on the bike, after a couple of weeks uncomfortable when stretching, (bellringing) AOK in about 6 weeks iirc.
Wait and see...

Thanks Aiden - I imagine the bell ringing would be very painful ( unless you're referring to one on the handlebars? ;D ) Fingers crossed for quick op & recovery.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 02 March, 2016, 11:12:55 pm
I've paid for 3 sessions of physio, and I'm amazed how quickly things are now improving (albeit time would get me there in the end, I suspect) - I thought I'd need a new stem I was struggling to reach the bars so badly.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: trumpet on 03 March, 2016, 08:14:13 pm
I've paid for 3 sessions of physio, and I'm amazed how quickly things are now improving (albeit time would get me there in the end, I suspect) - I thought I'd need a new stem I was struggling to reach the bars so badly.

Keyhole or Open Surgery?
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 04 March, 2016, 05:11:53 pm
Keyhole.

I have to say, I was hyped by mates and nursing staff in to thinking I'd be back on the bike in a week. Only a mate (who'd seen a pal struggle) and the surgeon said don't count on being back before 6 weeks. As it was, I could gently go on the turbo after 3 weeks, and gentle on the road bike at 4. Am really tired all the time. Only did 4 days at work this week.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: trumpet on 04 March, 2016, 08:45:53 pm
Keyhole.

I have to say, I was hyped by mates and nursing staff in to thinking I'd be back on the bike in a week. Only a mate (who'd seen a pal struggle) and the surgeon said don't count on being back before 6 weeks. As it was, I could gently go on the turbo after 3 weeks, and gentle on the road bike at 4. Am really tired all the time. Only did 4 days at work this week.

All the best for a speedy recovery, & thanks for sharing your experiences. My consultant mumbled 'Open surgery' to me, which I wasn't expecting... I was concerned he wouldn't find it during the examination as the hernia went into hiding ! ( standing for extended periods & bending/stretching seem to trigger it off - fortunately cycling sensibly with gears doesn't seem to aggravate it, though I am only riding 45 mins each way to work & have decided not to do anything more on the bike as a precaution.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: trumpet on 22 May, 2016, 08:36:04 pm
Op due tomorrow - fingers crossed for speedy recovery. Any recommendations will be gratefully received & alleviate potential boredom.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: DrMekon on 22 May, 2016, 08:50:43 pm
I watched Netflix a lot, took lots of painkillers, and listened to loads of music on Spotify and took Painkiller's. Went for lots of slow gentle walks in to town along the river for coffee and pain killers. When I got home, lots of lovely fresh fruit and painkillers helped.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hbunnet on 22 May, 2016, 09:06:14 pm
Age 70, open surgery; followed instructions given in leaflets.  Stopped painkillers after 1 day and constipation eased off.  Gentle walks around house first day  and slowly increased distance. First short bike ride after 2 weeks and increased walking to ~5 miles.
After 6 weeks completely normal and climbed some mountains in NW Scotland.

A complete success for me.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 22 May, 2016, 09:37:09 pm
Good luck, trumpet!
Hope all goes smoothly and you recover well!
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: trumpet on 24 May, 2016, 02:32:06 pm
Thanks for your support & shared experiences. Just got home after being kept in overnight due to delays in theatre - bit sore ( open surgery ) but I will be patient. No point rushing. Off to bed for some zzzZZ's now.
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: hellymedic on 24 May, 2016, 02:41:42 pm
Mend well and fast!
Be kind to your self - why not?
Title: Re: Hernia Recovery
Post by: tonyh on 24 May, 2016, 09:02:04 pm
Seconded!

(I remember feeling quite battered for a couple of days, and fearing normality was very far off. Then improving quite quickly after a week or so.)
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 11 November, 2016, 04:55:19 pm
FS, I think I've got one. Noticed it for ages, mentioned it to my wife today and she said that what it likely is.
No pain at all, but going to doc on Monday.  I was just out on the bike pushing it for a wee lunchtime thrash today as well.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 14 November, 2016, 11:27:48 am
I was wrong. Ive got 2  >:(
Still in denial a bit despite confirmation from doc. Now begins the glacial process of treatment.  Will look into my private healthcare options. If I'm to be off the bike* id rather it was in jan/feb time.

Doc reckons day surgery, but possibly a general rather than local.  Seems they put some mesh or chicken wire or something in to stop things falling through in future.   
*The 8 week layoff as advised to Skungo is very alarming.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 14 November, 2016, 06:52:50 pm
inguinal hernia repair is one of the operations where numbers do seem to equate to better outcomes.  So look for a surgeon doing a lot of them.  That may mean a specialist clinic.  Certainly use your private health care
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: trumpet on 14 November, 2016, 07:23:18 pm
Mine was repaired back in May with NHS - fully recovered now & no concerns with repair. Surprisingly common operation for many.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 14 November, 2016, 10:01:35 pm
If you get somebody who has done 200 then you will be fine.  Unfortunately these days many trainees may only have done 10-20 when they become consultants.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: TimO on 16 November, 2016, 01:13:27 pm
If you look at my original post, the surgeon who did mine, had done over 13000 !  Over five years later, I've had zero problems, so it seems to be working so far. :)
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: rafletcher on 16 November, 2016, 01:46:28 pm
Certainly use your private health care

We were fortunate enough to be able to go private with my wifes second hip replacement, and all the surgeon's stats were available to check. She asked me why I suggested the one I did. I was honest - he had the lowest mortality rate  ;D.  To be fair he was also a trauma surgeon with the NHS, and had done a lot of hip and knee replacements and remedials as well.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 22 November, 2016, 09:15:53 am
Went to see the consultant last night. I'd made a list of questions and top of that was, "Is doing nothing an option ?" (It was my preferred approach)
Turns out, it is, and it fitted with his advice.  He quoted some study to back up "watchful waiting approach" and also said that I could expect these to get bigger over time. Its the getting bigger and being a nuisance/in the way  that leads more to surgery rather than pain.

So for now, it back to normal. I'm happy with this outcome. 
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 20 August, 2018, 05:45:50 pm
Thread necromancy

Add me to the list. Saw the practice nurse this lunchtime. Need to go for an ultrasound scan. Then see what happens but probably talk to a surgeon.
She didn't seem at all concerned, which is good. To be honest, the biggest problem I can see is the recovery from any operation. It's not the eight weeks off the bike which would be the trouble but things like lifting our PA, or getting the batteries into and out of the caravan (both rather heavy) which might be awkward.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 13 September, 2018, 06:41:10 pm
From this afternoon's appointment, it seems I'm on this list but don't meet the NHS's newly revised criteria for an operation. I'll have to check work's medical policy tomorrow. If I need an op. (and I'd like to get rid of the discomfort) then it'll need to be this side of Christmas to get proper fit again for PBP.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 13 September, 2018, 06:48:58 pm
I had my ultrasound scan on Tuesday. Definitely surgery, but the message needs to go back to my GP before anything else happens.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 13 September, 2018, 06:50:03 pm
Probably best go private ASAP unless you're happy to resemble a Viz character.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 13 September, 2018, 06:53:05 pm
I assume that was aimed at both of us?

I have already mentioned to my line manager that I might be using the company scheme. Being paying tax on it for 23 years so might as well try to get something back.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 13 September, 2018, 07:04:52 pm
I was replying to LWaB as this was today's post but the same does apply to you.

Seems the NHS is playing games to avoid definitive surgery for anything non life-threatening.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 14 September, 2018, 02:31:42 am
I have no doubt that you will get a hernia repair on the NHS BUT you have no idea who will do the surgery and have no options to check them out.

privately you can find someon who specialises in hernias, takes an interest in them and enjoys them.

Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: tatanab on 14 September, 2018, 07:47:58 am
It's not the eight weeks off the bike which would be the trouble ----
Two weeks for me.  I went private 18 months ago because the NHS wait was 9 months, but with surgeon's holidays etc I still waited 3 months.  My surgeon was a racing cyclist so understood my concerns.  Apart from the op I cycled to every appointment with him, a 20 mile round trip.  Discomfort - I was almost pain free the following day and took advice to go for a walk every day in the couple of weeks before I was allowed to ride.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 14 September, 2018, 08:12:04 am
Good to know that, tatanb. NHS criteria’s for an op was it had to be a double and “much worse than mine” was what I was told (by the consultant I saw privately).  I’m more than 2 years on with mine and the discomfort is still very slight and hasn’t increased.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 31 October, 2018, 07:01:15 pm
Saw the consultant this evening. Going private. Keyhole. Six weeks of no running or cycling, but some of that will be over Christmas as I should be having it done in early December. Both he and the practice nurse with whom this all started have commented about my thinness, which is apparently a help. What six weeks of not being very active will do to that is another question.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 31 October, 2018, 07:13:37 pm
It WILL be Christmas; There WILL be CAKE and pudding and turkey and trimmings.

There WILL be surgery, with pre-operative fasting and possible post-op nausea and lack of appetite. There is also the body's response to injury/surgery, which might result in muscle loss, though a hernia is not usually a major insult.

You are unlikely to get significantly fatter so long as you don't PIG for months.

Take it easy, enjoy your food but don't bust a gut - it's no fun anyway-, concentrate on sensible recovery and hope all goes well for your return to cycling.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 31 October, 2018, 07:33:05 pm
Thanks, Helly.

Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: simonp on 12 November, 2018, 02:18:38 pm
Saw the consultant this evening. Going private. Keyhole. Six weeks of no running or cycling, but some of that will be over Christmas as I should be having it done in early December. Both he and the practice nurse with whom this all started have commented about my thinness, which is apparently a help. What six weeks of not being very active will do to that is another question.

I had a similar comment about lack of subcutaneous fat from my surgeon. Having less to slice through to get to the repair site probably makes life easier.

Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 08 January, 2019, 11:51:55 am
Had the pre-op check yesterday. I know up thread I said it would be done before Christmas but the surgeon was obviously unaware of his calendar.
The only slight issue is that my pulse is lower than the guidelines consider to be ideal at around 50 bpm. The nurse added a comment to say this appeared to be because I was ‘so fit’.  :smug:
The op is next Tuesday evening.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: L CC on 08 January, 2019, 03:30:28 pm
Am I allowed to join in this thread? Apparently mine is special. Spigelian. Meeting the surgeon Monday - Private doesn't cover it for pretty spurious reasons. I was tempted to just pay up - it's selfishness in scheduling (see PBP fitness, above) but can't really justify the dosh (see: selfishness).
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 08 January, 2019, 06:26:56 pm
Having Googled Spigelian that sounds a bit more serious than us chaps and our design flaw.
Hope it all goes well, whenever you manage to get it done.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 15 January, 2019, 02:17:42 pm
The op is next Tuesday evening.
No it’s not. Got a phone call at 11.30 this morning to say they would probably want me in early so I would be a day case and not take up a bed overnight. Then another call at 12.30 to say they couldn’t even do that. Postponed and no idea of when they might be able to rearrange.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 15 January, 2019, 03:18:43 pm
Rats! What a PITA (or belly)!

Hope they reschedule you promptly!
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: L CC on 18 January, 2019, 04:05:33 pm
Having Googled Spigelian that sounds a bit more serious than us chaps and our design flaw.

The surgeon said he didn't want to operate as I'm too fat. That, and it's not unstable enough -it doesn't always pop out on coughing demand. Nor is it terribly clear what's going on, some doubt as to whether it's inguinal, spigelian (as per ultrasound) or possibly at C-section scar site, so laproscopic wouldn't be an option.
(I'm not denying my weight- but it's all thighs & backside, and when I look at some men I know who've had theirs done they must have BMIs up there with mine)

So he says he'll see me again in 'the summer'. No lifting anything for 6 months? really? I'm back at the GP next week for suggestions.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: mark on 21 January, 2019, 08:38:13 pm
Went to an urgent care facility last Wednesday because of some pain in the groin area that was coming and going. They sent me for an ultrasound session, which revealed a small inguinal hernia, no bowel protruding, just fatty tissue. It actually took the ultrasound technician a while to find it. Saw a doctor this morning (actually a physician's assistant, but that's close enough), who told me she would refer me to a surgeon in the next day or two. I was told that it would probably be a laporoscopic procedure, which would be a vast improvement over my last surgery. Meanwhile I've been told that I can engage in whatever physical activity I want, as long as there's no pain.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 12 February, 2019, 10:33:33 pm
Well. ‘tis done. I am lying in my hospital bed feeling a bit sore in places but otherwise fine. MrsC has just gone home for the night.
I am rather expecting to be more sore in the morning but the whole process has been very well organised.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 12 February, 2019, 10:34:35 pm
Wishing you good healing and minimal discomfort!
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: mark on 14 February, 2019, 07:45:34 pm
Mine was done last Wednesday (6 February), post-op visit scheduled for next week. A day or two of discomfort, and I will start bicycling to work again Saturday. Driving to work is not fun.

My share of the cost of this episode comes to just short of US$ 2500, or just short of GBP 2000. I don't think I want to know how much my insurance company is paying out as their share.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 26 March, 2019, 06:21:38 pm
I was told six weeks off the bike (and running and heavy lifting). MrsC would probably have killed me if I'd not followed that advice.
So, tomorrow, I am back on the bike for the first time since November 20th (various reasons, but mostly due to the hernia).
I will report back, if...
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 27 March, 2019, 07:22:37 pm
...I survive.

Which I did. Enjoyed the ride. The only after effects were tired legs. A bit of commuter racing immediately after four months off the bike may not have been the best reintroduction.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 28 March, 2019, 03:32:20 pm
In another corner of the internet we had an OETKB' club.
Old enough to know better...

Any Sensible Person knows you should take it easy at first.

But how often are we sensible?

Glad your ride went OK!
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 11 July, 2019, 08:58:06 am
I was wrong. Ive got 2  >:(
Still in denial a bit despite confirmation from doc. Now begins the glacial process of treatment.  Will look into my private healthcare options. If I'm to be off the bike* id rather it was in jan/feb time.

Doc reckons day surgery, but possibly a general rather than local.  Seems they put some mesh or chicken wire or something in to stop things falling through in future.   
*The 8 week layoff as advised to Skungo is very alarming.

Around 2.5 yrs since diagnosis, and its bothering me a little more recently. I have a bit of a cough which doesnt help, I try to press on it when coughing to stop it bulging out. I'd say from being only slightly noticable, its become a faint ache at times. I cant really see any pattern to it, although I use a walking stick if I'm walking a lot (held on my right) to protect my "bad" l.leg. The tension across my body seems to trigger it a bit.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: bludger on 11 July, 2019, 09:09:42 am
Around 2.5 yrs since diagnosis, and its bothering me a little more recently. I have a bit of a cough which doesnt help, I try to press on it when coughing to stop it bulging out. I'd say from being only slightly noticable, its become a faint ache at times. I cant really see any pattern to it, although I use a walking stick if I'm walking a lot (held on my right) to protect my "bad" l.leg. The tension across my body seems to trigger it a bit.

I would urge you to go back to your GP and demand an operation as soon as you can. If you have to, exaggerate the frequency and intensity of the pain, because it WILL get worse, and when they do finally give you the OK for an operation there will be a 3 month wait at the least.

I made the dreadful mistake of doing as my GP said and 'leaving it', this had the effect of:

Ending a career strand for me (this was when I was 18... I'm that bit older and wiser now to have taken their word as the end of the line but what can you do).

Left me with the infrequent bulging, pain, etc.

The thing finally started to really hurt when I was 25 and out for a walk with my family. We had to call me a taxi and cut the holiday short. It was only then that the NHS gave me a referral for an operation, for which I waited 3 months, and in that time I put a huge amount of weight on because I could no longer row, lift weights, and I began to become depressed.

Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 11 July, 2019, 09:35:58 am
thanks bludger. It sounds like good advice even though its not exactly what I wanted to hear. I have private health care and might initiate a consultation there.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: SteveC on 11 July, 2019, 09:49:52 am
My GP’s attitude changed completely when I mentioned private cover. Getting a hernia done on the NHS is really hard at the moment. As soon as I said I had insurance through work he told me he’d had the same op, how good it had been and so on. Still took six months during which time things deteriorated but all has been fine since then
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: mark on 11 July, 2019, 01:48:38 pm
I was wrong. Ive got 2  >:(
Still in denial a bit despite confirmation from doc. Now begins the glacial process of treatment.  Will look into my private healthcare options. If I'm to be off the bike* id rather it was in jan/feb time.

Doc reckons day surgery, but possibly a general rather than local.  Seems they put some mesh or chicken wire or something in to stop things falling through in future.   
*The 8 week layoff as advised to Skungo is very alarming.

Around 2.5 yrs since diagnosis, and its bothering me a little more recently. I have a bit of a cough which doesnt help, I try to press on it when coughing to stop it bulging out. I'd say from being only slightly noticable, its become a faint ache at times. I cant really see any pattern to it, although I use a walking stick if I'm walking a lot (held on my right) to protect my "bad" l.leg. The tension across my body seems to trigger it a bit.

What bludger said, get it done, the sooner the better. 5 months after my surgery life is far more pleasant, and my symptoms were nowhere near as bad as yours. I gained a bit of weight after the operation, but I've lost that and right now I am physically back to where I was before the symptoms began to present themselves. The day surgery/general anesthetic option worked well for me, better than sitting in a hospital for a few days. If your health insurance requires you to pay part of the cost out of your pocket, do it. It will be money well spent.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 12 August, 2019, 02:25:02 pm
I was wrong. Ive got 2  >:(
Still in denial a bit despite confirmation from doc. Now begins the glacial process of treatment.  Will look into my private healthcare options. If I'm to be off the bike* id rather it was in jan/feb time.

Doc reckons day surgery, but possibly a general rather than local.  Seems they put some mesh or chicken wire or something in to stop things falling through in future.   
*The 8 week layoff as advised to Skungo is very alarming.

Around 2.5 yrs since diagnosis, and its bothering me a little more recently. I have a bit of a cough which doesnt help, I try to press on it when coughing to stop it bulging out. I'd say from being only slightly noticable, its become a faint ache at times. I cant really see any pattern to it, although I use a walking stick if I'm walking a lot (held on my right) to protect my "bad" l.leg. The tension across my body seems to trigger it a bit.

What bludger said, get it done, the sooner the better. 5 months after my surgery life is far more pleasant, and my symptoms were nowhere near as bad as yours. I gained a bit of weight after the operation, but I've lost that and right now I am physically back to where I was before the symptoms began to present themselves. The day surgery/general anesthetic option worked well for me, better than sitting in a hospital for a few days. If your health insurance requires you to pay part of the cost out of your pocket, do it. It will be money well spent.

Appointment to see the guy next month.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 30 October, 2019, 11:03:19 am
Got mine done yesterday.   Seemed to go ok. Recovery starts today :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: bludger on 30 October, 2019, 11:15:05 am
Great news. It is a pain in the arse for a few weeks but having it gone is a life changing improvement. Best wishes for your recovery ;D
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hellymedic on 30 October, 2019, 02:50:16 pm
Great news. It is a pain in the arse for a few weeks but having it gone is a life changing improvement. Best wishes for your recovery ;D

Anatomy was never my strong point... Seems I'm not alone!

Wishing you a smooth recovery!
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 30 October, 2019, 04:08:55 pm
 ;D ;D.  Thanks bludger and helly
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: hbunnet on 30 October, 2019, 04:53:46 pm
I've had both sides done, last one at the end of this summer. In each case I was back to normal in 6 weeks simply by gradually increasing gentle exercise.
Good luck with recovery.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 10 November, 2019, 10:04:44 pm
I had mine (bi-lateral) done via keyhole, and my recovery is going well.  Back at work and out of my stretch "lounge-wear trousers" (thank god) after 1 week. 10 km on the bike after 12 days along the flat.  All seems to be well.  Wont be pushing the cycling but am keen to ensure I can do it to same level as previously.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: bludger on 10 November, 2019, 11:02:19 pm
That's great news, you'll be back to form before you know it.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: DuncanM on 15 November, 2019, 10:12:27 am
I went to the GP yesterday suspecting I had one of these. He couldn't find an inguinal one but thinks I have a femoral one and has referred me. I'm now waiting for a letter. I hope it arrives soon - I had a bowel obstruction 10 years ago and I don't want to go through that again.
The doctor said I could do my normal stuff including riding my bike, but I don't fancy doing CX and jumping back onto the bike landing on that leg, so I think my CX season is over. :( I'll keep riding the turbo though.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: L CC on 27 November, 2020, 11:57:34 am
Back to actual hernias.

UHND don't talk to JCUH so I've had to start again, with ultrasound.

"Does it sometimes go in by itself?" she asked when failing to find an inguinal hernia.

"Yes. Last time they said it was spigelian" I said... so she moved her search and started clicking away for snapshots.

(She then went on to ask why James Cook hadn't operated. "I'm too fat". "oooohhhh, they're waiting for it to strangulate. That's nice for you.")

This latest consultant said it was absolutely fine to do weightlifting or indeed anything, so I have been.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 24 October, 2023, 08:07:36 pm
Another victim!  Came on suddenly and is a sizeable bulge.  My GP didn't seem that interested and asked me if I wanted to do anything about it!  I said I did as it's causing pain.  Reluctantly he referred me for an ultrasound but the wait for that is 10 weeks (and then probably an interminable wait for surgery).

So I booked an appointment at the St John & Lizzies with a hernia consultant & he's sent a stiff letter to my GP telling him to pull his finger our & get scans & bloods done ASAP.  I'm resigned to private surgery and with no insurance the cost is £2000 for open or £4500 for keyhole.  The consultant recommended open surgery, even though I explained how important cycling, running, gym, etc are to me.

What are people's thoughts and experiences about open vs keyhole?  Any feedback very welcome.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 31 October, 2023, 05:56:39 pm
No-one with experience of this?
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 31 October, 2023, 06:11:41 pm
I had keyhole surgery for my double IH.  I didnt experience pain with mine and lived with them for some years before discomfort made me do something about them.
I used my works private healthcare for this and for me it was a pretty easy experience.   It was 4 years ago.  I’d been told I could be left with pain, etc which was quite scary esp as womens botched mesh insert ops in Scotland were in the news at the time.

In the 4 years since I had it done I very infrequently can feel something from the site but mostly, nothing.   
The wound sites all healed, the slowest to heal was the one in my belly button where they pumped in the air.  It took ages but I am a slow healer.  If I was faced with the same choices again now, I’d probably defer it a while longer, but I know memories of the discomfort I felt have faded. I am 59. 

(Open surgery was never discussed as an option for me)
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 31 October, 2023, 06:16:20 pm
Thanks for that - glad you're fully recovered with minimum trouble.  My consultant is recommending open surgery, as apparently do the British Hernia Association for a first-time single-sided inguinal hernia.  My main concern is the recovery time but as I understand it there's only a week or two's difference between the two.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: Rod Marton on 31 October, 2023, 08:11:28 pm
Keyhole surgery for my double IH too. Two small incisions for the meshes and one for the camera. Didn't get the option of open, but this was seven years ago and just before all the issues with meshes. Mostly recovered in a week, certainly in two, occasional twinge afterwards but these have dwindled to nothing. I was told that there was a 2 percent chance of complications, but I was one of the lucky 98 percent.

As an aside, the hernias were probably the result of the 2015 PBP. At least I first discovered them a few weeks afterwards.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 31 October, 2023, 08:20:06 pm
Thanks Rod - interesting.  I'd assumed keyhole was the "modern" way of doing things but not always, apparently.

I'll know more after the consultants have reviewed the ultrasound scan I'm (finally) getting on Thursday.

I think mine has been in the making for a long time.  I've had discomfort (and sometimes a sharp pain) in that side of the groin for years.  I went to my GP 10 years ago who referred me to a specialist who didn't find anything from a prodding inspection.  No scans at the time though which in retrospect was probably an oversight.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: sg37409 on 01 November, 2023, 05:32:58 pm
...the hernias were probably the result of the 2015 PBP. At least I first discovered them a few weeks afterwards.

Interesting.  Do people think that cycling can cause IH's ?
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: howie on 05 November, 2023, 10:44:36 pm
...the hernias were probably the result of the 2015 PBP. At least I first discovered them a few weeks afterwards.

Interesting.  Do people think that cycling can cause IH's ?

I had surgery for an Inguinal Hernia on 03 Nov 23 which ended up being open surgery.  Interestingly I've had this since 2012 and it was definitely the result of High Intensity Interval Training that I was doing back then.  From personal experience, I'd say get an Inguinal Hernia done as soon as possible as mine being large took longer to operate on.   :(  I had a local anesthetic and the procedure seemed to take forever, the surgeon expected it to be an hour and it went on for 1:45 hours.
The hernia was actually not really affected by cycling but it was getting bigger over time.
I think if I have to have any further procedures I'd prefer a regional anaesthetic. 
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 05 November, 2023, 10:55:00 pm
Thanks for that Howie - very useful and hope you heal well.  Have they told you how long the recovery is likely to be and what you can do in terms of exercise or cycling in the interim?

Yes - agreed sooner is better which is why I'm resigned to going private.  I'm having an ultrasound on Wednesday & will take it from there.  The hernia is getting bigger & more painful by the day.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: howie on 05 November, 2023, 11:15:44 pm
Thanks for that Howie - very useful and hope you heal well.  Have they told you how long the recovery is likely to be and what you can do in terms of exercise or cycling in the interim?

Yes - agreed sooner is better which is why I'm resigned to going private.  I'm having an ultrasound on Wednesday & will take it from there.  The hernia is getting bigger & more painful by the day.
You're welcome, the surgeon mentioned similar times to those that I've previously seen on this site (leave strenuous activity until after 6 weeks).

I think times vary depending on your area as I actually delayed this surgery so that it would be this time of year.  There were local practices that offered treatment within a month.   I'm based in Lincolnshire and was given a list of about 10 places where I could get treatment (Website to look at various referral sites).  Might be worth you asking what options if any, you have to get treatment at various different places, I wanted to avoid going to a hospital.

Just to point out my reasoning for wanting the regional anesthetic rather than the local.  I'm very sensitive/ticklish and it felt like I was constantly tensed up during the procedure.  Most people will however be perfectly fine!  ;)

Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 05 November, 2023, 11:21:57 pm
I'm also thinking early winter is the best time so hopefully ready for spring training.  Once the scans are back I'll try and get things moving asap.  I'm in London so hopefully a wide range of options.

Were you NHS or private (and if so the cost if you don't mind me asking)?
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: howie on 06 November, 2023, 12:04:28 am
I'm also thinking early winter is the best time so hopefully ready for spring training.  Once the scans are back I'll try and get things moving asap.  I'm in London so hopefully a wide range of options.

Were you NHS or private (and if so the cost if you don't mind me asking)?
Similar idea to me then.   :)
Mine was on the NHS.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 14 November, 2023, 11:08:49 am
Scans revealed a "large" inguinal hernia as suspected.  I really didn't want to wait around for it to get any worse so I booked in at the St John's and having open surgery tomorrow under general anaesthetic.

I'll be there all day apparently.  Luckily it's the first WC cricket semi-final tomorrow so that should keep me diverted pre/post surgery  ;D

How's the recovery going, howie?

EDIT:  I was in from 7am-8pm cause of the general anaesthetic.  Went well apparently but time will tell.  In quite a bit of pain/discomfort ATM but saving the Tramadol for if it gets bad (surgeon mentioned days 2-3 could be the worst).  Maintenence-level paracetamol/IB for now.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: howie on 19 November, 2023, 09:10:24 pm
Scans revealed a "large" inguinal hernia as suspected.  I really didn't want to wait around for it to get any worse so I booked in at the St John's and having open surgery tomorrow under general anaesthetic.

I'll be there all day apparently.  Luckily it's the first WC cricket semi-final tomorrow so that should keep me diverted pre/post surgery  ;D

How's the recovery going, howie?

EDIT:  I was in from 7am-8pm cause of the general anaesthetic.  Went well apparently but time will tell.  In quite a bit of pain/discomfort ATM but saving the Tramadol for if it gets bad (surgeon mentioned days 2-3 could be the worst).  Maintenence-level paracetamol/IB for now.

Sorry for the delay, all is well here.  About 10 days after the op the pain stopped completely, the bruising had gone and the swelling in the scar area has reduced.
I have just started doing longer walks now to try and get some fitness back (Op was on 03 Nov).  I'm looking at sorting out my e-bike to see what gentle cycling is like.

How about you?
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 19 November, 2023, 09:33:40 pm
Glad to hear you're pain free, howie  :thumbsup: 

I'm still suffering a bit but only day 4 so to be expected.  I only used the tramadol on day 2 so just paracetamol and ibuprofen ATM.  What's new to me is the combo of pain types - the constant background dull ache you can get used to but any sudden movement brings on a nasty sharp stabbing.  Coughing and laughing are definitely a bad idea  ;D
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: howie on 19 November, 2023, 10:12:40 pm
toontra,
Good to hear.  I forgot to mention take lactulose before the op, as that 1st movement can be troublesome.  Sorry didn't want to make you laugh...
Everything seems to be connected to the nether regions regarding the different pain types.   :-[ ;D
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 19 November, 2023, 10:20:32 pm
Everything seems to be connected to the nether regions regarding the different pain types.   :-[ ;D

Indeed!

I was certainly relieved (in all senses) when the Dulcolax worked its magic on D3  ;D
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 13 December, 2023, 01:07:04 pm
Update 4 weeks in.  I'm still completely numb over a significant area of the groin around the incision.  I can feel something internally but no longer painful - just mildly discomforting.  It's probably a helpful reminder to take it easy.  I've actually had quite a bit of testicular pain on that side which was worrying but today that seems to have lessened - hopefully will resolve over time.

I've been rigorous in restricting my activities.  Nothing other than building up walking to longer distances and no lifting of anything other than a bag of shopping.  Being off the bike for a month has meant I've had to experience all the wonders of public transport - i.e. allow 3 times longer to get anywhere  ;D.  I'm going to test out an easy session on the trainer tomorrow.
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: howie on 15 December, 2023, 09:46:09 pm
Update 4 weeks in.  I'm still completely numb over a significant area of the groin around the incision.  I can feel something internally but no longer painful - just mildly discomforting.  It's probably a helpful reminder to take it easy.  I've actually had quite a bit of testicular pain on that side which was worrying but today that seems to have lessened - hopefully will resolve over time.
That sounds similar to me, each day things have got much better, and it's only occasionally that I'm reminded that I had surgery.  It sounds like you are on the mend though now.  :thumbsup:


I've been rigorous in restricting my activities.  Nothing other than building up walking to longer distances and no lifting of anything other than a bag of shopping.  Being off the bike for a month has meant I've had to experience all the wonders of public transport - i.e. allow 3 times longer to get anywhere  ;D.  I'm going to test out an easy session on the trainer tomorrow.
I'm going for a ride for the 1st time tomorrow since my surgery 6 weeks ago today.  My club is running their mince pie run, so it should be a gentle ride although I'm taking my E-bike.  I think I'll be using Zwift for quite a bit over Christmas.   ;)
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 15 December, 2023, 09:52:03 pm
Good to hear, howie.   :thumbsup:

Things have improved significantly for me in the last couple of days which has cheered me up a lot.  So much so I did a short Rouvy session on the trainer this afternoon and it felt fine.  I'm going to build up the indoor cycling for another couple of weeks and then start short outside rides in the new year.

Gym weights sessions can wait another few weeks though  ;)
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: TimO on 13 January, 2024, 07:25:00 pm
Over 12 years after I had mine done, which was keyhole, I've never noticed it since!

I walked home from the hospital, never used the painkillers they gave me, but did avoid cycling for quite a while, as I was advised. I've been cycling ever since then, and never had anything noticeable which I could attributed to the hernia or the surgery.

I think I had as good an outcome as is possible. :)
Title: Re: Inguinal Hernia
Post by: toontra on 13 January, 2024, 07:56:36 pm
I guess it depends of size and location, along with the type of procedure.  I had something the size of an egg protruding from my groin.  I suspect it had been developing for many years as I'd had sharp pain in that region for a long time and had a couple of hospital visits to investigate but was never scanned to see exactly what was going on, so it was spotted late and required open surgery with fairly extensive external scarring which I assume is permanent (not an issue).

I'm no longer in pain but I'm certainly aware that I have something (mesh/scarring) in my groin, especially when making certain movements.  Hopefully this will lessen over time.