Last Updated on February 15, 2015 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
You had to know I was going to document this.
I actually contemplated, for a minute or two, the fact that chronicling my umbilical hernia surgery might be what is considered “too” much information for a running and adventure blog. But here’s the thing: human bodies malfunction all of the time. In fact with all of the intricacies of the human body, combined with all of the abuse we put them through, it’s a wonder to me that they don’t fail more often. Faced with what I was assured was a pretty common surgery, I was surprised at how few first hand experiences I found published on the web. And I found it near impossible to find first hand experiences from those who were in a similar situation as me (active, hoping to return to being active as soon as possible). So while no two surgeries or situations will be identical, here is my story.
(Also there are pictures. You’ve been warned.)
A little back info for those new here: I gained quite a bit of weight with pregnancy #2 (over 70 lbs to be exact) causing a diastasis between the left and right side of my abdominal wall. At some point, nearly 6 years later, an umbilical hernia appeared between that diastasis. I have no idea exactly how or when it happened, but it caused a great deal of discomfort, and inhibited both my own training and my career as a personal trainer, so it needed to be fixed. The doctors agreed, and after all of the basic pre-op appointments, lab work, and paperwork, we have arrived at surgery day.
Surgery morning: I won’t lie, initially I was convinced that the worst part of this whole ordeal was fasting after midnight, yet not having to be at the hospital to check in for surgery at 10:00 am the next morning. Breakfast is my most important meal of the day (not to mention my favorite) and I had to look the other way to prevent dry heaving from hunger while pulling through the Dunkin Donuts drive through line while grabbing Geoffrey a coffee before heading to the hospital.
Checking into the hospital was easier than I had anticipated. Any initial fears or nerves I had were instantly quelled by the amazing surgery staff. The nurses joked that I was there for a spa treatment, but their “jokes” didn’t feel too far from the truth. After ushering me into a tiny pre-op room, they doted on me, especially one particular nurse named Lucy. After stripping down to the standard backless hospital gown and non slip socks, I was cocooned with warmed blankets fresh out of some sort of heater, making sure I was comfortable.
The nurses ran down the list of pre surgery questions while applauding me for stellar blood pressure, lungs, and the lack of any current medications. Three cheers for running! The I.V. was placed quickly and painlessly in my left wrist, and the fluids began their cold trickle into my veins.
Eventually the surgeon came in to mark me up. While poking at my hernia and holding the standard “connect the dots” purple surgical marker, he asked me how attached I was to my belly button piercing. “Not at all” I informed him. In fact, the piercing has not seen jewelry in over 8 years, since my oldest son was born. “If you want to get rid of it all together, I’d be OK with that” I jokingly replied, adding “my belly button frowns”. The surgeon paused and said in all seriousness “I can do that for you. Do you want me to do that for you?”
“Yes. Yes please, that would be fantastic.” I knew this wasn’t a plastic surgeon and I wasn’t here for a makeover, but hell, anything might help at this point. I try to not concern myself with other people’s thoughts on my appearance, but running in simply a sports bra is something I’ve been too ashamed to do; the damage to my skin from two pregnancies hasn’t been pretty. After a few marks, and some hilarious remarks regarding post surgery laxatives, the surgeon said he’d be seeing me soon, and headed out of the room.
(Incase you didn’t gather by the above conversation, my surgery was NOT to be laparoscopic. My surgeon felt that the recurrence rate of the hernia with a laparoscopic surgery was higher, specifically with the type of mesh used for the herniorrhaphy)
Next up was the anesthesiologist, who gave me another run down of similar questions, asked me if I was OK with being completely knocked out (yes please), and before I knew it, I was climbing from my warm cozy spa chair onto a stretcher in the hallway. A quick kiss from Geoff and I was being wheeled down the hallway.
The anesthesiologist, who was behind me, was telling me that he had added the medicine to my IV that would put me to sleep, and I’d be feeling it’s effects shortly. I expected these effects to happen immediately, especially since the nurses had told me that most people don’t even remember the trip on the stretcher to the operating room, but they did not. We wheeled down a few hallways, and eventually ended up in a surgical room.
The OR was very big and sterile looking, filled with lots of metal, and hardly resembled the Hollywood operating rooms we so often see on TV. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this wasn’t it. The nurse announced the time: 11:08 am. I looked up at the ceiling and could only see two huge sets of lights, that weren’t yet turned on. The lights had a metallic rainbow hue to them. They almost looked like they were made of the inside of polished abalone shells. I suddenly became very convinced that they were indeed shells. “What a ridiculous, silly hospital!” I thought to myself. “Using ABALONE shells for medical lights? This is nonsense!” I may have actually said that out loud.
And then I woke up in a completely different room.
Though I was alone in my curtained off area, I was instantly aware of where I was and what was going on. The only logical explanation was that my surgery was over, and I was in some sort of recovery room. The women on the other side of the curtain from me was clearly in a lot of pain, as she was groaning. I on the other hand, was completely comfortable, other than the fact that I felt like I had chewed on the left side of my cheek. Was this hernia surgery or a dentist trip? A nurse caught sight of my open eyes and came in to check on me. I must have mumbled something about my face, because the next thing I knew she was scooping ice chips into my mouth.
Eyes open. Eyes closed. Eyes open. Eyes closed. As I dozed in and out I couldn’t help but become aware of how the women next to me still sounded miserable. I felt really bad for her, for I was not miserable. Not at all. Eyes fully open now. Eventually a nurse reached under my gown and pulled off all of the sticky EKG nodes and even though I was still in a daze, I knew that meant I was doing all right. Once they stop caring about your wave patterns, you must be in the clear. Sorry lady on the other side of the curtain, I’m out of here!
Lucy, the sweet nurse from pre-op, appeared and I was thankful to see a familiar face. She wheeled me back into another, larger room, the “suite” she joked. Geoff came in. The anesthesia wore off, and discomfort quickly settled in. The toradol placed through the IV came next, taking away the pain with it. I felt awake, alert, and seriously lacking any pain. The surgeon reappeared and told me everything went well. I used the bathroom, got dressed, even called my mother (who seemed incredibly shocked to hear from a relatively coherent me, at least I think I was coherent), and was sent on my way home. Though 6 hours had passed since the time we walked in the hospital doors, the day felt like it went by in the blink of an eye. It couldn’t be that easy, could it?
It wasn’t .
The next 12 hours are a blur of laying on the couch in our living room and a haze of oxycodone and ibuprofen. And at 2:00 am when I woke up out of very fitful sleep, overdue for both meds, I felt the full ramifications of having your abdomen cut open. It hurt. A lot. You really don’t realize how much you use your core until suddenly the tiniest contraction of any core muscle brings shooting pain.
Lesson #1. Do not let up on the prescribed pain medication dosing schedule.
I’m so thankful for my amazing family for stepping up to take care of me, for even shifting pillows under my head brought on shooting pain. The adoration I feel for these people is obvious, but the oxycodone makes me want to publically and enthusiastically declare my love for everyone and everything…I feel overwhelmed with happiness. Not a side effect I was expecting, nor one mentioned in the small novel that comes with prescription pain killers. I find it hilarious none the less.
24 hours post op: I find myself frustrated laying on the couch and already sick of feeling “loopy” from the meds. It’s one thing when you are trying to sleep at night, but feeling drugged up mid day when I feel like I could be getting work done on the computer has left me less than thrilled. My amazing mother in law reminds me that less than 24 hours ago my body was put through a slight bit of trauma: it might be time to lay off the self imposed guilt trip, take the pain pills, and relax already. She’s right.
I don’t like taking the meds, but I do, and doze most of the day. With a pillow held tightly over my abdomen. Trust me, it helps.
36 hours post op: I can’t get over how swollen my abdomen is. I’ve gained 7 lbs since the morning of the surgery, I can conclude with 99% authority that this is all fluids, both IV introduced and swelling from the trauma of surgery. Either way, I feel like I have a growth coming out of my stomach, and it hurts. The simple act of adjusting my position on the couch – never mind getting up off of the couch – feels near impossible. Ice, more pain pills, back to the couch.
Swollen torso, 24 hours post surgery
48 hours post op: I wake up after an entire 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. After the previous night’s sleep being so interrupted, I’m pleasantly surprised. Though there is still pain, it is not overwhelming. I feel worlds better already. I take this opportunity to remove the bandage and take a shower (both suggested by the doctor between the 24 and 48 hour mark). Though I’m not squeamish in the slightest, I’m shocked at how the act of pulling the bandage off makes me want to pass out. I make Geoff hover around me, just incase I do pass out.
My belly button looks …terrifying. But I realize that swelling and stitches are certainly not indicative of the final outcome, and regardless, the final outcome was supposed to be a fixed hernia, aesthetics a mere afterthought, end of story.
Deep breaths.
(WARNING: Graphic picture below. Stop reading now if you are easily grossed out by the human body)
(I’m serious.)
Incredibly bloated and sore, approx. 68 hours post umbilical hernia surgery. You can still see the bump where mesh was placed, about an inch over the top of the stitching.
I also take this opportunity to start chugging some mirilax and caffeine. Everyone from seasoned hospital visitors to the doctor himself warned me about the binding properties of narcotics & anesthesia. Combine that with a core that doesn’t want to be engaged due to surgery, and let’s not tiptoe around the subject: pooping does not come easy. Or at all for that matter.
Feeling stir crazy, already, I decide to take a walk to the mailbox. 50 yards in each direction, 100 yards round trip. Holding my core tight while simultaneously trying not to over engage it causes extreme fatigue, pretty damn fast. Deep breaths hurt. I laugh at how hard this is, so much harder than I ever anticipated, and take my place back on the couch.
72 hours post op: Though the incision is still painful, I can get up off of the couch much easier and without assistance. I had hoped to go back to work today, but mother nature and ANOTHER blizzard decided that I’d stay home another day. I suppose it’s for the best; I absolutely suck at sitting still and would likely do something I would later regret. I’m thankful for the coworker who changed his plans last minute to cover my shift, and I’m frustrated at Geoff for lecturing me on even attempting to go to work. Even though I know he’s right.
I find myself extremely tired despite the constant rest, and I find myself getting frustrated over the fact that I’m so tired. So I lecture myself. No Heather, you are not feeling tired because you’ve been lazy, you are feeling tired because your body is healing. LET IT HEAL, DAMNIT!
I’m bored already. I’m sure no one is surprised. One day of rest is easy. Two days, welcomed. But once you hit 4 days of couch surfing, when you are used to being on the go all of the time, well it’s hard. So I write this blog post instead. I don’t mean to come across ungrateful, for I am thankful beyond words for my body AND to have the opportunity to have this issue corrected. But writing feels more productive than another game of candy crush or episode of mindless television. So I write prescription drug inspired blog posts instead.
There will be more coherent thoughts once we reach the 168 hour marker (that’s one week post op) but now, it’s simply rambles. So if you’ve come here looking for advice on what to expect post hernia surgery, this is what I’ve got for you so far: learn to enjoy your couch.
Rest , rest, rest, rest. That’s what I’ll continue doing for the next few days. I promise I’m behaving.
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
Running Unplugged
So hard to do, but so important. Rest up, mama 🙂
Heather
So true! Thanks mama! 🙂
Juliet Emmerson
Just came across your blog thanks after having this op in the UK on Thu. Still in pain. It has helped. Thanks
Did you get the shape back after.Mune looks awful right now.
Heather Hart, ACSM EP-C
Hey Juliet! I did indeed! I’ve run 2 more 100 mile ultramarathons, and countless other ultras, trail races, adventure races, etc. Being super patient with my recovery after my second surgery was the key piece to my healing journey. Hang in there, it gets better!
Bilques
I am due for my surgery on dec 16
Tiffiny
I am coming up on day 6 of my umbilical hernia repair and bellybutton repair.
I can’t think of the words. I wish I would have come across your post before my surgery. I currently still need help here and there, picking things up from the floor is still a nono for me. I cannot bend to pick anything up yet. I do have grippers that have helped. Everything you mentioned is 100%.
phoeben9
First off, your “terrifyingly bloated abdomen” is still smaller than mine on a good day (i.e. when I am doing a combination of laying down, sucking in, and with my eyes closed so I am just imagining what my torso looks like lol!) – your post-surgery look is still fantastic 🙂 I’m a “bad recover-er” as well – one or two days rest, ok. Any more than that I am trying to do things I was told not to because it can’t be that bad…like standing for a shower or walking to a mailbox. Just be sure to give your body as much rest as you can, and know that you’ll be back at it before long! Glad that the surgery went well, and I hope we run into each other again at another midwest-type event one of these days (Mud Guts and Glory, OCRWC, etc)!
Heather
Thank you for the kind words. It’s always terrifying to see your body in stitches no matter what! I’m reluctantly on the couch right now. I keep thinking bigger picture. Recover recover recover 🙂
Danielle
I have just had mine done this morning I’m not in much pain yet only my throat where the tubes where any advice when the pain relief where’s off and btw u have healed very good and such a brave thing to do going into surgery I walked out so many times after hearing I may lose my belly button ! Thankfully I didn’t xx
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
Glad to hear you are up and about and recovering. Hope it is a speedy one. You are strong and you will bounce back quickly. Prob could have done without the last pic while I was eating breakfast LOL!!
Katie (@momslrb)
oh man Heather. That looks painful but, like you, the mental piece of rest sounds as excruciating. Hang in there! It’s worth it!
M.A. Donohue (@BrooklynFitChik)
Wow-I wish you a speedy recovery!!!
Maddy
How long before swelling goes down? I look pregnant and I’m surely not. Just had surgery yesterday.
AJ @ NutriFitMama
That looks like no fun BUT the final outcome should be worth it for sure! Feel better!
Heather
Thanks AJ! 🙂
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
First of all, this is your blog, so never feel like you need to apologize for documenting something, no matter how graphic it may be. If people don’t want to read, then they can move on. Clearly, this surgery is a huge part of your life now, and will hopefully alleviate your discomfort in the long run. Here’s to a speedy recovery!
katemovingforward
Goodness, girl! Hope you are feeling better soon. Rest, rest, rest!
carmyy
Oh my goodness! That looks painful ): Rest up!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus
So happy to hear the surgery went well. Resting gets boring FAST, but it’s necessary. Find a good show, and the time will fly :). Keep on healing and you’ll be back to normal in no time!
Heather
Thank you Nicole!
Janice @ Fitness Cheerleader
Wow! My little brother had two hernia operations (inguinal) and I didn’t realise he had gone through so much. I was a typical bratty big sister and I suddenly feel the urge to apologise to him even though that was like 25 years ago. Rest up and take care of yourself – you will be back on the obstacle course soon enough. Cheers!
Heather
Hahaha! Don’t worry Janice, sisters and brothers are SUPPOSED to give each other hell. That’s how we make each other stronger 😉
Rachel @RunningRachel
Oh OUCH!! I am glad that the surgery was a success and you are healing and resting well. I look forward to following your healing and progress post surgery. <3
Heather
Thanks Rachel! Hope to post a week update on Friday. As for now…still sitting, still resting. LOL
MCM Mama Runs (@mcmmama)
I know you don’t appreciate it, but yay for a storm that forced you to take it easy. Let your body heal. You’ll have plenty of time to workout once your body is 100%,
Patty @ Reach Your Peak
Wow wishing you a speedy recovery! My friend had a similar surgery where they had to cut in through her abdomen…the hard part for her was that she didn’t know they were going to do that (they said they’d do it laproscopically but due to complications while already on the surgical table they had to cut), so she woke up and was shocked. I remember her telling me she was really bloated and felt huge too, and almost like her insides were “readjusting” and moving around…the human body is a crazy thing! But it also heals up pretty quick and you’ll be back in no time. Best of luck!!
sandralaflamme
So glad you made it through your surgery. The recovery can be the hardest part. Take it easy though as it is best to not overdo it or your body will be mad at you. I had a laparotomy to remove large ovarian cysts when I was pregnant and the recovery was horrible, definitely keeping ahead of the pain with required meds is key. Take it easy. You will be back and better than new in no time!
Heather
Thanks for the kind words and reassurance Sandra! It’s so great to know that other athletes have gone through similar things, and know the pain (boredom) of recovery!
fitmomintraining
I’ve had three c-sections. I totally know your pain. After the third, I figured I’d never recover and be normal again. 5 months later, I don’t remember the pain (too much). Mangled stomach is a good enough reminder. Hang in there!
Heather
All I keep thinking of is how women do this ALL of the time with C-sections. It’s pretty miserable! I feel for you ladies!
Christine
So glad that everything went OK and you are back home resting and recovering. Rest up. I’m trying to prepare myself for being in a similar situation post-shoulder surgery. Oy! Here’s to speedy healing!
Heather
Thanks Christine! As much as my mind hates the rest, I’m sure my body is loving it 😉 When is your surgery scheduled for?
jillconyers
I hated getting rid of my belly button piercing. A surgeon refused to do the surgery unless I removed it. So annoying. Why wouldn’t he just let me cover it up with a big bandage?
Speedy recovery my friend!
Heather
So I have an earring in part of my cartilage (rook) that doesn’t come out. The nurses had to put a ton of tape around it. I asked why, and they explained that in an instance where they must use a cauterizing machine, everything needs to be grounded, and metal jewelry might affect that. I had no idea!
Ashley
Has your stomach gone back to how it looked before surgry?
Heather
Yes and no…the swelling and bruising is gone, but obviously the hernia is no longer sticking out, and the belly button is different due to the incision. I plan to post an updated picture at the one month mark, so stay tuned!
Danielle Lundberg
What does it look like Now?
Danielle Lundberg
Ok I have This surgery in a couple of weeks and your blog freaked me out. Is it worth it to get rid of the painful hernia? Does it look better now? Can you see the mesh? Does it go away? Am I going to be able to go to class the next day? Please post a photo soon..
Heather
Hi Danielle. I will post an updated pic/blog post soon…hopefully next week. Yes, it’s worth it to get rid of the hernia. A hernia will never go away on its own, and can indeed become life threatening if it becomes impinged. Aesthetically, it is noticeable, but keep in mind I didn’t have a laparoscopic surgery, I had a full incision. I have a scar, and yes you can see the mesh. But as a fitness professional, vanity wasn’t worth the fact that I wasn’t able to do my normal routine, both with my clients and in my own training. As far as class the next day, I wasn’t able to really get off the couch for the first 48 hours, it was painful, so I would say no. I had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to work for just a few hours on Tuesday. I am now back to training hard and feel back to new!
Serina
I’m going to have the same surgery done on july 16 thank you for this post it helps to know what to expect.
Al
I just had laproscopic umbillical hernia surgery on Thursday. 50 year young male, US Marine vet and also very active. I have already attempted too much. Ouch! Thanks for your wisdom. I surrender to resting.
Jen
I greatly appreciate all of your umbilical hernia posts. I am a runner. And I am
four days post-op. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Rebecca Creech
Awesome thanks. I just had unbilical hernia repair l prosciutto I guess, because I also had gallbladder removed at smell time. It’s next day and I’m so very sore. C hardly move. Thought it would be better today but hurts worse I believe. Thanks for filling us in on your experience.
Holly
Thank you so much for sharing your story. Im 24 hours post op for same deal and WOW does it hurt way more than i was expecting! Of course im plotting my return to to my fitness but sounds like a long road back. Do you notice a restriction in your flexibility now that you are healed?
Kayleigh
Day 5 after surgery and still sore and swollen but it’s definitely worth getting it fixed and 5 weeks left off work just remember to take meds they really do help with the pain and as for getting in and out of bed and on and off the sofa in the first few days it really does hurt as with getting in and out of the bath and the pressure u get from taking off the dressings is a slight relief x
Amanda burney
Thank you very much for writing your story. It’s difficult to get realistic information about surgeries. You have provided a timeline and that’s quite helpful. Also, your advice about keeping upbwiyhnpain media schedule. Thanks again!
Jonathan E
Hello All , I am almost 48 hours post umbilical hernia surgery. I must say at 6’3″ 220lbs the procedure has humbled me. I never realized I would be this weak. Nonetheless, all of your comments and replies have softened the blow of having to be laided up for awhile. My two year old is so disappointed I can’t lift her
Mary
Thank you. For all if this. I have surgery scheduled for 3 days from now. I’m worried about all of it. Chronic pain and issues with the mesh mostly. Returning to work quickly, returning to weight lifting quickly, taking care of my 5yr old, etc. I have no clue what my stomach will look like after all of this, or how I’ll feel. This post was soooo helpful. Please continue updates. Would like to know if you have any chronic pain or even slight discomfort. Thank you!!!!
-scared to death
Monique
Hi! I’m scheduled to have surgery soon to fix my umbilical hernia as well. I had a big baby and gained 60 pounds! I did end up having a c section so I’m thinking that after having that this procedure should be a piece of cake. The only thing I’m worried about if not being able to lift my daughter for 4 to 6 weeks..? Do you have any experience with that? She’s two and I’m thinking how can I NOT pick her up!?
Thank you!
Laura Gastelum
Ok, im now really scared ! Ill be getting this surgery as well and now im terrified, i have 6 month old TWINS and im the only one that takes care of them and i also breastfeed, it seems that ill be going thru hell during that week, i hope for a soon recovery
Cheri
Thanks for the info. I am having surgery Monday morning for repairing 2 hernias caused from gallbladder surgery 3 months ago. I sure hope this will make me feel better in one week
Robyn
Thank you so much for this post. I just had umbilical hernia surgery on Monday, and it helps so much knowing others have gone through this also. How are things for you now? Any wisdom on ab workouts post surgery? I’m fearful of hurting the area again, but really want to strengthen my core. I’m an athlete as well- cross-country skier and runner.
James Tongilava
Great Blog , just had the same procedure done this morning. Here couch surfing lol wondering if anyone else had the same experience. Thanks for the tips much appreciated.
Chris Herring
I am going tomorrow to have the same surgery. Mine will be done with a DaVinci machine. Strange thing is that my doctor said that this way would provide a larger mesh to have less likelyhood of reoccurrence. The opposite of what your doctor told you. Thank you for telling your story. I now have some idea of what to expect.
James Tongilava
It’s almost been a month since surgery I feel great . I feel 100% but doctor says not to push myself to hard to soon. Hope your surgery went well good luck!
Leslie
Thanks so much for posting your experience. This is the only blog I found sharing a personal story. I just had my umbilical hernia surgery yesterday and it has definitely knocked me off my feet. Almost as bad or worse than my two c- sections although I was in the newborn haze back then…I’m a 37 yo mom of 2 young boys who loves working out as well and I’m hoping the pain goes away soon!!
Miranda robinson
Wanted to thank you for sharing your story. I am a 30 year old momma of 4 boys.. 11,9,7, and 5. So I’m very busy and always on the go with them. I go for surgery Thursday and scared beyond belief..(I don’t take any pain very well) I know everyone is different on pain but I jus hope this all flies by. Again. Thank you for the heads up on things to be aware of. I watch too much Saving Hope (my favorite TV show, ) to not be nervous 🙁 thank u and I know u have helped so many others calm down before and after surgery as well.
Xilvhia
Hello , I had umbilical hernia surgery also 6 weeks ago now , did they put a mesh for your repair or just sew together with stitches?
Jacqui
Yes I had a umbillical keyhole surgery procedure and had just codeine and paracetamol. I was in agony and couldn’t hardly move during the night. I managed to get on the commode but it was torture. I had to take ibuprofen too. After 48hrs it eased. I’m 4 weeks nearly now and still can’t lift anything or bend well. The swelling tummy has gone down but can still feel the mesh at times. My tummy looks better though. I’m 44 post 3 babies plus nursing for 20yrs.
marierunsdc
I know this is over a year old but thank you for posting about your recovery. I had umbilical hernia repair with mesh last Tuesday (3 days ago) and it was nice to read about someone else experience. The part about being restless made me laugh. I made Thanksgiving dinner 2 days post-op. I have to keep reminding myself that I just had surgery and I need to slow down.
Brian
Thanks for sharing your story! Hope your doing much better too! I get to experience the same for myself Dec. 15. 2016. Very well written also. Thank you , just the moral boost I needed!
Julie
I got my surgery on Fri still in a lot of pain really bloated
Charles Nielsen
Thanks for writing this. I had the same operation yesterday. This is a lot more information than I received at the hospital. Now I know that I have another day of pretty bad pain. Then things are going to be better. Thanks again.
Charlie
Kyong Jenkins
Hey heather glad that your healing. I just had my surgery May 16th and the pain is still there day 5!! Any advice would be appreciated!!!! I just want the pain to go away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gloria Pittman
thanks for your entertaining and informative post. My hub just had the same thing a week and half ago and he’s still very exhausted. did your tiredness/weakness last that long?
Keys Jackson
I am having this surgery in a week. Did you have to take it easy pre-surgery? I;m looking for a couple days off from work. Also did they remove any stomach fat (free lipo) for you?
Heather
I did not take it easy pre surgery, and no…no lipo. That would have been awesome, haha.
Nitika
Hiya, I have just had my umbilical hernia operation a week ago and look about 4 months pregnant still! Please tell me it goes! I am so worried! From your experience, how long does the swelling take to subside? Have seen some pretty scary posts on google where women have said he swelling stays!?
Heather
Hi Nitika! I’m about 4 weeks post surgery today and my swelling is about 95% gone. It took a while, but no, it’s not staying!
Evelynblake
Brilliant blog- I’m waiting for my surgery ( any day/ week to come) THANKYOU for sharing
Miriam Udosenata
Made the decision to do this surgery, too- my back pain and hip pain is most likely linked to my umbilical hernia/diastasis despite consistent core work. You’re right about there not being much out there to read about – hoping this won’t keep e off my feet for long, Boston training starts soon!
Chris Daigle
Had umbilical hernia surgery 2 weeks ago, doc said 6 weeks recovery. No pain but now i think it didnt work. My belly button is starting to poke out again and im very frustrated and concerned about it. Its killing me sitting around not doing anything after i just lost 32lbs bc of health reasons and this surgery. Im praying everything is ok bc I cannot afford to miss anymore work. Glad your doing great, hope i end up the same
Bobp
A lovely helpful guide of what to expect. As a “mere”male I underwent the same operation 2 days ago and was not expecting the first few days to be so bad. Very relieved that your descriptions show me to not be the exception and a pathetic 63 year old! Wouldn’t it be good if hospitals made such experiences available to their patients as a matter of course?
Dawn
Thank you for this getting surgery tomorrow
Heidi Shaw
Thank you for that very informative bit of info. I undergo that very same surgery tomorrow afternoon. Im hoping for the best..
Carla H.
I am thoroughly enjoying your blog post!!! I am having surgery to repair a hernia that has returned and I am happy your recovery has gone as well as it has!
Sydney
Oh my god thank you. This is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I’m 20 hrs post op umbilical open hernia surgery. 36, mother of 2 (4 and 1), very active, lift weights, high energy, and in way more pain than I expected right now. I did not expect this pain level and what you described is spot on. Very painful and bloated. I absolutely cannot even position my self in the bed and am on the sofa. Way better. My husband has to help do everything right now and kids are at grandparents. Thank you for writing your drug induced post on the first 72hr. I really appreciate it! Hopefully you will see this post 5 yrs later!
Amy
I am a day and a half post op from having an umbilical hernia and 2 groin hernias repaired all at once with the robot. I have 2 daughters that are 4 and 1 and can’t understand why I don’t want to play. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m already tired of laying around and feeling loopy so I’m glad to see it’s normal.
Manju Salil
Hi Heather
Got operated for Umbilical hernia 3 weeks back.Could you recommend the kind of exercises I can start off with and how do I progress through?
Jackie Martin
Thanks for sharing. I like you have the same type of hernia. After a long night in the ER i see the surgeon tomorrow. Looking forward to getting this fixed. Thanks for sharing what to expect. Hope you are feeling great today! Right behind ya sista!!
Yvette
Was your Diastisis ever fixed? If so, how?
Oyuny
Well darn. I just had my third baby. My OB said he would refer me to a hernia dr after birth. It’s been a week after birth and my hernia is hurting. Now that I read this though. I’m staring to think I won’t be able to get surgery till a year or something. I’m breastfeeding and having a tiny human who depends on you for food this much right now. It’s probably a bad idea to get surgery now. Makes me sad but hopeful that soon this will be fixed. I just have to wait a bit longer.
Jill
Thank you. This was so helpful! 24 hrs after surgery.