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[Transcendant]

I just got back from an inguinzl hernia repair operation.

So far, still numb as can be from general anesthetic, local anesthetic, and pain killers. First time it hasn't hurt since it happened.

Ice packs and elevation, somewhat preemptively, for the inevitable and unenviable swelling.  Rather, that's what I'm worried about, especially in a very ... tender anatomical area.

To avoid the swelling and bruising, I'm elevating my legs just a bit on a pillow, as well as.... it (I'm just speaking medically) with a washcloth that sometimes holds a gel icepack.

My understanding is the reason that can swell up after a surgery, is that fluid finds its lowest point... I'm hoping if it's at least a little elevated, that won't be as much?

I'm hoping this goes well. Thank you.

[Transcendant]

local is wearing off o god.... moved my leg, felt dizzy and nausous. like a knife

[Khan Boyzitbig]

Keep close to something that can take your weight if you decide to move around much. Good luck and try and keep your mind off things (unless a doctor/other medical professional has told you to keep an eye on something).

[Transcendant]

Thank you.

Jesus, is it supposed to feel like stabbing with slight movement?

Called nurse. She said IBprophen until my scheduled opiod dose: I believe hydrocodone? Not sure.

[Transcendant]

Wow, I guess some blood may come from the incision on an inguinal hernia repair (open not laproscopic.... Same thing with pretty bad pain from the incision cite.

I can't walk so much as kinda shuffle while keeping all weight on one foot. Called the surgeon's office, got the answering service, and a call back for pain, bleeding, and surgery question....

She said this is more common than I might think and that it may actually be worse tomorrow. She also noted I could either take pain meds every 4 hours instead of every 6 or just take 2 every 6 hours. If things get bad, then use ER.... Very surprised actually. I get that it's outpatient (they want everything to be), but I just called about this, witch I was supposed to call about.... "The first few days are bad and may be worse tomorrow." Wow.

[Pancakes]

My goodness I hope you recover well. This isn't doctoral advice or anything, but I would make sure to drink lots of water to help with recovery, I know that whenever I've been hurt bad the extra water helps me not only recover quicker, but also helps my spirits a bit.

[Transcendant]

My goodness I hope you recover well. This isn't doctoral advice or anything, but I would make sure to drink lots of water to help with recovery, I know that whenever I've been hurt bad the extra water helps me not only recover quicker, but also helps my spirits a bit.

I really do appreciate that a lot thank you.

Walking somewhat improved now with cane, but we'll just say ... digestion incomplete.... This is an issue. Thankfully no "personal anatomy" swelling due to liberal ice application. That is a legit worry though.

You guys really ... use proper lifting mechanics.... You really want to trust me on this one. I didn't do anything wrong and still .... Would've been worse if I hadn't.

[nenjin]

You guys really ... use proper lifting mechanics.... You really want to trust me on this one. I didn't do anything wrong and still .... Would've been worse if I hadn't.

I stretch for 5 minutes at least before I work out. Proper form is all. Strain injuries are bad enough, doing it on a machine or with weights is agony. As I get older I get less willing to do bar weights anymore. It's to the point my motivation can outstrip what my body is capable of these days.

Try and stay calm and think objectively about your pain and your post OP. I think we unconsciously assume surgery in today's age is some sort of super refined practice where healing is rapid. We're used to most things in the internet age happening fast and we unconsciously apply that to our bodies as well.

After my last surgery, sinus surgery, I was reminded it's essentially still butchery, just with sharper knives and cameras for them to see what they're doing. After my sinus surgery my nose bled for an entire day. (It was also outpatient.) Like, had to change a bandage under it every 3 hours because it was soaking through with blood. Called the hospital because it seemed to fit their description of "if it starts bleeding excessively." So I eventually went back to the ER.

Spoiler: Spoilered for the squeamish (click to show/hide)

They put a tube up my nose and suctioned out of a bunch of clots and additional blood. Craziest sensation I've ever had, like I could almost feel my brain being sucked out. Anyways it was a LOT of blood in my book. I thought when I tipped my head down it would just come gushing out. But the surgeon was unphased. He said somewhat sarcastically "I wish I could do this for all my patients but......" and I was like "Hey, you said to come back in if it started bleeding (asshole)" and he was like no no no, I didn't mean it like that. He said getting all the accumulated blood out of there was basically short cutting the natural process of recovery where most people would have had to rinse/bleed it out over the course of several days. And in truth I bleed less and felt better after he'd done that. I also got charged for a return visit.

So basically I understand anxiety in post op recovery and you just gotta give 'it' time whatever 'it' is. You're off your routine, trapped, in pain and your mind is totally in slow motion as you wait minute to minute to start feeling better. I'm not like....inherently inclined to trust doctors but in this case you just gotta have faith that your body is like everyone else's and the surgeons did their job correctly.

I'd use the "disruption test." If the results and recovery from your surgery, after the recommend true rest period, disrupts your daily life then call your doctor. Like if they said, stay in bed at least three days and you're having the same or worse problem walking after five days, that's disruption. My disruption test probably should have been if blood was leaking around my bandages and getting on my clothes, then it's "excessive."

Also remember the pain meds have side effects. Mostly notably constipation if they gave you high grade ones.

[Transcendant]

For whatever it's worth, I wish you didn't have to go through that experience. Though, I'm glad you got medical care you needed (wish no one ever needed it).

As for me, Norco pain meds and yes, the side effect (being discrete). It's possible I did some incision ripping, but I'm not sure. Just a bit of blood through the bandage (it's on there pretty good and I'm not removing that thing). Overall, they said I may have overdone the recovery a bit; they're telling me to slow down some. That can happen.

People at work were well meaning, but ... there's a reason I'm taking some time off. I didn't want to talk about certain complications .... Partially because I'm embarrassed, want some decency, and also because I don't want to remember things like that.... Also I feel like saying to work people (if I could) guys what do you think you're doing? I'm high on prescription pain meds after a surgery. Really? This is a good time to call? I ... I don't really get it.

I really do appreciate the well wishing from you guys and the understanding. It's kind of insane how people don't want to believe people are injured, even after there's been an obvious operation, there's a scar, and let's not forget the doctor's bills (which I'm thankful I have insurance for, but still). It's like, guys, nobody wants a hernia. Intestinal surgery is ... not pleasant. People at work may mean well, but really ....

[Transcendant]

I know this is just a weird question to ask but.... I'm sorry to even ask but post surgically this is a thing.... What foods help prevent constipation?

I'm thinking lettuce, tomatoes (salad), applesauce, maybe hummus (I'm not sure anymore)?

(I googled it and came up with so much conflicting information)

Ideas? Please.

[nenjin]

Coffee. Very, very strong coffee drank quickly.

Things with a lot of fiber in them will also help.

[ChairmanPoo]

Its a common complication in abdominal surgery. Opiates dont help either,  but you probably knew that already as well.

Discuss with your surgeon the appropiatedness of laxatives of various sorts. He'll make a sane recommendation

[martinuzz]

teaspoon of olive oil with each meal don't hurt either for helping you shit smoothly.

[TheBiggerFish]

Fiber in general helps.

[Transcendant]

Thank you guys.

That was ... horrible. I appreciate your suggestions though.

If anyone else is unfortunate enough to go through this with abdominal surgery in the future:

Applesauce.
Raspberries.
Grapes (SEEDLESS!)
Oranges (precut and with every part of the peal off) This will provide vitamin C.

WATER. A fair deal of it.

Beans? (While providing fiber, they also create gas that actually builds up inside you; so in small doses).
Same goes for hummus. I'm not sure if this helped or hurt in the end.

Also still not sure the role milk of magnesia played here.


I am not a doctor so if you have questions about this sort of thing, please talk to a qualified physician. I don't think applesauce will hurt though.


Thank you all. Now to keep the wound clean etc.

P.S. I don't like the opiod side effect from the Norco 5/325. I'm trying to wean myself off the prescription narcotics, but that is admittedly hard.
I don't understand how anyone can abuse these things if people react to them like I did. I only take them because the pain is unworkable otherwise.
I'm trying to substitute Ibuprofen at 3 200 mg tablets a 3 or 4 times day instead of the narcotics. Hopefully that won't last too long because that much can mess you up (Dr. said it was ok for now and applauded wanting off the narcotics).