Category: Hernia

Having a hernia can have a dramatic effect on your lifestyle. Some can be without any symptoms and others can be extremely painful, and there is no way to predict how one will affect you. The surgeons of Premier Surgical Lawson Group offer some tips for when to have hernia surgery as well as considering whether if hernia surgery is necessary.

Is It OK to Put Off Hernia Treatment?

We all have those things we think we can put on the back burner for a while. As long as there are no serious consequences, we figure it’s OK. Putting off a hernia surgery MAY be OK for a while, but that decision must be made in consultation with an experienced hernia surgeon like the ones with Premier Surgical Lawson Group in Johnson City, TN.

Here are the facts:

• Hernias do not repair themselves.
• Hernias will not just go away on their own.
• Waiting too long can sometimes cause a medical emergency.
• It is better to take control and choose the time for surgical repair that fits into your schedule, and find an excellent surgeon.

What About The “Wait And See” Approach?

Your Premier Surgical Lawson Group physician may suggest this if your hernia is small, and you are not experiencing any symptoms. If it is not affecting your life activities, and you are able to push it back in place with no problems, this “watchful waiting” approach may be recommended. It is important that you stay in touch with your doctor on a regular basis. Any changes or increased symptoms should be reported immediately.

Larger hernias may not need to be repaired immediately.

There are certain situations where your doctor may advise not to perform surgery or to put it off. It may be because the patient’s age and health conditions make it too risky to do surgery.

How Do I Know If Hernia Surgery Is Necessary?

It is necessary and time to have hernia surgery under the following conditions:

• When you have consistent pain
• When the hernia is growing larger
• When you are having trouble with everyday activities
• Waiting too long can cause two serious situations: incarceration and strangulation.

Incarceration happens when the tissue gets trapped and you can’t push it back into your abdomen. This can lead to bowel obstruction and surgery must be performed as soon as possible.

Strangulation is a medical emergency. The blood supply is cut off to part of the intestine. Symptoms of this complication include: fever, intense pain, nausea, the bulge turns purple or red, and you cannot move your bowels.

The Bottom Line

You may not need to have surgery immediately, but eventually you will. Don’t procrastinate so long that surgery becomes an emergency.

Contact Premier Surgical Lawson Group at (423) 975-5650 for an evaluation and whether you need to have hernia surgery sooner rather than later—and why.

Sources:

Does A Hernia Always Need to Be Repaired? (minimallyinvasivesurgeryfl.com)

Hernia Surgery: Types, What To Expect, Recovery & Complications (clevelandclinic.org)

Do You Need Hernia Surgery? Look For These Symptoms. (conwaymedicalcenter.com)

Compared to previous generations, today’s seniors, known as baby boomers, are more active and are not the old picture of rocking chair grannies. Despite the fact that seniors travel, exercise, and enjoy life, there are still physical limitations and precautions concerning any type of surgery. When it comes to hernia surgery, what is the recovery time for seniors?

Age and Hernia Surgery Recovery

The older you are, the more likely you will develop a hernia. This is due to wear and tear on the abdominal muscles. Although repairing a hernia comes with risks for older people, it is still the best way to treat a hernia.

The Premier Surgical Lawson Group team in Johnson City provides customized instructions for both pre and post hernia surgery. Preparing ahead of time and gathering any important assistance for recovery time helps to speed up healing. Of course, healing time depends on your overall health and following all the guidelines set by your surgeon. Everyone heals differently.

Whether the patient is you, or an elderly relative, keep in mind what to expect. Recovery tends to be slower for seniors due to age-related factors. There will be more fatigue after surgery and during recovery.

• Someone must drive the patient home after surgery.
• Expect less energy and more fatigue for several days.
• It is essential to get enough rest after surgery to allow for healing.
• Expect discomfort and soreness to last several weeks after the fatigue has improved.
• Don’t expect to move around much for at least the first week.

Tips for Recovery After Hernia Surgery

The goal is to give your body the time it needs to heal before you can expect to be back to normal activities. Don’t rush it.

It is recommended that someone stay with you during the first few days or weeks you are home from surgery. Your surgeon will give clearance when you can get back to regular activities, including driving.

Listen to your body and it will tell you what it needs. Sleep as often as you feel like it. Many seniors gristle at the term elderly, but age takes its toll. Give yourself permission to do nothing for a while.

At the same time, try to move around some. Walking is the best choice, but do not overexert yourself or stress your abdominal muscles. Ask for help when you need it.

It may take six weeks (or longer) to be without any pain.

Above all, gradually build back your strength. This will help with blood circulation and decrease any possibility of surgical complications.

Contact Premier Surgical Lawson Group if you have questions about hernia surgery recovery time for seniors or to find out if it’s right for you. Give us a call at (423) 975-5650 to schedule an appointment in Johnson City, or request an appointment through our secure online form.

Sources: Day-case inguinal hernia repair in the elderly: a surgical priority – PubMed (nih.gov)

Recovery from Hernia Mesh Surgery | Patient Recovery Timeline (drugwatch.com)

Hernia Surgery Recovery: Timeline and Coping (verywellhealth.com)