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How Long Does It Take To Recover From Hernia Repair Surgery?
Question: I recently...3 weeks ago, had abdominal adhesions cut and mesh covering a stomach hernia. I was in hospital for 5 days because nothing would stay down and it was so painful. I was released with Percocet. Never had a BM, I was home for 3 days...took Milk of Mag, Prune Juice, Prunes, Enemas, Senna, Stool Softeners. Nothing helped. Went to ER for fear of blockage. Admitted with GI tube. Was released 4 says later after only being treated with IV, pain meds, Enemas and Laxatives. 2 X-rays were done, both showed fecal matter in upper bowel. I've been home now, following the Enema, Lax regime.mVery little bowel activity, but today I passed 3, 1/4 inch white masses with dark centers. I do not trust my Gen Surgeon or GI, what should I do, and is this normal?
Brief Answer:
Takes time to recover
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam
Welcome to healthcaremagic.
I understand your concern. I read your history and queries very carefully. I would like to know if your surgery was open or laparoscopic? Because the latter part causes has faster recovery.
As you have already undergone enemas.laxatives,stool softeners and Xrays, i would ask you to stay calm for a while and give time to your body to work itself out. Take stool softeners as advised to you and have a high fibre diet; this will enhance your bowel movements slowly.
As you underwent a major surgery with few days of no food through mouth, on liquid diet or a semi solid diet; this time your body will take little more time to recover from this heavy stress and gradually make the stool bulky.
In the meanwhile:
Take care of your incisions.
Do not pressurize your abdomen too much while passing stool.
Take pain medication only when necessary
Walk and be active throughout a day,this will increase your bowel movement.
Drink lot of fluids,avoid caffeinated beverages.
Eat a high fibre diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
If after all this you still have problems of constipation,you should go for a second opinion.Hope i have answered your queries.Feel free to ask more.
Thank you
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty
Takes time to recover
Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam
Welcome to healthcaremagic.
I understand your concern. I read your history and queries very carefully. I would like to know if your surgery was open or laparoscopic? Because the latter part causes has faster recovery.
As you have already undergone enemas.laxatives,stool softeners and Xrays, i would ask you to stay calm for a while and give time to your body to work itself out. Take stool softeners as advised to you and have a high fibre diet; this will enhance your bowel movements slowly.
As you underwent a major surgery with few days of no food through mouth, on liquid diet or a semi solid diet; this time your body will take little more time to recover from this heavy stress and gradually make the stool bulky.
In the meanwhile:
Take care of your incisions.
Do not pressurize your abdomen too much while passing stool.
Take pain medication only when necessary
Walk and be active throughout a day,this will increase your bowel movement.
Drink lot of fluids,avoid caffeinated beverages.
Eat a high fibre diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
If after all this you still have problems of constipation,you should go for a second opinion.Hope i have answered your queries.Feel free to ask more.
Thank you
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
How long do I wait before going for another opinion. I haven't had a good night sleep in weeks, I can hold an oil enema for over 2 hours.
Brief Answer:
1-2 week
Detailed Answer:
Hello mam
Welcome back
If it is just the constipation and nothing else which is bothering you much, then you can wait for 1-2 weeks and maintain proper diet and see that your bowel movements are getting better or not. If you are having any kind of abdominal pain with it and not passing stool at all, then you should see a surgeon as required.
Thank you for your follow up query.
Take care.
Have a good day.
1-2 week
Detailed Answer:
Hello mam
Welcome back
If it is just the constipation and nothing else which is bothering you much, then you can wait for 1-2 weeks and maintain proper diet and see that your bowel movements are getting better or not. If you are having any kind of abdominal pain with it and not passing stool at all, then you should see a surgeon as required.
Thank you for your follow up query.
Take care.
Have a good day.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
My hernia was covered with mesh. I constantly feel pain below my left rib and on my left side. I'm in tears and don't know how to manage the pain, yet alone get a good nights sleep
Brief Answer:
visit your surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,
I am so sorry about your condition. I feel there might be something serious going on. Yo should definitely visit your surgeon and go for a CT scan abdomen to see what is the reason exactly.
Recovering from such major surgeries usually takes around 6 weeks to recover, but since you are suffering from pain, i think you should go to your doctor again. Take some over the counter painkillers meanwhile.
I am sorry for your situation again.Hope i could help a bit. Take care of yourself.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty
visit your surgeon
Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,
I am so sorry about your condition. I feel there might be something serious going on. Yo should definitely visit your surgeon and go for a CT scan abdomen to see what is the reason exactly.
Recovering from such major surgeries usually takes around 6 weeks to recover, but since you are suffering from pain, i think you should go to your doctor again. Take some over the counter painkillers meanwhile.
I am sorry for your situation again.Hope i could help a bit. Take care of yourself.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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