Hernias in Adults
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Questions
- Recovery time for hernia operation
- Femoral hernia and pregnancy
- Hernia above my belly button!
- Anyone had surgery for umbilical hernia?
- Adult Umbilical Hernia
- Belly button hernia postpartum
- Timing of Post Cesarean Hernia Repair
- Hernia Repair with Bruce Moorstein
- Recently diagnosed with hiatal hernia
- Hernia in groin during pregnancy
- Surgery for umbilical hernia
Recovery time for hernia operation
Nov 2011
I'm a dad with small children and am preparing for a hernia operation. I am not sure how long I'll be out of commission and would appreciate anyone sharing their experience.
I had a hernia repaired about 5 years ago. I think the bulk of the recovery took about 2-3 weeks. For the first week, there was quite a bit of pain if the area was strained in any way (including going to the bathroom). I couldn't lift much. I had it done laproscopically which I believe is the far better option because I was never really bent over.
I would make sure there is someone to help you at home and do the driving for the first week at least.
The other thing is that any kind of surgery is exhausting. You may find you're tired often and need to lie down. Wishing you the best
I had a hiatal (stomach) hernia a couple years ago. I had laparoscopic surgery which is a much quicker recovery time. Mine was long to recover from due to the fact it was in the stomach. I was on liquids for 5 weeks, then baby food for 4 weeks so that kept me pretty weak. So depending where i the hernia that makes a difference. Depending if you get traditional or laparoscopic it makes a difference. But if you have never been put under completely you will be surprised at how wiped out you are after work. If you are responsible for 2 small kids i would assume 2 weeks.
Femoral hernia and pregnancy
Dec 2010
Where to begin. Three months ago we lost our baby at 16.5 weeks due to heart defects caused by Downs. I'm 39, and we are very much wanting to start trying again ASAP, but now it looks like I have developed a hernia, probably a femoral hernia. The pain is constant but not severe. I have a consultation with a surgeon in a week, but am receiving varying info from different OB's as to whether it would be better to wait until after a pregnancy or to go ahead with a hernia repair. (On an online hernia forum there are horror stories of hernia repairs ripping during pregnancy.) We are beside ourselves that after the loss of our baby, we find ourselves with yet another medical obstacle to overcome. Has anyone dealt with a femoral hernia either during pregnancy or just before conceiving? I had a natural childbirth with our first child and it's hard to imagine labor with this kind of problem added to the mix. Are there any nonsurgical approaches that might help? Has anyone gone through a pregnancy with a hernia and been able to deliver vaginally/naturally? Has anyone had a hernia repair and then gotten through a subsequent pregnancy OK? Thank you.
I have had a very similar experience to yours...normal first pregnancy/birth, lost a second pregnancy far down the line, and then dealt with hernias (inguinal and umbilical) during my third. The inguinal hernia was pretty painful, but I decided to wait after having a consultation with a surgeon. In my case I decided to wait because the hernias were only going to be around when I was pregnant. I was told that once I delivered it would go away. Instead, I went to Johnson's Medical Supply on Shattuck and got fitted for a truss (a medieval looking support that pushes in the hernia while kind of supporting your belly). A ridiculous contraption, but inexpensive and worth a try. I tried to stay off of my feet for long periods (hard to do with a toddler) and not gain too much weight. The good news is that while it was initially painful, it eventually went away during the latter part of my pregnancy. I went on to have a really great birth and the inguinal hernia was a non-issue during labor. I'm pretty sure it's really just about your comfort level and not a threat to your pregnancy. Having lost a baby too, I know that it can add anxiety to future pregnancies. I hope that you are/or will get support for that. Good luck with everything! anon
I developed a femoral hernia during my 2nd pregnancy. The area became very painful when I stood too long. As the pregnancy progressed, I wasn't able to stand for more than maybe a few minutes. This made shopping and other chores almost impossible. I had to start using the electric carts in stores like Target, etc. I delivered my baby at home (water birth) and there were no complications. After I delivered the baby, I was no longer bothered by the hernia.
I declined to have the hernia repaired, because I had also heard horror stories about these repairs not healing properly. I knew that I wanted to have another baby, so I wasn't willing to risk it.
A few years later we decided to go for baby #3. I started feeling the hernia about 5 months into the pregnancy and fairly quickly it became too painful to stand for too long. I went on disability when I was 6 months pregnant. I had a normal vaginal delivery and had no complications due to the hernia. The pregnancy was very hard, though. As the baby grew and weighed down on my lower body, the hernia became more painful. During my last month of the pregnancy I just pretty much sat around. Doing anything was just too much.
It sounds like your hernia is already bothering you without being pregnant, though. I realize that my situation may be different, but I hope that I was able to help a little.
I am so sorry about the loss of your baby. I can't imagine the pain that you must be going through. I wish you all the best in your next pregnancy. joj
Most of the ''horror'' stories that you hear about concern umbilical or ventral hernias during pregnancy, not femoral hernias. And these tend to be most problematic postpartum.
Doctors don't like to repair umbilical hernias until women are finished with child bearing because the extreme stretching of the abdomen in the latter stages of pregnancy can cause the mesh to separate from the tissues to which it was attached.
Because the femoral hernia is down near your groin/thigh area, and this area of the abdomen does not undergo nearly the same strain during pregnancy, so the likelihood of the mesh repair holding up is much greater.
Speak to your OBGYN about the stats for pregnancy after femoral hernia.
I would imagine that if left untreated, the weight of pregnancy might press upon a femoral hernia can cause significant pain. Certainly, if you are in pain now, that would speak to getting the repair done before your next pregnancy. BeFit-Mom
Hernia above my belly button!
April 2010
I'd love to hear from anyone who has had a hernia near or above the belly button. It has been recommended that I have mine repaired laproscopically with mesh. I'd love to hear from anyone who has had this procedure! What was the surgery like? How long did it take? What was the recovery time like? Thanks! hurting belly
About two years ago I developed a squishy bulge above my belly button, and self-diagnosed (via Google and Wikipedia) as having an epigastric hernia. Didn't hurt, but was odd, and seemed to grow a bit over time. GP was convinced it was a lipoma (benign fatty tumor), but eventually opted to refer me to Dr. Robert Fowler... he took one look and concurred on the hernia diagnosis. Scheduled surgery with him at Alta Bates and it went like a dream: in at 6am, woke from the general anasthesia c. noon, and headed home around 1pm (driven by someone else, per requirements). Came home with a subscription for Vicodin, but there was never any pain beyond a small, dull ache for just a day or so. Took it easy for a few days, was not supposed to drive for a week (but as I work at home, that was fine). I'd certainly reoommend Fowler and Alta Bates; our insurance covered everything, though the bill looked like they'd inserted the cost of a year at an Ivy League college into my abdomen. It's a 2'' or so scar, and no complaints since. All Sewed Up
I had an umbilical hernia repair done in out-patient surgery by Catherine Forest at Alta Bates in 2002. I got my ''inny'' belly button back. I asked Dr. Forest at the time about mesh and she did not have a good opinion of it. I don't know how large your repair is, but if you are concerned about the mesh, get a second opinion. Good luck! Jeanne
I had my (small, non-painful) hernia repaired at the end of February by Deborah Kerlin (Walnut Creek). I did an outpatient procedure at Aspen Surgical Center and it took a little over an hour. The doc also did a little abdominoplasty in the area since I had diastasis recti and this made it go a bit longer. Dr. Kerlin used a surgical mesh. My hernia was about the size of a nickel right above my belly button.
I took Tylenol with codeine for the pain for 3 days after the surgery and then was sore but not in pain. I was nursing so didn't want to use anything stronger and it was fine. I was fully up to speed by 10 days after, just unable to lift my older child for another 4 weeks total. Dr. Kerlin did a great job. Angela
Anyone had surgery for umbilical hernia?
Feb 2010
I have surgery scheduled to fix my umbilical hernia in a few weeks. I hate to have surgeries I don't need (esp. with general anesthesia), but I don't think this will resolve itself and I may be changing insurance soon. I would like to hear how others have dealt with this (decision and recovery). The hernia is not painful. I am breastfeeding a 6 month old and have a 2.5 year old as well. I was told I can't lift the older one for 4 weeks (anything over 30 lbs). I've read older posts on the BPN and do have the Helene Byrne DVD. Any feedback is helpful! Thank you. Angela
go for having the surgery. I was able to have my hernia fixed at the same time as having my second c-section, but I imagine my recovery was similar. I had my mom come to help the first week, but after that I was able to manage not lifting my two-year-old for six weeks. I planned 15 minutes extra time to have him climb into his own car seat. Did all diaper changes on the floor. And I found that if I knelt down (one knee on the floor, the other one bent at a right angle) that he could use my knee as a little step stool and climb into his crib, or reach drinking fountains etc... It's not easy, but I feel it was well worth it. I was constantly aware of the aching feeling of the hernia, and that it could get worse if I strained it.
I have an umbilical hernia I have had repaired twice. Neither surgery fully resolved the issue. I have spoken to a few surgeons, and the consensus is that the repair is probably not necessary. I am very active, am conscious of what is likely to cause it to pop out, and then I just push it back in and take a deep breath. There does not seem to be any long term problems involved in leaving the hernia. The last surgery I was under general, and it took quite a long time for me to fully recover (4-6 months.) If you feel the surgery is necessary, there are a few surgeons in Oakland who can do the repair laproscopically. Good luck! anon
Adult Umbilical Hernia
June 2009
I think I have an umbilical hernia. I have slightly tender bulge right above my belly button. It makes sense as I have had three kids, etc....Any advice about getting it repaired, etc...? thanks bulging belly button babe
I have lived with an umbilical hernia for over twenty years. It's manageable so long as I don't get constipated, lift (continuously) heavy items or do a ton of sit-ups. My doctor wanted to repair it when I was pregnant (simple procedure) but I chose not to. If it does not bother you, then live with it, otherwise, see your physician and get this simple repair done. Good luck A.
You describe ''a slightly tender bulge right above my belly button''... I had the exact same thing, without the three pregnancies as an excuse (as a middle-aged man). I was thinking it was an epigastric hernia, but the doctor suspected (and an ultrasound confirmed) a lipoma, which is a benign, fatty tumor. Advice was to either ignore it, or have it surgically removed as an outpatient sort of thing... I'm likely to go the latter route, as it seems to be slowly growing and makes my belly look odd. But I'd certainly recommend you have your bulge looked at. Some Guy
Belly button hernia postpartum
August 2008
Should I get surgery? Who is a good hernia surgeon? I developed a bellybutton hernia many months after the birth of my son. I went to see a doctor who sent me to a surgeon. He was able to push it back into my belly. He said that I still had a hole there and that the fat (luckily the intestine didn't come out) could pop out again. I have been wearing a girdle and I think that that is helping it to stay in for the last couple of months. I probably would have had it fixed, but I was right in the middle of moving up here to Berkeley when this happened. I don't want to drive 5 hours to get it done by the surgeon that saw me, but I don't know of anyone up here. I also wonder whether it will even pop out again. I am not big on interventions. Heather
Not sure what advice I could give other than yeah, it happens and I think it's pretty common. It happened after my first baby and got worse after my second child. I saw three plastic surgeons to see what they could do about it and the loose skin around my belly button - that's all the scaring I ended up with. Two of the plastic surgeons said it was no big deal and they could repair it with a tummy tuck. The third told me to seek the advice of a general surgeon before he would do anything. I did and the general said that plastic surgeons are trained just as general surgeons are so they should be able to perform the surgery the same as he would. Just make sure I check the surgeons medical qualifications and make sure they are board certified. And of course make sure I feel good about the doctor I choose. Haven't had the surgery yet (still recovering from a tonsillectomy!) but plan to in the winter. Good luck to you! Dawn
Timing of Post Cesarean Hernia Repair
April 2005
I delivered my second child on March 2nd via repeat cesarean section. Over the last few weeks I have noticed a tennis ball sized lump in my abdomen that my OB thinks may be a hernia. It is not by my incision nor is it by my belly button. She referred me out for an ultrasound which I will have later this month. Assuming it is a hernia, does any one have any suggestions or recommendations about when I should get it repaired and who I should get to do the repair? I have a three year old daughter and a newborn son. The idea of not picking up the baby is out of the question. Also the notion that I have to prolong not picking up my older child is hard. How long can I go before I have to get it repaired? Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks. alicia
I was diagnosed with an abdominal hernia about 4 months after my son was born (#2) - I didn't have a C-section, and my ''bulge'' is close to my belly button so I think it was a pretty easy diagnosis. I could also push the bulge back in myself and it popped out mainly when I was lifting something (e.g., my son). The Doc I was referred to was great : Frederick Wright on Regent St. in Berk. 883-9292 - very kind, professional and has kids of his own - he said as long as I wasn't too bothered there was no rush to get the surgery - especiually given the no-lifting post- op situation - he said wait until my son was more independent - this was a year and a half ago - I'm thinking I'll have surgery next fall/winter when my son starts daycare and I can get some help with the post-op time from relatives. I think it's no big deal to walk around with the hernia so long as you are careful abotu lifting etc.. I've been every cautious about abdominal exercize - no crunches, sit-ups etc.. but that's me - not the Docs advice - also my understanding is that the only danger with a hernia is if it gets ''pinched'' - that is it pops through the muscle lining and then get stuck there - so that the tissue loses blood flow and dies - and you get a massive internal infection - but the pain associated with the piching is apparently so incredible that there's no way you can miss it - you head straight to the ER and they do the operation then - (my cousin had this happen). I know several people who have had hernias that they waited years to repair - so it sounds like it's good to get it done - but no rush and certainly wait until you can reasonably give yourself the recovery time.Good Luck! tender tummy mama
Hernia Repair with Bruce Moorstein
September 2004
I am scheduled to have my hernia repaired by Surgeon Bruce Moorstein. Has anyone had experience with this Doctor? Any comments would be welcome.
Dr. Moorstein performed an abdominal surgery on me in 1988. He never pressured me into the surgery and met with me several times to explore my options and provide information. He did an excellent job with very good follow up care. He was also very supportive of my mother (I was an adult) who was far more distressed by the ordeal than me. Years later, when I had follow up questions, he got my files out of storage and spoke with me by phone to answer my questions and address my concerns (without charge). My experience was very positive. Elysse
Recently diagnosed with hiatal hernia
August 2004
Please, please all those out there with hiatal hernia's. I was diagnosed with one yesterday, after much persuasion on my part to finally get my doctor to do the diagnostic test for it. I have had nausea, abdominal upset for years and really bad breath off and on. She tells me my hernia is ''moderate'' is size. I haven't had this term ''moderate'' objectively defined as yet. I prefer to hear from fellow commoners. Please help, tell me your stories advice, how I should, how you might proceed. (I also have a ''small'' umbilical hernia non-incarcerated, but the hiatal hernia is giving me the most trouble.)
Hernias can be treated without surgery. They are a symptom of stress on the body and can be healed with a holistic approach. If you are interested about learning more I recommend Dr. Larry Gertler in Oakland 510 652 2302. feeling better
When I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia quite a few years ago I was really freaked at first, as it sounded like something terrible! My doctor assured me that it was really no big deal and could be treated successfully with antacids. I had had similar symptoms to yours- chronic discomfort, bad breath, and also frequent burning sensations in my throat (gastric reflux). The hernia simply prevents the lower esophagus from closing completely and stomach acids then cause various irritations. I have taken Zantac twice a day ever since and have none of my previous problems (when I ran out of it for a few days my symptoms returned). Zantac is a benign medication and there is no problem with taking it on a long term basis and I have had no side effects from it. My doctor writes me a prescription for it (Kaiser) and even though it's now over the counter, I get it for a generic copay. By the way, for those who have Kaiser and don't know this, you are entitled to a 100 day supply of any medication for one copay. Of course, this doesn't apply to things like antibiotics that are only intended for a short term course of treatment. Cecelia
Actually, taking Zantac to treat the acid reflux from a hiatal hernia is not completely harmless. Zantac blocks the absorbtion of vital nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin d and the b vitamins (including folic acid), and long-term use can create deficiencies. I had a hiatal hernia for several years, and took zantac for the first few. After I learned about the nutrient blocking, I started taking digestive enzymes (plain old live culture yogurt, or can be found in supplement form, acidophilus, etc) which helped treat the acidic stomach fairly well. Talk to your doctor, obviously. Anonymous
Hernia in groin during pregnancy
Sept 2000
My sister is about 32 weeks pregnant with her second child and is experiencing painful lumps on both sides of her groin (but much more bothersome on one side). Her doc thinks they might be hernias but isn't sure. Anyone out there experience anything like this? She is worried that if it is a hernia, delivery might be tough. Thanks. Jen
Based on just what you described, if it's not a hernia it could possibly be swollen (or infected) lymph nodes which would protrude and can be extremely painful. Someone who can do Lymphatic Drainage Therapy might be able to help, but if it's infected she will likely need antibiotics. If your sister lives in this area I can refer her to a massage therapist who is very skilled and experienced in LDT. June
Surgery for umbilical hernia
Oct 2001
I have been diagnosed with an umbilical hernia. I found some items from a Web search about this condition. Questions for my Bay Area neighbors:
1- Can you share any surgical experiences regarding umbilical hernia repair? How was the recovery time?
2- Has anyone had any experience with the surgeon Catherine Forest?
3- Any other advice for a successful surgical outcome?
Thank you.
I had an inguinal hernia repaired by Catherine Forest earlier this year. The surgery went well, and the recovery went as predicted - about a week before I could drive, longer before I could pick up heavy things, and due to the inactivity, it took awhile to get back up to speed even when the pain and discomfort were gone.
My tips would be to make sure you really do rest and take enough pain medication initially. I didn't, and that may have prolonged the recovery time for myself. And comparing to my cesaerian two years previously, the hernia was a bit worse in terms of pain and recovery.
I had this surgery at Kaiser in May 2001 after 8 years of holding my belly button in every time I coughed, laughed, or did a sit up. I am SO-O-O glad that I decided to do the surgery. However, it was way more serious an operation than I realized, in terms of recovery and the need for rest. Like the other person, I recommend that you take the pain medicine. I took it the first four days, but you need to realize that the medicine will make you feel better than you actually ARE. You absolutely MUST rest the first week to 10 days, and not pick up anything for 6 weeks. I prolonged my recovery by taking the pain medicine and continuing to work very hard at my computer and doing laundry and such. DON'T. Good luck to you. Madeleine
My mother (breast cancer) and my niece (abdominal cyst) have had operations with Dr. Catherine Forest and we were delighted with her both times. Very competent, kind, and great with follow through. I would go to her in a second should the need arise. Nancy
Jan 2002
This is a follow-up to my post in October asking about adult hernia repairs. I had a small umbilical hernia and had asked for input about the surgeon Catherine Forest and these types of surgeries. I had out-patient surgery at Alta Bates 2 weeks ago and everything went very well. The staff at Alta Bates was wonderful, and Dr. Forest did a good job. I went in at 5:30 a.m. and was home by 1:30 p.m. I was pain-free in less than a week. My experience may not be the same for others experiencing hernia surgery. I wish anyone having surgery the best. Thank you to the people who responded about my post!
HI, my husband had hernia surgery when our kiddo was 2.5 months old. They told him not to lift 10lbs or more for 2 weeks. It was ridiculously hard for him to be out of commission for a couple weeks, esp as I was still recovering from c-section and our baby was colicky and really hard. But after a few days, he was able to do some non-baby chores while I focused on baby. He started lifting the baby before the 2 week period ended, and he didn't have problems. That said, his arms are very strong and probably did a lot of the work, whereas I use my core a lot more to lift. Do you have anyone to help you after the surgery? Maybe you have a spouse/partner who could take a week off (see FMLA rules that require time off to care for family member or maybe there is some parental leave left?) or a local family member or could hire some help during the day. I'd recommend either doing it right away (before that 3 mo old gets any bigger) or getting someone to help out for a couple weeks. And just try to avoid picking up the 3 yr old for the 2 weeks after (which is hard, I know... even though they can walk and supposedly not need picking up, they totally do because they don't exactly cooperate with everything....). Good luck!
Hello! My husband was diagnosed with a hernia a couple years before our daughter was born. We decided to wait until she was 5 and he had his surgery about a month ago, in part because of picking her up, in part because of improvements in hernia mesh and the failure issues they used to see 10-15 years ago, and in part because of having good insurance right now. Our daughter was old enough to understand that daddy won't be picking her up or jumping around with her for a month, so it has worked out well. Having said that, you can imagine that C-section recovering is a similar timeline and women are faced with this situation frequently, and I bet there are women with some great tips on churning through the weeks in your current situation, if you've got some backup from a spouse and/or friends/family nearby! My husband's surgery was laparoscopic and used a mesh, FWIW, and his recover (fingers crossed) has been uneventful. But you do have to take the recover rules pretty seriously :)
Hi Sarah, I had a hernia from my first pregnancy that I had surgery to fix when my baby was about 10 months old and my older daughter was 3.5. My hernia was pretty mild, but still required surgery. My doctor gave the same recommendation of not lifting more than 10 lbs, but said that she said I could lift the baby as long as long as the pain was minimal. The first few days (basically a week) were rough and I wasn't able to lift anything more than the baby. My parents came into town for a week to help out with the kids. After that I was pretty able to parent and told my older daughter in advance I wasn't able to pick her up for a few weeks. We read Richard Scary's story about Dr. Dog, Abby bunny and her tonsils so that helped her visualize about surgery and she ended up being very interested in the whole process. If you have support the first week or two I think you'd be fine. Good luck!