Getting back into the groove of your normal life is one of your top priorities after hernia surgery—but first thing’s first: you need to rest. While often considered a more routine procedure, hernia surgery is still surgery—so go easy on yourself.

Hernia Surgery Recovery

If you experience any of the following during your hernia surgery recovery, be sure to contact the hospital or doctor:
• Fever
• Bleeding
• Difficulty urinating
• Profuse sweating
• Pain that seems to be getting worse

While you are resting and recuperating, here are a few tips to help improve your hernia surgery recovery time. Remember that your main objective during this time is to prevent infection, avoid coughing or sneezing, and do as much as possible to support the healing process.

1) Have a pillow within reach
While being able to just hold a pillow for comfort’s sake is nice, you’ll want to have one close at hand so you can cover your incision should you feel the need to sneeze or cough.

2) Wear clothing with expandable/elastic waistbands
Swelling is common during hernia surgery recovery, so ensure you wear clothing with an expandable waistband so you’re more comfortable. Plus, you don’t want to restrict your incision area with something tight and binding.

3) Take stool softener before and after surgery
Smooth and easy is the name of the game here. You don’t want to have to push and strain when having a bowel movement. Also, eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of fluids so you don’t experience constipation from the medication.

4) Walk straight and upright
Move and walk as soon as your doctor allows it. You don’t want to spend your recovery time from hernia surgery on the couch or in the recliner. Walking helps with recovery by speeding up the time it takes to heal.

5) Don’t lift heavy items
For the first few days, avoid lifting any objects at all. You don’t want to risk a rupture. After that, lift only light items, and always engage your back muscles and knees so you don’t use your abdominals.

Are you prepared for your hernia surgery?
JBR Clinical Research, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, is conducting a clinical research study for an investigational inguinal pain relief implant for patients experiencing hernia pain. Participants that qualify for the study may receive study-related care and medication at no cost to them. Qualified participants will be transferred to a post-anesthesia care unit or other postoperative recovery area for a minimum of three hours after the surgery. Participants may also be compensated for time and travel.

Basic qualifications are:
· Ages 18 and older
· Male or Female
· Healthy
· Opting for a (non-emergent) unilateral inguinal hernioplasty (open laparotomy, tension-free technique)

If you qualify you may receive:
· No-cost study-related care
· No-cost investigational pain relief implant