Anyone's DP had a hernia operation?

[LoveAndSqualor]

Just looking for a little reassurance really ... DP has a groin hernia and has to go in for an op to repair it this week. Does anyone have any experience? Is recovery long/? He's feeling a bit wobbly about it and I think I'm starting to wobble on his behalf! Tell me I'm being daft and it's ridiculously routine?

I've had an incisional hernia op (hernia was in the area between belly button and a bikini line scar)- if that's of any use to you.

Is he having a mesh repair? - that's what I had.

It is pretty routine. I had it done by laparoscopy and I was home the same day. I had three very small incisions with a couple of soluble stitches in each one.

I had about three days of feeling quite uncomfortable - (they give you painkillers - and I did need them), took me about six weeks to fully recover (they said it would be about 4 weeks, but I'm not particularly young and healthy so was a bit slow) But during that time it's not that painful - you just have to be careful with lifting etc.

I wobbled before my op - but really it was fine.

HTH

Exh did, was in and out the same day, sore for a few days and no lifting for a while. Completely fine. :)

(he wobbled a lot about it beforehand)

DP had an umbilical hernia op. His was also done by laparoscopy and he was out the same day. DS was 4 weeks at the time and DP and I were keen for him to recover quickly as I needed help with a screaming, reflux baby. Anyway, he was off work for 2 weeks, was quite uncomfortable for a few days after and couldn't lift much for a while.
He says it was fine.

Hey all, VERY belatedly (childcare emergency distracted me)- thanks! V reassuring. Not having it via laparoscopy, I don't think - he's having a general anaesthetic - but is having a mesh repair. He has to stay overnight, it seems. Is wobbling like a weeble about it, very unlike him. Good to know that it'll take a little while to get better. Where you/your DPs/DHs bedbound for the recovery period?

My baby had an operation for an inguinal hernia 3 weeks ago (at 18weeks old). I was suprised how easily he seemed to cope with it all. We were in hospital at 7.30am and home by 5pm. That evening he was back to normal and barely needed any pain reflief afterwards.
Not sure if it's helpful - i know babies are different and all that, just wanted to give you a positive experience. Good luck.

Thanks Mavis! very good to hear. His nervousness has infected me, I think - daft, I know. I wasn't worried until I realised he was!

Loveandsqualor - I stayed in bed for about 3 days afterwards (mainly because as well as sore, I was so tired from the GA) - if he's having a larger incision it will be sore at the site for a bit longer. But he will be able to potter about after a few days - the thing is for him to gauge how he feels and do what he is able to when he can. Recovery time varies from person to person.

How soon he goes back to work depends on whether he has a physical job. Hospital will be able to advise him and also about driving etc.

What is worrying him most - the GA or the actual op? He should tell them he is anxious when he goes in - they can reassure him and answer any questions he has. It's normal to feel a bit wobbly especially if you haven't had an op before. But it will soon be over.

Kurri, can i ask, could you look after yourself at all those days after, or did you need someone to help you? He's determined he'll be fine, but I want to take friday off to look after him. I think it's the op itself he's most worried about - the idea of being cut open. Poor old him - he's really nervous. Looking forward to this time next week when it's all over!

I had my op on a friday and so had DH at home over the weekend. He went back to work on Monday but popped home at lunch time.

I did need a hand getting in and out of bed and in and out of the bath, for a few days and he made me tea/ food etc. You DH might be able to manage- you can sort of manage on your own, but you risk moving awkwardly and tugging at the wound which is sore. So it does help if there's someone around in case you need a hand.

See how he feels when he gets home and play it by ear. But I'd say be ready to take a day off if you can .

Bless him - I'll keep my fingers crossed he's first on the list so he doesn't have to wait about on the day

Thanks - that's really good to know! I don't want him to hurt himself - will plan to take the day off. Did you have any problems afterwards, or has it all been fine?

Dh had one. before I met him. has mesh just below his chest. will need help first day, think its a good idea for you to take day off. try to make him take it easy. dh said he did the most damge by getting up and doing stuff too early.>

Totally agree with Oblomov - I had a little hiccup at about 6 weeks after (a bit of pain, but no actual damage), because I tried to do too much. It's all fine now though and has been since Jan(had my op in November).

Thanks both. Will attempt to persuade him to allow me to help (he is NOT good at being helped ). Useful to have this thread as ammunition!