Operation for separated muscles and umbilical hernia

[Stay123]

My abdominal muscles split when I was pregnant with my first DS 3.6 years ago. I have been in quite a lot of pain ever since. I get up sideways, feel my body is being "pulled down" all the time as have nothing to support my abdomen, can't walk for more that 1 hour without abdomen hurting and having to sit down. I had another DS 1 year ago and my belly just sagged throughout and the hernia looked like a little arm coming out of me! I need to have the umbilical hernia operated on as it is quite painful and am not worried about the operation for this. I am however a bit worried about having my muscles sewn back together. Has anyone had this done and how much recovery time did you need. Did you feel a lot better afterwards? I have been to see a physiotherapist who taught me a lot of exercises but, to be polite, and they didn't work.

Hi Stay 123, I has a hernia with DS2 who is now nearly 3. He was born April 2009 and I had my op done in Oct 2010. Mine didn't sound as bad as yours, but hurt a lot when I bumped it and although I was excercising too, it made no difference.

I went to my doctor who referred me to a specialist. It took a few weeks to get a date at the hospital. I am nervous of general anaesthetics so had a local. If I had it done again I would go for a general though). Went there in the evening, op done 7pm, went home at 10pm. Was told not to lift anything for 2 weeks and generally rest, although I was up doing light stuff from about day 3. The first 2 days really was bedrest though - you need someone to look after you the first day as it all just aches so much. 2 weeks on and I was back at work, 8 weeks on and I started the Shred again.

I had 3 stitches in my muscles (they may put a net mesh in yours to help hold them together) and was told not to use them at all for a couple of days. It doesn't hurt, just aches. I have the very odd twinge now and again but nothing like the pain of bumping it!

I'm glad I had it done, although my belly buttons not been the same since (smaller?) - but it was worth doing.

HTH

Sorry this is short- please google julie Tupler her exercises have almost closed my 8finger width gap, really does help and keeps muscles strengthened - better than my Physio advice.