Any experiences of hernia op recovery?

[BetaBreaker]

Hi everyone,

I'm late 30s and have an annoying umbilical hernia (postpartum) above my belly button that I need to get fixed with an op. It's not visible and small but causing pain so I'm having an op to repair it. I have a 21 month old son so recovery is going to be tricky as I won't be able to lift him for 4 weeks.

I'm just wondering about other people's experiences of recovery time and what you were able to do when e.g. walking, cooking, putting washing on, pushing a pushchair etc. Need to plan what kind of help I will need and for how long.
No scare stories please - just normal recovery experiences rather than when something has gone wrong, I'm worried enough as it is. Thanks!

Hi op I had this op last summer around this time it was quick recovery was quick for me.

I did have to take pain killers and was careful not to lift anything for 6-8 weeks.
I slept on my back for good two weeks or so and raised my head slightly so I wasn't laying flat down to help me shuffle off the bed when I needed the loo at night without straining that area as it is a tad sore as to be expect.

I had help and support from my mum and my husband with the kids so I could focus on the recovery.

No issues healed and I'm so glad I've got my belly button back 🤣 just been working hard now to ensure I don't gain any weight back to risk it returning.

Sorry op I was able to walk it's encouraged to move around as much as possible so I went for walks a lot.
Lifting was a no no hence why I had the help of
My mum and husband my Dcs slightly older than yours they were 5 and 3 at the time.

It will be fine the op goes super quick by time I was under I was being woken back up what felt like 5 seconds to me.
I did have a wait though I was in at 8am didn't go to theatre until 4ish so my advice take a book magazine something to keep you busy while waiting.

Thanks @FunkyMonks That's reassuring to hear it wasn't too bad for you. I wish I could wait until DS is older but It's causing too much discomfort and getting in the way of life for that. When were you allowed to drive? Were you up and about quickly or did you spend a bit of time in bed afterwards? Also I have an office job so wondering when I'll be able to comfortably sit at a desk for a day and work. Sorry - lots of questions!

No time in bed was discharged same day as op and was walking and moving about as normal I only would rest when I felt tired.
Driving I think I waited until 5 weeks I think I can't be 100 percent.
I was able to shower etc and do normal tasks just not lifting or any sudden movements that could pull on that area.
I had to wait a bit longer for my op because of covid otherwise my two would have been younger again.
I had mine checked out after the birth of my youngest.

You should be able to within two weeks work at desk but I would still take it easy.
It goes quickly and you soon forget about even having had the op.

Really helpful info @FunkyMonks thank you so much for taking the time. x