Having umbilical hernia repaired next week - terrified!! Anyone had this done?

[underpaidandoverworked]

I had a big baby (11 lbs) 4 years ago and as a result have an umbilical hernia which has given me loads of discomfort for over a year now. Doesn't help I'm also a childminder and spent 3years pushing 60lbs of child around in a double buggy, lifting them etc before I knew there was a problem! I've been 'reassured' by hospital staff it is a 'minor' procedure (but still surgery!)- am still petrified...!

Has anyone out there had this done - if so, how long were you off work, how painful/uncomfortable was it etc? Also have a stupid goddamn fear of general anaesthetics (not waking up) - anyone share that one too?

Thanks - hope I can get rid of these fears/worries before next week

Hi,

My Dh had this done a few years ago, he didn't have a belly button for years and had a lump where the belly button should be.

He was also worried but he was in and out in a day - it really was minor and apart from feeling a bit sore for a few days he was fine (and enjoyed the attention from his nursing wife!) He was off work for a week but could of had 2 - but he's desk bound so less strenous than your job, i think the problem was mainly lifting and straining tummy muscles. I think he was told not to lift for about 6 weeks.

Honestly he is not one to ever go to the Dr's or see anyone about any complaints, i had to force him to go and get it checked out, he was so pleased he went though, it cleared up really quickly with no side effects and now he has a belly button!

Try not to worry, have you had a general before? You will have a full team of doctors around you checking your blood pressure etc constanly and i think i reas somewhere that you are more likely to die in your sleep at home in old age than under a general as you have so many people around you to check all is ok.

i hope that helps, good luck xx

Thanks HC! I had a general about 13 yrs ago and was so violently ill afterwards that when I needed follow up surgery after I had my DS by c-section, I opted to have an epidural - but was sick afterwards then too! So can I 'milk' DH a bit do you think in the days aferwards?? Keep telling him it's his fault for giving me a big baby!! ;grin]

Have always been active, especially since being a cm, just not sure how long will take to get to full fitness for my job. Parents being good about it, but I know they'r being inconvenienced - though don't want to push myself too far too fast! How long afterwards could your DH drive? Hospital advise 2wks but insurance co. saying 6! Oh, roll on this time next week!

I think they told him 6 weeks, but he doesn't drive very much as he cycles to work so i think he waited a couple of weeks to do this. I had to do all the home-driving for a few weeks though.

I used to be sick after generals (have had a fair few sadly) but i knew if i told them how bad i was they would give me xtra anti-sickness drugs to make sure i was ok, plus i'm sure they told me to avoid certain foods before - but can't remember what they are, you could ask your doctor?

Good luck x