Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire bilateral inguinal hernia surgery

Anybody ever, had it? I just got back from surgery yesterday. I feel like I was kicked in the stomach by a horse. I'm walking around but still not able to stand up completely straight. I've been living with it 2.5 years and it just got to where I couldn't do anything physical much at all. I didn't have to receive any blood or blood products thank God. I'm 54 years old and was very active when all this started.

Just wondering if you had this surgery how long recovery took and if you have any problems from it still. While I was considering it, I bet I got 5 messages a day from a law firm wanting to represent anyone who had the hernia mesh repair surgery. That's one reason why I put it off so long, but it got bad enough for me to take the risk.

I had it 12 years ago at 49. My surgery was laparoscopic. I was really sore the first week. It was hard to straighten up completely for a couple days . Complete recovery was 6 weeks before my doc. cleared me to return to work. My job was very physical though. For almost 10 years after my surgery I could feel a pinch from the mesh if I turned a certain way . Do everything you can not to cough !!! Good luck with your recovery.

Yea, just clearing your throat when you need to cough has been an issue. Luckly I'm not a smoker. Mine was laparoscopic too but done with a De Venshi robot.

I had mine done back in '74 or so. That was long before laproscopes. I think they used a Goodyear self-vulcanizing tire patch on mine. I was forbidden to drive for 90 days (standard transmission to boot) and was in a lot of pain the whole time. Left a 3" scar.

That's when I was a jet instructor. Pulling up to 5 G's many times every day will give you 'roids or a hernia - or both. As I have just learned, it will also contribute to blowing out a lumbar disc decades later. Gonna have surgery for that next month.

Dark humor addition: When I was diagnosed back then, the Flight Surgeon said, "Alexander the Great had a hernia just like yours. It killed him."

I have the inguinal mesh on both sides. The right side was done in 2005, and the left the end of 2021. I lift 40-50 pound boxes often, and can feel the mesh on both sides when lifting, especially anything much over 20 pounds.

The initial pain went away after the first couple of weeks, but the mesh will let you know when you're exerting yourself, even on my right side after 18 or so years. I followed doctors orders about lifting for a month after the surgeries, and was careful, but again, you'll feel it if you're pushing too hard. Every once in a while the right side will get itchy, and it will drive you bananas, but it always seems to go away.

All the best in your recovery, Both my Dad and brother have mesh as well, and none of us have had any problems long term. Just follow the docs orders about lifting. The first night after both surgeries was not fun, but quickly got better.

I turned 56 a month ago, so we're in the same age boat.

I’ve blown out a hernia out since March2022 repair. Gonna have to get it double meshed or something. I dont even know.


I guess people who get hernia operations are supposed to never ever do anythjng?? WTF

might have opened it up driving T-posts or moving a 300lb rock in our creek crossing. I might have ripped coughing. Who knows. Some bullsheeit for sure.

The first 2 days are sporty, after that things begin to mellow out some, until you pass your first turd. Lots of stool softeners, trust me.


It's been almost 3 years, and I still get twinges of pain once in a while. You'll feel it for awhile, but you'll know when you can start doing things.

It took me at least 2 months before I felt I was going to be ok, painful and limiting in movement.
6 months after surgery I packed a Moose out of the bush solo, 13 years later and many pack outs and I feel great, you will be ok, but it takes time to heal from a core operation like that.

I must be lucky, had one side done laparoscopically about 20 years ago, hardly any pain after surgery and very quick recovery.

I’ve heard that it’s not pleasant! I had the hernia surgery at the navel with a mesh installed…..piece of cake! 😉

Wishing you a quick, complete recovery! memtb

I had it done 20 years ago, was about the same as you. Have patience, it will get better.

One side 56 years ago when I was 5. Back then I spent two days in the hospital. I do not recall much pain.

Left inguinal, 20 yrs ago. Surgery was by slice.

Not bad. Off and on pain, took nothing.Lifting stuff, felt presure on the area. There was a burning sensation off an on, down to my thigh, for a 3 yrs or so, or fish hook in side ouchy now and then.

Been nothing at all last 10 yrs that i can remember.

However, right side has hernia now and so does belly. So two more repairs comin up.

I avoid lifting much as theres no problem at the moment

Had left groin done 15 years ago. Had chronic groin pain after inguinal hernia repair, which was caused by entrapment of the ilioinguinal nerve either by mesh or development of fibrosis. Had nerve removed and zero issues since.

Had my right side done in the Navy in 2006, left side done in 21. First one was the old school way, had a 3-4" scar and nerve damage. Balls turned black and blue, I asked the Dr if there would be swelling down there. He said no and laughed when I said bummer. Lol.

Second was scoped and I healed much faster. Was tender the first week but after that wasn't a big deal. First couple days are the worst. Glad my wife and kids took care of me.
Remember whatever you say down or sit in, you have to get up, plan accordingly. Hardest thing to get over was the urge to hold my guts in when I blew my nose or sneezed. Habit after a few years I guess. Was scheduled for surgery in May 2020, it was delayed because it was deemed elective or non essential. Don't worry, it'll be over before you know it.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. Had mine done laparoscopically in 93. Was about a week before I could stand up straight, another week to be pain free. Took a couple months before I could do sit-ups comfortably. Glad I had it done, though. Good luck!

Old70

I just remembered...When I woke up after my surgery, I felt pretty good.

And then I sneezed.

Do NOT do that, no matter what. You've been warned.

Thanks for all the well wishes. Gas that won't pass is giving me heck right now. I did a dose of castor oil 2 days before surgery and only had some beef broth and tomato soup the day before. I thought I would be cleaned out good, but I feel like I swallowed a basketball right now even though I've still had nothing to eat except broth and 5 saltine crackers.

Stool softeners! If you're taking pain meds you'll want stool softeners for sure.

Sending the wife as soon as I can get her moving. Any particular brand that causes minimal gas?