Umbilical Hernia Recovery

[fredmac82]

Umbilical hernias generally happen because of the way the umbilical cord heals when a baby. For some of us, we are left with a weak spot and lifting definitely exposes it. Strangulation typically doesn't happen because it's a large enough hole and unlike other hernias, there's not tear in the muscle to heal back together and strangle it. Umbilical hernias are usually fixed with mesh. Best method to ensure it doesn't happen again. My dr made about a 1.5" incision above my belly button, put some mesh in, stitched it to my abdomen, and then it pretty much fuses itself there.

I do remember seeing one of those law firm tv commercials about surgical mesh and complications. That was prior to my surgery, wonder if that has anything to do with these failed procedures.

Mine would cause me some pain and discomfort if I was full or bloated and would bend over. My wife also thought it was grotesque and couldn't stand looking at me with my shirt off. I too didn't like the look of it but waited several years for surgery because I didn't want to take time off from the gym. I wish I would've had it done sooner.

How much time did you have to take off from the gym?

 

[fredmac82]

I had the surgery done about 4 years ago. Pain was non existent. Never had to take any pain medication at all. That surgery was actually painless. Now I had a bi-lateral hernia surgery years ago and that was extremely painful. I guess it all depends on the individual. I wish you the best.

Thanks! I go in for the surgery tomorrow. Hoping for a speedy and painless recovery.

 

[maldorf]

Thanks! I go in for the surgery tomorrow. Hoping for a speedy and painless recovery.

Is it going to be an open surgery, where they just make a small incision and patch the repair there? That's how mine was done. My inguinal hernias were done laproscopic. Had all 3 repaired at the same time. The umbilical is the one that didn't hold for me.

 

[Crazy_jay]

How much time did you have to take off from the gym?

2 weeks

 

[nicocujo]

I had 3 umbilical surgeries. The mesh was installed on the last one. The doc released me 4 weeks post surgery (I took 200mg Test Enanthate to speed up the healing).
The first couple of days I had trouble getting out of bed. I had to roll on my side to sit up. Sneezing hurt a little bit for a few days.
I worked out light 2 weeks after surgery, being careful not to place any pressure on the abdominal area (no overhead work, squats, leg presses, deadlifts).
Lateral raises, leg extensions, curls should be fine. Good luck.

 

[maldorf]

I had 3 umbilical surgeries. The mesh was installed on the last one. The doc released me 4 weeks post surgery (I took 200mg Test Enanthate to speed up the healing).
The first couple of days I had trouble getting out of bed. I had to roll on my side to sit up. Sneezing hurt a little bit for a few days.
I worked out light 2 weeks after surgery, being careful not to place any pressure on the abdominal area (no overhead work, squats, leg presses, deadlifts).
Lateral raises, leg extensions, curls should be fine. Good luck.

That's how I did it too. I feel that using more machines helps to take some stress off the core.

 

[fredmac82]

I had 3 umbilical surgeries. The mesh was installed on the last one. The doc released me 4 weeks post surgery (I took 200mg Test Enanthate to speed up the healing).
The first couple of days I had trouble getting out of bed. I had to roll on my side to sit up. Sneezing hurt a little bit for a few days.
I worked out light 2 weeks after surgery, being careful not to place any pressure on the abdominal area (no overhead work, squats, leg presses, deadlifts).
Lateral raises, leg extensions, curls should be fine. Good luck.

Thanks, Nicocujo! The umbilical surgery went well not. I am experiencing a little soreness, but nothing too bad. I plan on taking one full week off from the gym and then starting back up with some light cardio and maybe a few machine weights.