abdominal exercises after hernia repair

Well, here I am recuperating after my hernia repair surgery....and thought I would ask some advice from all you ladies on these boards. I recovered nicely from my TAH last year, but a month ago, I was turning over in bed, throwing a pillow at my cat, and grabbing a pillow at the same time, and I felt a tear/pull. In the morning(boy, was I mad at the cat) I was sore, but over the next few days I was increasingly uncomfortable. I went to my PCP, and she confirmed what I dreaded......Incisional hernia. My original incision was very long/high....about an inch above my belly button, and the hernia is just above that.

My fear now is that I will never be able to lift things, and always worry about reinjuring myself. So, I would love some suggestions to strengthen my abdominals so I can lessen the chance. I see my surgeon in 10 days, and will be asking her for a time frame as to when I can start exercising.

After having the TAH, I thought this surgery would be a piece of cake to recover from.......but it has surprised me as to how weak I feel, and how much this hurts!

Anyways, thanks for any advice you can throw my way,

Molly

Hi Molly

I've never had a hernia so can't offer any advice from a personal perspective, but..........I did a search trying to find some information for you. Didn't come up with much, but if you go to the following site:

http://www.herniainfo.com/advances/call.htm

and scroll all the way down to the bottom (the entire page is questions and answers about hernias written in by people asking a doctor for advice)

there is a place where you can type in your question about hernias and they will answer it. I thought that might be of some help to you.

Good luck!

Ann
TAH/BSO 1/5/01

Thank-you, Peachy-babe....it was a wonderful site with lots of info. I feel less alone knowing there are other peaple with hernia repair.

Today, 6 days post op from my hernia repair, I finally feel good enough to shower and get dressed. I slept last night on my side for the first time and that made a big difference. I have plenty of energy, but know that I better take it slow. Hopefully this will be the last surgery I will have to recover from!
Molly

What a great hernia website that was!! I've been dragging my feet on hernia repair as I have lots of pelvic congestion also and am considering hernia repair while doing a hyst. Would rather do only hernia repair, IF that would take care of the pain. Can the inguinal hernia cause pain around hip and back? Guess I should ask that website Thanks for a very informative site!