Inguinal Hernia Surgery Recovery

Pain & Rehab Forum [Moderated]
1

Hi Docs, I am 2 weeks post Inguinal hernia surgery and just had my follow-up appointment where they told me to give it another 2 weeks before lifting anything over 15 pounds. However, I feel ready to go back to the gym now. The nurse said this is because we want the scar tissue to finish healing before lifting any weights again so the hernia does not come back. The doctor said nothing went wrong with the surgery. I understand from your hernia podcast that this is not based in evidence. Do you see any reason I should not gradually return to lifting weights? ( I know you cannot give medical advice as you are not my doctor)

Also, about 10 days after the surgery I started experiencing nerve pain occasionally when I walk, usually right after I stand up. It feels like I am being tased right where the hernia was. Is this anything to worry about? Thanks!

2

In instances like this, I would follow the recommendations of your surgeon. It is typically okay to start training lighter earlier than these recommendations but your surgeon is the one who did the procedure and knows how things went. An additional two weeks of doing some light GPP and bodyweight exercises will be perfectly fine.

As far as the nerve pain, that is a pretty normal occurrence. It typically resolves in another 4-6 weeks as things start to heal and life goes back to normal.