Hernia Surgery Recovery Tips

After hernia surgery, it is expected to experience mild and moderate pain but healing time for hernia surgery does not need to be impossible.

In this post, we’ll review hernia surgery recovery tips, including the best way to get out of bed after hernia surgery and how to heal after hernia surgery.

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What is Hernia Surgery Recovery Like?

During your first week, expect to take the following things into consideration during surgery recovery time for hernia.

• Driving. Anesthesia can affect coordination and focus for up to a week. Never drive while taking prescription pain medication, and ask your doctor when it’s safe to resume.
• Eating. Focus on high-fiber foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables, and drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation caused by pain medication or inactivity. Ask your doctor about stool softeners or laxatives if needed.
• Lifting. Avoid lifting for the first few days. Gradually resume with light objects only, using your knees and back rather than your abdominal muscles.
• Sex. Resume sexual activity when your doctor advises it’s safe and when you feel physically comfortable.
• Showering. You may be able to shower within a day or two, depending on your procedure. Confirm with your doctor whether your incision needs to stay dry and for how long.
• Sports and exercise. Avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Your timeline will depend on the type of surgery and activity — check with your doctor before resuming exercise or sports.
• Walking. Start as soon as possible. Gentle movement improves circulation, speeds healing, and prevents strain on the abdomen.
• Working. Many people return to work within a week, depending on the type of surgery and job demands. Start with shorter days if possible, and delay returning to physical labor until your doctor approves.

What NOT To Do After Hernia Operation

Below are some things you should NOT do during the healing process after hernia surgery. 

• Don’t do any strenuous activity.
• Don’t lift anything over 15 pounds.
• Don’t drive — especially while taking narcotic pain medication.
• Don’t use hot tubs, go swimming, or soak in water for at least two weeks.
• Don’t drink alcohol while taking narcotic pain medication.
• Don’t panic if you have to sneeze or cough — but always brace your incision with a pillow to prevent tearing.
• Don’t swim, bathe, or soak in a hot tub for 2-3 weeks (showering is fine).
• Don’t lift more than 10-20 pounds for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
• Don’t worry about mild swelling, bruising, or hardness under the incision. This can last up to six months.
• Don’t panic if you feel pain in your right shoulder. It’s likely from the gas used during surgery and should subside when you lie flat.

How Much Bed Rest After Hernia Surgery

During the hernia surgery healing process, it is vital to practice good bed safety tips because rest after hernia operation, while needed, doesn’t need to be complete bed rest. Instead, one should practice early mobilization. Getting in and out of bed safely helps protect your incision and speed recovery. Try to get up 2-3 times a day to sit or take short walks when cleared by your nurse or surgeon. Below are some ways to further promote healing after hernia operation.

To get out of bed:

• Have someone nearby for support.
• Roll onto your side and bend your knees until your legs hang over the edge.
• Use your arms to push yourself upright.
• Stand up slowly and pause to steady yourself.

To get back into bed:

• Sit on the edge, gently swing your legs up, and lie on your side.
• Roll onto your back using your arms for support.

While in bed:

• Change positions every 2 hours.
• Do ankle pumps and deep breathing exercises.
• Wear compression stockings if instructed.

Take pain medication as directed to make movement easier and tell your nurse if getting up causes significant pain.

To learn about our home care services, contact our caregiving team today at 1-800-GRISWOLD or find a Caregiver near you.