After hernia surgery, you will have a period of recovery—find out how long it takes.
A hernia surgery might not be your favorite calendar event of the year, but it can be a good thing. Find out how you can focus on healing and supporting your body after you undergo hernia surgery. Your recovery starts on that first day, but when it will end can vary!
Recovering from a Hernia Surgery: Things to Know
You can recover from a hernia surgery quickly—or it might take some time. Always listen to your body and follow best practices to support your path to healing.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
During the recovery process, you will start your own journey. Although we know general guidelines of how recovery works, it is most important to be patient with your body. We all heal on our own timelines, and every surgery is unique too.
While you recover, it is best not to strain yourself. You will want to relax and limit your motion, as well as strenuous activity. Remember, moving too quickly or refusing to give your body time to recover can actually make your recovery take even longer.
How Long Will Recovery Take?
In most cases, you will recover enough to resume normal activities within two weeks. However, this is not a guarantee and should be discussed with your doctor. After you begin to feel better, it is still important to avoid strenuous activity for four to six weeks after your surgery. To find the best path to recovery, stay in active communication with your medical provider and support team as needed.
Factors That Influence Recovery
The number one factor that will influence your path to recovery is often patience. As long as you follow the doctor’s orders, you should be on a set path to recovery as quickly as your body will allow. Engaging in strenuous activity or exacerbating the area can make your recovery time longer.
Although you do want to rest, it is important to remember that minor movements can be beneficial once they are approved by your doctor. You won’t want to head to the gym, but you can certainly try a light walk, challenge yourself with some reasonable stairs, or just embrace a little movement each day. Mild activities can actually support your recovery. Just remember to get plenty of rest between activity sessions so your body can focus on healing.
Cleanliness is another key consideration when it comes to recovery. An incision must be kept clean to heal correctly. Your doctor will likely ask you to leave the incision alone at first, but once you get the sign-off to clean up, it helps to keep it clean with a gentle cleaning process.
The Takeaway
Hernia repair is no small process, but it is one that has a fairly reasonable healing period. After your appointment, be sure to follow the doctor’s orders–and you will be on your path to healing. To learn more about this surgery or healing after it is over, contact our office today!