After Your Groin Hernia Repair
Expect
to be sore and take it easy for at least a few days, or a week if necessary.
For
the first 6 weeks, do not lift anything heavier than 10 lbs (a gallon of milk).
No
strenuous exercise, especially sit-ups, for the first 6 weeks.
You
may walk and go up and down stairs.
Leave
the dressing on for 24 hours. You may then shower and remove the dressing. Replace the dressing if the wound is draining or you prefer
to have the wound dressed.
Bruising
is to be expected. This will extend into the scrotum in men, and onto the labia
in women. The swelling and purple discoloration will improve gradually over
weeks.
Narcotics
cause constipation. Be aware of
this. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of liquids. You may
take an over the counter laxative if desired.
If this does not help, please call.
Ice
packs may help the pain and swelling over the first few days.
Use
both a narcotic and an anti-inflammatory agent for pain control:
Narcotics:
Percocets
(Oxycodone and Tylenol)
Vicodin (Hydrocodone and Tylenol)
Tylenol # 3 (Codeine and Tylenol)
Darvocet N-100’s (Propoxyphene and Tylenol)
Anti-inflammatory
Agents
(NSAIDs):
Motrin
(Ibuprofen)
Aleve (Naproxen)
Take an anti-inflammatory agent regularly with meals and add in a narcotic every 3-4 hours as needed. There will be less stomach upset if you take pain pills with food.
Do not drive while taking narcotics.
Call the office (314-567-6111) for a follow-up appointment about one week after surgery.
If you are having trouble, please call the office (314-567-6111) or page Dr. Schlarman on the beeper (314-509-9075).