Plan for Your Hernia Surgery
Hernias are an all-too-common condition in which an organ in your body bulges out through a weakened area of muscles. The resulting hernia may or may not be painful and it may or may not require surgery. If your hernia does require surgery, there are some steps you can take to plan for your hernia surgery.
Instructions
1. Find out as much about hernia surgery and the recovery process as you can. The best way to plan is by first getting the facts. Talk to your doctor and research hernias online to learn more. Web sites like Health A to Z and Yahoo Health have a lot of information about hernias and post-surgery recovery (see Resources).
2. Understand the complications of hernia surgery that may arise. There are a few, though very uncommon, complications that could occur during a hernia surgery and while you are recovering. Some of the complications are excess bleeding, infection and the recurrence of the hernia after the operation.
3. Plan to stay overnight in the hospital. Some hernia operations will require that you stay overnight in the hospital if for no other reason than for observation. Depending on the type of hernia and the severity of the hernia, you may need to spend the night so you can be observed.
4. Do not drink or eat anything the day of your . It's important as a surgery patient to go into the operating room with an empty stomach.
5. Get your urine and blood tested. This is done at the hospital before your operation. They'll also perform a body scan to assess the hernia's condition.
6. Plan for a period of rest and relaxation in the 5 or so weeks following your hernia operation. Vigorous activity and lifting are strongly warned against for patients with recent hernia surgery.
7. Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from the operating room. Depending on the severity of your hernia and your recovery from surgery, you may or may not be able to operate a vehicle safely.
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