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Six things I wish I knew about post IH surgery

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gregg08473
gregg08473

Let me first say that I am 73 years old and had prostate removal surgery 10 years ago.  I had my right ingunial hernia surgery four days ago.  Because of my prostate removal I was not eligible for a laparoscopic procedure.  While all the caregivers were great and I came home with a couple of pages of does and don'ts, there are several things I wish I would have known in advance.

1.  You really will need someone with you constantly for the first 48 hours.  I was up every four hours to pee and take meds and I could not get up or back down without assistance.

2.  You will need a recliner or an adjustable bed the first 3 days.  I tried from the beginning to get into bed and could do it only at the end of the third day.

3.  Be aware that it is common due to the anesthetics and the nature of the surgery to have trapped gas.  The first 24 hours once I got home was pure agony.  My whole gut and right side was one big pain.  My initial thought was that I broke or dislocated my hip.  After doing some research I determined it was gas.  Once released with a suppository the pain subsided.

4.  You may all of a sudden find that your penis and testicals have been absorbed into your scrotum and it is all swollen and red.  As my wife was preparing to take me to the emergency room, I was able to contact my surgeon and explain to him what I was experiencing.  He told me this was normal and not to worry.

5.  If you can get a walker with a seat and brakes it will be invaluable especially the first 3 days.  Nice to have a safety net.

6.  Don't try to be brave and go without pain meds.  I thought I could tough it out and I was so very wrong.  My suggestion would be to take the max the first two days and then gradually decrease.  I tried going without starting the 4th day and after skipping one dose took a half dose the next time.

Would be interested to see if others had similar experiences.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Ulfgar
    Ulfgar gregg08473

    Posted

    Thanks so much for posting. This is just the sort of practical info and tips I'm looking for, with prospect of surgery looming. I hope your recovery is continuing well. I gather from other sources that constipation is a common side effect of the pain meds. Was that an issue for you and did you take any laxative to compensate? Or was it just the trapped gas? How was digestion generally - were you eating and drinking normally? Thanks

    • gregg08473
      gregg08473 Ulfgar

      Posted

      Constipation is a big problem for me.  I had to use a suppository every other day the first 7 times I had a BM.  Yesterday (day 18) was the first natural BM.  Today I had another natural.  I am also eating prunes, whole wheat toast, drinking black coffee and taking stool softners.  I finally feel that I have turned the corner. My advice, max out the stool softners from the start and eat a high fiber diet.  

      Good luck with your surgery.

  • Ulfgar
    Ulfgar gregg08473

    Posted

    Thanks, that's good advice I'm sure. And I'm glad there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.

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