Hernia repair is the process of surgically trying to correct the defect in the abdominal wall through which a hernia has developed. Thus, knowing how the body changes and recovers after this surgery may be useful and calming for many patients. In this blog I will discuss each phase of adaptation after hernia surgery in an effort to provide insight into the process from the initial healing phase to the ultimate phase of adaptation.
Initial Healing Phase
The first stage of recovery starts from the time of surgery when the patient has undergone ahernia repair. During this stage, the body’s initial action is to start the process of healing the cut made by surgery as well as the tissues that surround it. Sometimes you might feel slight pain, redness or even slight formation of black and blue around the area as a sign of healing. These are mild symptoms which should subside in a few days or weeks at most.
In this phase, it is important to rest. The patient should also avoid lifting heavy objects or participating in activities that may exert pressure on the repaired part since this may slow down the rate of healing or lead to complications. Your doctor will probably give you detailed instructions about how to look after the area where the surgery was done, and what to do if there are any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever. Healing is taking place constantly at a cellular level and following your doctor’s advice assists in this vital process.
Formation of Scar Tissue
As with any injury, the formation of scar tissue starts to develop after the body has started the healing process. The scar tissue is a fibrous tissue that forms at the region where the hernia was sutured and offers extra support to the area that was previously damaged. This tissue formation is a normal process in the healing process and it is also a factor that contributes to the stability of the surgical area.
However, new scar tissue is necessary, and the presence of it may lead to some stiffness or pulling around that area. These feelings usually fade after a few days, however, one should not over exert or engage in any vigorous movements during the early days. The scar tissue is not as stretchy as normal muscle tissue so care must be taken to this area until it has grown stronger. The body will then reshape the scar tissue as the healing process continues and the body will arrange it in a way to support the structure.
Muscle Strengthening and Resilience
When the wound has healed and the skin has scarred, the goals of the treatment are to rebuild the muscle tissue and the strength of the muscles. The muscles around the area of the hernia repair could initially be weakened by the hernia or from the surgery. This strength, however, can be slowly built up again with gentle exercises when allowed by your doctor.
Your doctor or a physical therapist may suggest some activity such as walking or some form of core exercises depending on your situation. These exercises are useful in helping to bring into use the other muscles in the surrounding area without putting pressure on the repaired area. Muscle conditioning over the duration of the repair process helps strengthen the repaired tissue and decrease the chances of having the hernia reoccur. One must be patient here, as the muscles take time to adapt to the exercises being done.
Return to Normal Activities
Depending on your body’s response, you may feel like you can slowly get back to your normal routine. This phase is most usually characterized by enhanced mobility, diminished pain and discomfort, and enhanced self-confidence in your body. Thus, it is crucial to return to the daily practice and other activities gradually.
When you begin to feel stronger, there is still the fact that the part of the muscle which has been repaired is still going to be sensitive to strain. Lifting, exerting yourself physically, or any sudden movements should be discouraged until you consult with your doctor. Gradual approach is helpful so that the body will not be stressed unnecessarily while the healing tissue is still fragile. The recovery period of most people ranges from several weeks, to a couple of months, depending on the extent of the injury or surgery. It is always advisable to consult your doctor before going back to heavy tasks.
Long-term Adaptation
The last stage , the long-term adaptation phase, is the phase where the body is able to regain the necessary balance and strength after the operation. In due course, the repaired area develops into a new tissue and is nearly as tough as it was before the hernia. The muscle recovery, scar tissue, and changes in your lifestyle help the body adapt to this new state.
To prevent the reappearance of the problem and to stay healthy in general, certain habits should be kept to, namely physical activity and proper diet, no heavy lifting of objects that put pressure on the abdomen. Some additional support could be provided by strengthening your core muscles – having a strong core will help to decrease the chances of straining your abdomen. Thus, lengthy modification is not only a therapy process, but it is also a process of making changes that may be helpful to avoid hernia in the future.
Recovery after hernia repair is a process which goes through several phases on the way to achieving full body strength. Every stage acts as a foundation that helps the body get stronger and more prepared for everyday life without chances of the illness coming back. As always, the key is to be patient and to always stick to the advice of medical practitioners at each stage.
For those patients who have suffered through a hernia repair or for those who are considering the surgery, this knowledge of the adaptation process can be reassuring as well as a guide to the future. For more information or specific consultation, you can always approach the specialists atGEM Hospital. Don’t wait any longer, call us today toschedule an appointment and start on the path to a healthy new you.
