Pre op exercise with an inguinal hernia.

[Vetus Ossa]

I appear to have an inguinal hernia. I have seen the doctor and he have referred me to a specialist clinic on the 12th of September.
I haven’t run or cycled for at least three weeks now and I’m slowly going crazy. I need to get out and ride, and run.
I have searched the topic but all of the comments refer to post op exercise.
What I need to know is is it advisable to exercise right now? My doctor said to do so but I am not sure he understands what cycling in my area is like to be honest, not much flat in Plymouth and surrounding area.
I suspect more that one here has found himself in a similar situation, what did you do, I don’t want to make it worse.
By the way I am 69 and probably shouldn’t mind taking it easy for a while…but I do

[mark aldridge]

I fully understand as I underwent the same procedure three tears ago at the age of 60.
Luckily my GP is of a sporting nature and the consultant was a cycling friend.
The answer appears to be to listen to your body and apply the Hoovering test. If you can use an upright Hoover without significant discomfort then it is ok to cycle. What you have to do is distinguish between aches/discomfort and pain. Also keep an eye on the hernia (not literally) as you cycle and check it manually once in a while. A lot of it depends on the size of the hernia, it is often possible to massage it back in and tight lycra is a help (an extra bit of padding over the hernia site often helps (rolled up sock?)).
There is a lot of fear spread on the internet sites about strangulation of the intestine but from what I understand it is rare and the likelyhood of it happening is not increased by reasonable excercise.
Posture also affects things, you may feel more comfortable on a more upright bike. I was definitely more comfortable on my recumbent as gravity was working in my favour.
If you keep your gearing low and spin on the hills you will not be doing much harm and do not be too proud to get off and walk.
The main thing to ensure though is that the consultant is very aware that you are a keen cyclist. Embelish it all you need to because it is imperative that he does a good job. Tell him you lift free weights at a competitive level to keep fit, that should do it.
I was back cycling within a week on my turbo trainer and on the road not so long after. All you need to do is ensure that you don't get in a position that will put a strain on the operation site ie.falling off.
Now I don't even think about it and only a couple of very neat scars remind me of the operation.
Good luck.

[brumster]

I had an Inguinal hernia repair back in May & have recovered quickly ( back on bike after 4 weeks - I felt I could have started back earlier but thought I'd be sensible a wait longer... ) Surprisingly I was comfortable on the bike prior to the op with the Hernia - it didn't cause any real problems cycling gently/sensibly - even managed 100 mile mtb ride over two days ! Prolonged standing & walking were what caused me greatest discomfort.. Listen to your body you too, may find cycling ok.

[Vetus Ossa]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
The doc prescribed a truss which although uncomfortable to wear does keep the bulge in, which is just as well as its rather large in my opinion, though have no basis for comparison. I have ordered one from Amazon that looks less bulky and hopeful lily will be more comfortable to wear, though neither would I be able to wear while cycling as they both have a strap that nestles between your legs to hold it in place, and would be sitting on it.
Anyway I decided to try riding on Tuesday as a test and cycled on the only flatish route out of Plymouth with the minimum of effort. I felt a little discomfort but no pain so continued and rode 35ish miles in the end, which may have been too far. When I got home I didn’t get around to fitting the truss and after an hour or so to be honest I was in agony and the pain only diminished when I managed to push the bulge back in and truss up.
I rode the same route today but only did 15 miles in all and did suffer discomfort again and unfortunately some pain.
Not too sure where to go from here, my body says no, but I am a little deaf so can’t really hear it.
I am supposed to see a consultant on 12th Sept, but as I understand it the junior doctors are on strike so the consultants will be doing their duties so god only knows what will happen, should I be lucky enough to see him I will follow his advice…maybe.

[Graham]

Vetus, your hernia sounds rather more "developed" than the one ( bilateral - a pair ) that I had a few years ago.
I was ten years younger than you at that time.
Relief of discomfort could easily be achieved by lying on my back and letting gravity do the work.

Thus our situations may not be comparable in any way.

Cycling was the only thing that kept me sane for the many months prior to the NHS op.
Cycling did not cause any significant discomfort ( luckily for me ).

Two and a half years later I am pretty sure that, in the event of any further elective surgery, I would pay for a private op simply in order to get it done a.s.a.p.

The wait was a tedious limbo of limited activity and uncertainty.

[Vetus Ossa]

Thank you Graham for your comments. Like you when laying down everything is in its proper place and I have no discomfort whatsoever.
I am tempted, and probably will try running ( I still run or did until the event run regularly) and see how that goes, while wearing the truss but it’s not going to be nice is it.
As you said, I am also tempted to pay for the op, and will check out costs to see if it’s affordable as I can see this dragging on for months.

[Vorpal]

Ask your specialist if you can use a hernia wrap that doesn't have a strap between your legs? At least for bike rides?

[Vetus Ossa]

Hmm, not heard of that one, will do and thanks.

[Graham]

Running, hmmm !
According to Graham's simple hernia model :-
- The gut bucket is split
- The contents of your abdomen want to force out through the split via gravity and/or internal pressure.

Even the smoothest runner will cause an impacty sort of joggling of the abdomen contents which may cause discomfort or worse.

OTOH You might run without a problem.

[Vetus Ossa]

Not a good afternoon here, was in so much pain and the swelling took about 20 minutes to pop back in while laying down so seriously considering doing nothing until I see my consultant now.
Thought at one time this afternoon that would be sooner rather than later.

[rjb]

Running, hmmm !
According to Graham's simple hernia model :-
- The gut bucket is split
- The contents of your abdomen want to force out through the split via gravity and/or internal pressure.

you've just put me off my dinner!!!!!

Best of luck old bones, you are only a few years older than me BTW, i was cycling down your way in the 1960/70's

[mark aldridge]

Hello Vertus

I thought in your post that you were very brave attempting running. The vertical impact with the road, gravity and internal body pressure puts a strain on non-herniated stomach walls let alone a herniated one. The image that came to mind was an out of control sausage making machine and grasping hands trying to hold it all in, not a pretty visualization.

It sounds as though your hernia is more developed than mine was.

I am one of those people who realise something is wrong and head off to the doctors chop chop.

A word of advice, be a bit proactive regarding getting the operation. Tell the admissions clerk that you are available any time, any date and at short notice. Consultants often have unexpected gaps in their schedule and can slot in an uncomplicated operation at short notice. I also went round to the hospital and sweet talked the admissions clerk so she could put a face to the name. It appeared to work as four days later it was done and dusted as I was able to get to the hospital within an hour.

I thought old fashioned trusses disappeared from the scene long ago, I well remember the black and white adverts in the back of the more down-market Sunday newspapers and asking my father what they were for.

If you want some excercise pre-operation, I was also advised swimming. The idea is that you can do it and isolate or limit the strain on your groin by doing backstroke.

Good luck.

Mark

[Vetus Ossa]

Thanks for that Mark, had to laugh at the out of control sausage machine comment, I can picture exactly what you mean.

My original plan was to run wearing the truss to hold things in place, but will give that a miss now I think.

Regarding the short notice availability, yep, thought of that one myself but expect many do, but pleased you were lucky in getting yours done so quickly.

Yes the truss lives thankfully as I plan to wear it continually now while I am on my feet, the pain from not wearing it is unthinkable.

The NHS truss is quite nasty but has served a purpose until I saw this on Amazon and ordered one, it looks more comfortable to wear from the picture anyway…

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00 ... UTF8&psc=1

Unfortunately I am useless in the water so plan to go to the gym and do some VERY light exercising

[Vetus Ossa]

I fully understand as I underwent the same procedure three tears ago at the age of 60.
Luckily my GP is of a sporting nature and the consultant was a cycling friend.
The answer appears to be to listen to your body and apply the Hoovering test. If you can use an upright Hoover without significant discomfort then it is ok to cycle. What you have to do is distinguish between aches/discomfort and pain. Also keep an eye on the hernia (not literally) as you cycle and check it manually once in a while. A lot of it depends on the size of the hernia, it is often possible to massage it back in and tight lycra is a help (an extra bit of padding over the hernia site often helps (rolled up sock?).
There is a lot of fear spread on the internet sites about strangulation of the intestine but from what I understand it is rare and the likelyhood of it happening is not increased by reasonable excercise.
Posture also affects things, you may feel more comfortable on a more upright bike. I was definitely more comfortable on my recumbent as gravity was working in my favour.
If you keep your gearing low and spin on the hills you will not be doing much harm and do not be too proud to get off and walk.
The main thing to ensure though is that the consultant is very aware that you are a keen cyclist. Embelish it all you need to because it is imperative that he does a good job. Tell him you lift free weights at a competitive level to keep fit, that should do it.
I was back cycling within a week on my turbo trainer and on the road not so long after. All you need to do is ensure that you don't get in a position that will put a strain on the operation site ie.falling off.
Now I don't even think about it and only a couple of very neat scars remind me of the operation.
Good luck.

I actually tried that today with some success. It was a very easy ride on an almost flat course but happy to report no pain during the ride or after.
Seeing the consultant on Monday and will see what he has to say.