inguinal Hernia - stop cycling?

[Merry_Wanderer]

I went to see the GP last week for a check-up as I have had what feels a bit like a groin strain for the past month. It comes and goes but is worse after cycling and it goes away if I have a couple of days exercise free. I say goes away, it is slightly noticeable but with no pain. Doc examined me, told me to cough and said that he thinks I have an Inguinal Hernia. I now have an ultrasound scan booked for 3 weeks time to check.

The question I have at the moment is should I stop cycling altogether or keep cycling but in the flat if possible or just carry on as normal until I am told otherwise? My normal cycling week is a 12 mile round trip, undulating commute on my Brompton each day with a longer ride at a weekend

[DaveP]

Your doctor thinks you might have a problem. Cycling results in a degree of pain. Personally I'd take it easy. A bit of gentle cycling on the level, for the sake of retaining some mobility is about as far as I'd go. Its frustrating, but pain is the bodies way of drawing a line...
At least you can look forward to a good recovery!

[Merry_Wanderer]

Thanks Dave. I think you are right

[MickTheCyclist]

I had inguinal hernia 4 years ago. At my first GP visit he told me to stop cycling immediately. Got to see the consultant 1 week later and he told me to keep cycling until the operation, he said it was better to keep my fitness In preparation.
But I didn't have any pain with mine. If I had pain I would take it easy.

[Graham]

Different circumstances for me too. . . . . . Cycling kept me sane during the 18-week wait for the operation . . . .

I managed to maintain normal distances and frequency of rides with no obvious negative effects.

More about hernias and cycling on this forum here.

[Merry_Wanderer]

Thanks for the links and info Graham.

I went to the local gym this morning and had 30 minutes swim (no pain during or after) and 30 minutes on a static recumbent (again, no pain during or after). I'm seeing the Doc on Wednesday to have another chat and I will ask about recommended exercise.

I can cope with going to the gym as long as it isn't a long term alternative. It's nothing like being out on my bike!

[stuartg]

I had an iguinal done around 6 years ago, the consultant who was a cyclist, said lay off the big gears, big hills and, try to mostly spin also no MTBing. Other than that I was told to keep cycling, as the fitness will help recovery.

[Merry_Wanderer]

Thanks Stuart

[captain offensive]

Another vote for keeping going but easy. I had one diagnosed years back when at uni. Never made the top of the waiting list and had to start again. Ended up taking three years before I got it fixed and carried on cycling and playing rugby throughout. Had discomfort but nothing bad and all now long fixed!

[Merry_Wanderer]

Update:

I went to see my physio today for a check up on my right knee which has been clicking under load on my bike when pedalling. To cut a long story short, I appear to have subconsciously perhaps, changed my pedalling action on my right leg to stop the pain in my groin. After checking me over and asking about the groin pain the physio suggested that what I had actually got was an Illioinguinal Ligament Tear not an Inguinal Hernia.

The symptoms I have which are dull pain, worse after exercise and extending into the right testicle emanating from a sore point in the mid groin all fit the ligament tear. I am having the Ultrasound scan which will either prove the Ligament tear theory or not. The similarity with the Hernia is in the treatment - both means of repair are keyhole surgery and a mesh stitched or glued in place over the hernia or ligament tear. The difference is that with the ligament tear I can start cycling pretty much straight after surgery and I have been advised to keep cycling but to spin rather than grind up hills. I have put the Brompton away and will use my old MTB for the commute to work and see how it goes.

[MickTheCyclist]

Update:

I went to see my physio today for a check up on my right knee which has been clicking under load on my bike when pedalling. To cut a long story short, I appear to have subconsciously perhaps, changed my pedalling action on my right leg to stop the pain in my groin. After checking me over and asking about the groin pain the physio suggested that what I had actually got was an Illioinguinal Ligament Tear not an Inguinal Hernia.

The symptoms I have which are dull pain, worse after exercise and extending into the right testicle emanating from a sore point in the mid groin all fit the ligament tear. I am having the Ultrasound scan which will either prove the Ligament tear theory or not. The similarity with the Hernia is in the treatment - both means of repair are keyhole surgery and a mesh stitched or glued in place over the hernia or ligament tear. The difference is that with the ligament tear I can start cycling pretty much straight after surgery and I have been advised to keep cycling but to spin rather than grind up hills. I have put the Brompton away and will use my old MTB for the commute to work and see how it goes.

That all sounds encouraging, hope all goes well.
With mine I asked the surgeon if the mesh was carbon fibre and was steel an option, but he didn't appreciate the joke.
Also with doctors agreement, I went for a short cycle the day after hernia operation and 30 mile trip 5 days later.