<p>I am having outpatient surgery in a few weeks for an umbilical/abdominal hernia. The surgeon suggests a week off work and six weeks of light duty (no lifting). He did say I could travel, if someone else did the suitcase carrying.</p>
<p>My husband is coming up with all sorts of things he wants to do in late October/November/early December. Like he has Giants tickets the week after the surgery. Which involves tailgating in the furtherest parking lot with the RV crowd … (What? You can’t go?) And … can you do a dinner party for 20 this fall? And … Of course we are doing Thanksgiving.</p>
<p>This is all in addition to my “real job” of running the store and getting ready for the <em>biggest month of the year</em>. I postponed the surgery until after trade show season, and tucked it in to a little slot between trade shows and crazy busy store month of December.</p>
<p>The PA at the surgeon’s office said the recovery would be less of a big deal than my c-section 24 years ago – which isn’t saying much! </p>
<p>H just had a hernia surgery about a month ago. He stayed over night at the hospital. He was given a girdle to wear for 3 weeks. The first night was uncomfortable, he was given some pain killer. He took that for few days. He was up and about in 24 hours. He actually felt better standing up than sitting, prolong sitting bothered him. He was told not to exercise for a month. I am not sure walking long distance would be a good idea.</p>
<p>His recovery was a lot easier than my C section.</p>
<p>I had abdominal hernia repair a couple of years ago. It was an open incision with mesh repair- done outpatient with no complications. I laid around, hung out at home the first week post surgery. Second week my energy came back, but I found that walking for more than a block was hard. I would lean forward and slow way down. But by middle of the third week I was bored and ready to return to work. Went back to teaching elementary school full time after 3 weeks no problem. I just had to remember no lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for 6 weeks or so. </p>
<p>I would not commit to Giants game and would decline hosting party for 20 this year. Thanksgiving dinner should be fine. Good luck and take care of yourself! You deserve a little pampering!</p>
<p>Thank you MinnieMom … that’s exactly the information I wanted. I believe I am having the same sort of procedure. Pretty sure he’s planning a mesh repair, and I think it’s fairly large.</p>
<p>I am hoping that my wonderful manager and staff will step into the breach for me – I currently work 4 10 hour days at the store (on my feet) plus some work from home, and in the September/October a lot of travel. </p>
<p>I’ve already begged off the Giants game – and the date for the dinner party is December 3. Only doing it if I can have it catered soup to nuts with help!</p>
Of course, you’re also 24 years older now, and that makes a real difference in recovery time–better to opt of these activities now, and if do you feel better than you thought you would, so be it.</p>