If you suspect you have a hernia, seek medical advice if you experience:

• Sudden, sharp pain near the bulge.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• The bulge becomes tender or painful to the touch.
• The bulge cannot be pushed back into place (which may indicate a strangulated hernia).
• Persistent pain in the area of the bulge.

These could be signs of a strangulated hernia, a severe condition where the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off. This requires emergency medical attention.

Do's:

• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully for post-surgical care.
• Wear a support garment if recommended by your doctor.
• Engage in light physical activity to promote healing, but avoid strenuous movements.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet to aid in recovery.
• Monitor for signs of infection, such as fever, redness, or discharge from the incision site.

Don'ts:

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for several weeks post-surgery.
• Do not strain or cough excessively; this can strain the healing area.
• Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods to prevent putting pressure on the abdominal area.
• Don't ignore signs of complications, such as fever or severe pain.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

1. Penn MMedicine | Hernia Surgery & Repair (Herniorrhaphy)
2. UPMC | Hernia Surgery Benefits, Risks, and What to Expect
3. nhs.uk | Inguinal hernia repair
4. National Institutes of Health | Hernias - Surgical Treatment
5. Harvard Health | Hernia Repair