A hernia is a protrusion of intestine or abdominal tissue through a hole in the wall of your abdomen muscle. It occurs when the abdomen muscles develop a weakness or tear. Muscle tissue, fat or an organ, such as your bowels, bulge out into a bubble or sac. A hernia does not heal on its own and surgery is the only way to repair it. How quickly you can get back into your full workout routine after surgery depends on various factors, including how severe the hernia is, your age, how much fat you have and the type of surgery that is necessary to repair the hernia. When you have hernias in two places, expect recovery to take longer.
Causes
Men, women and children of any age can develop hernias. Hernias often occur because of strain on the abdominal wall from heavy lifting, but other factors such as aging, pregnancy, injury, persistent coughing, pressure from difficulty with bowel movements and old incisions can also cause the abdominal wall to weaken, allowing hernias to form.
Double Hernias
A double hernia -- commonly a bilateral hernia -- occurs when you have two hernias. Typically, the hernias occur on the left and right sides of your body. The occurrence of the first hernia may heighten the risk for the second, companion hernia. While doctors may monitor the progress of a single hernia, double hernias almost always require surgery as support belts, wraps and briefs can't provide the support necessary to compensate for the damage associated with a double hernia.
Surgery
The least invasive type of surgery is laparoscopic repair. A small camera attached to a telescope is inserted through an incision under the belly button. Two small cuts about the size of a pencil eraser are made in the lower abdomen and used to repair the hernia using a mesh. In open repair a larger incision is made. Your surgeon will recommend which type of surgery is best for you.
Recovery
Recovery from laproscopic repair should allow you to get back to normal activities such as showering, walking up stairs, work, lifting, sexual intercourse and driving, possibly within a few days, though individuals can vary significantly in their recovery. You will probably have a two-week follow up with your doctor, during which you can evaluate your condition and discuss exercise plans. You will likely have to refrain from heavy lifting, including weight lifting, and rigorous workouts for at least six to eight weeks. Ask your doctor about whether you should wear a girdle or support belt. Avoid pushing or applying abdominal pressure when you cough, have bowel movements and urinate.
Types of Workouts
While you will need to refrain from weight lifting and exercises that place pressure on your abdominal wall, you probably can still do certain activities while you are recovering. Walking provides aerobic activity, burns calories and helps keep your muscles toned. Other cardiovascular activity, such as swimming, biking or gentle aerobic classes also help to maintain your fitness during recovery. Yoga enhances muscle tone and you can choose positions that minimize abdominal stress. Speak with your health care provider about getting exercises that help strengthen your abdominal wall during recovery, and follow your caregiver's instructions on exercise. Until you are given the go-ahead by your physician, avoid exercises that cause you to push or strain your abdominal muscles.
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