After hernia surgery, your body needs time to recover from the surgical incisions. This process can take time, but there are a few things you can do to speed up your recovery time. In this blog we will offer five ways to make your recovery from hernia surgery go as smoothly as possible.

1. Follow your Surgeon’s Instructions

The most important thing that you can do to speed up your recovery (by far) is following the post-op instructions from your doctor. These instructions will include activity restrictions, medication schedules, and information on how to recover as quickly as possible. Your surgeon has your best interests in mind – so do your body a favor and follow these instructions closely.

2. Find a Post-Op Buddy

After your surgery you will most likely be laid up for several days or weeks. Having a family member or friend around to keep you company and help out with any daily tasks can be a huge help.

3. Don’t Push Yourself

Hernia surgery comes with some pretty strict activity restrictions. Be careful not to lift anything beyond your ability. If your job requires a lot of manual labor, you may need to request time off while you heal. Whatever you do, don’t push yourself. The last thing you want to do is have another hernia before the surgical area is fully healed. This will only increase the time it takes to recover from your procedure.

4. Communicate with your Surgeon

Open and honest communication with your surgeon is a must in any situation. Your doctor needs to have the necessary information to make informed decisions about your care. So don’t be afraid to be vocal after your hernia surgery if you are experiencing pain or if you have any questions about what you can or cannot do after the procedure.

5. Entertain Yourself

Boredom is a common complaint from patients recovering from hernia surgery. It can be tough to take time off work and stay in your house during recovery, but do your best to entertain yourself with movies, games, books, music, puzzles, or whatever other activities you enjoy.

As a final note, be sure to listen to your doctor’s recommendations above all else. When in doubt, default to their specific instructions.