bonsai171

Hello,

A few weeks ago, I had surgery for a hernia. Going to the doctor Friday to get clearance to ride again, but I wonder what it will be like post-surgery. Anyone have experience with this? Any tips to ease the transition?

Dave

JohnDThompson 

What type of surgery? Laproscopic, open reduction, with mesh, etc.? Recovery is faster with a simple laproscopic procedure, longer the more involved it becomes.

bonsai171

Not sure what they call it, but they did a cut in the groin area, and had to patch things up with mesh. I'm hoping they will clear me Friday, as the cut is almost healed, but anticipate going back very gradually, and sticking to mostly flat rides for a while.

Dave

Shimagnolo

How large was the cut?
I had an open reduction when I was about 20yo, which left a scar 5" long that I have yet today.
I had a laparoscopic surgery several years ago that left 3 tiny 1/2" cuts that disappeared in a year.

After the open reduction, I could barely walk for a couple weeks.
After the laparoscopic surgery I felt like I could ride the next day, but the surgeon told me to stay off the bike for a couple weeks, because a fall could tear things loose.

bonsai171

The cut is around 5". Sounds like we had a similar experience, walking was not fun for a week or so, but definitely not laughing, coughing or sneezing. How long did it take to go back to riding after the open reduction?

Dave

Shimagnolo

Oh man, my sympathies!
I remember too well trying not to cough or sneeze, and avoiding watching any comedies on TV.
It felt like someone shoving a knife into my crotch.
I wasn't doing any riding at that time, but I was into martial arts.
I don't recall how long it took until I was training again.

Troul 

Six to eight weeks post being sliced open & that's not jumping back into normal regimen. Gradually working up to normal use can take as long as three months if not longer.

hay

Don't push it ,you do not want to go thru this again. Maybe bike slow on some smooth bike paths but I don't suggest anywhere the unexpected can happen.
I still worry about my surgery after 2 years since i only herniated after an apendectomy years earlier.
Take it easy...Happy New Year

bonsai171

Happy New year to you too! I'm probably going to go with paths, but also be selective with what bike to ride. Right now I ride road, mtb, fixed gear, and singlespeed. Going to stay away from fixed and singlespeed for sure, and definitely rough singletrack on mtb too. Maybe just gravel roads.

Dave

jimjim58

I had bilateral inguinal hernia repair surgery on 12-8-17, doctor said I could start mild aerobic exercises 2 weeks after surgery. When I asked about cycling on my smart trainer he said as long as resistance was low, no straining. I did a 10 mile flat route Zwift ride and it didn't really feel good, wasn't painful just uncomfortable. After that we left for vacation over the holidays and I just did a lot of walking. Got back on the bike last night (close to 4 weeks post surgery) and only rode 7 miles not even working up a sweat, felt pretty good but still a little uncomfortable. I'm going to give it a few more weeks before I get too crazy.

You are right about the coughing, laughing and sneezing, no fun at all.

hay

How you doing Bonz?Quite the ordeal isn't it?
I saw your comment on gravel roads and it made me cringe lol
hope you re well

DeadGrandpa

I had laparoscopic surgery in early December. Had post op check 3 weeks later, given go ahead to resume riding at 6 weeks post op. Haven't actually been back on the bike yet, mostly due to the weather and life events. One day soon, though...

jack k

I had a femoral hernia, did a lap repair with mesh and was back riding after about 4 weeks. Any veterans out there, Dr. Michelloti (if he is still there...) at the Loma Linda, CA VA did a fantastic job.