Hernia Surgery And Sobriety
A medical success story
As I enter into two weeks post surgery for Umbilical Hernia repair, I would like to reflect on it, and share my own experience with anyone out there, looking for information, and consideration into getting the same type of surgery. It’s a journey that may sound very common, when it comes to medical procedures that we all might go through, however, we are all quite different, and one person’s reaction, may in fact differ from many others. To call what I went through as “typical” might not be the case. But to share each of our experiences is a general way for people to get informed about the same procedure. It is a good way to get educated, in a vast array of ways. To better prepare for all spectrums of results.
The story of my hernia seems to possibly be connected to the drastic weight loss I have sustained over the past year. Losing upwards of 70 pounds, meant that I originally had one hell of a giant stomach. It seems that the more smaller I got, the more an umbilical hernia started to show itself. Right above the belly button.
It is my strong opinion, that my obesity literally hid the hernia, that likely had been around for a long time. The pain and uncomfortable feeling of that condition, grew more intense, as I journeyed to this new life of eating healthy and exercising.
Just have past experiences of weight loss has shown, it seems like anytime I pursued a thinner self, something seemingly hidden, started to show itself. Years ago the horrific condition my neck was in, became present when dieting. And this time, it just happened to be a hernia. As if my past obese self had a protective coating, against hidden injuries, pain, and other health problems.
Like most others, one of the biggest, and major concern is always the chance for pain. Pain is something that can completely drive a human being’s every living moment. So for its likely prevalence during and after surgery, I as a person in recovery, clean from heroin, was especially focused on how to handle pain management.
Now I am not a person who utilized twelve steps, so I am not an automatic opponent of opioid medications. Because they still remain very important medications in the world of medicine. And even a person living in sobriety might medically need them at certain times, and that’s just the bottom line. There are bouts of crucifying pain that we might go through, at times in our lives when it comes to our health. However, I also believe in the fact that everybody should always consider trying the non narcotic pain medication route, as long as it works well enough to not totally ruin quality of life.
So I discussed it with my surgeon, and other doctors, and they felt that the recovery from hernia repair, could likely be handled with non narcotic pain medications. So, while still a bit worried and nervous for the pain, I still agreed to try that route first. Between oral medications, and numbing of the area, we dove into this surgery with everyone on the same page.
Awakening from the surgery, I quickly realized that while the pain was very significant, it was not something that would negatively alter the next several days. As with any type of procedure, or injury, the longer we go forward, the more improvement starts to show itself. Especially when following all of the aftercare instructions correctly. That was the case for this experience of mine.
Throughout this process, I was happy to learn that not only was the recovery chances quite high, I also found out that light exercise right after surgery day, was a great way to enhance recovery, as it promoted good blood flow to the area of interest. So I was back on my feet, and doing my daily routine of walking, by day 2. Being mindful to start off with a low step count, and gradually utilize a step app, to increase steps by a few hundred more each and every day.
The condition of my hernia was at a stable enough place where I was able to avoid needing mesh installed. I was able to also have the procedure done arthroscopically, which always is good when it comes to being much less invasive.
I am heading into the two week mark, and as I take my daily walks, and get out of bed each morning, I realize that the improvement is becoming more and more apparent. I did end up being put on a light regiment of antibiotics, when a small pink circle appeared around my belly button, however those meds seemed to work well. The only lingering problem is a darn leaky faucet like drainage, that still is not completely done. The surgeon did confirm that the light draining can linger and it is quite normal when it comes to the particular work I had done.
This experience has enhanced my confidence in the fact that my sobriety is really at a good place. I went into this life event fully educated and aware of what type of story I hoped to live, once this was over. While I might not be able to lift anything heavy (over 10 lbs) for six more weeks, I can look at this experience has health conscious and successful, as I follow the doctors orders.
For anyone needing a potential umbilical hernia repair, mesh or no mesh, just know that it is possible to get through the pain, with either no narcotics, or just a small regimen of them. Even if the surgeon is insistent of prescribing strong medicines, always know that it’s okay to at least try over the counter medications first. And if you do need mesh, don’t allow all those lawyer commercials about lawsuits from mesh hernia surgerys scare you into not having a needed hernia repair.
Find the right surgeon, know the risks, and follow the aftercare instructions religiously, and you will on the road to the best results possible. As with any surgery, the risks are always present. However do not allow that, to cloud your choices in keeping your health on point.
-End
Michael Patanella
is a Trenton, New Jersey Author, Publisher, Columnist, Editor, Advocate, and recovering addict, covering topics of mental health, addiction, sobriety, mindfulness, self-help, faith, spirituality, Smart Recovery, social advocacy, and countless other nonfiction topics. His articles, publications, memoirs, and stories are geared towards being a voice for the voiceless.