Hernia surgery in time for bow season

[thump]

Going to have hernia surgery tomorrow. Has anyone else  here  had this done and if so what should I expect for recovery time .I have vacation time secluded in November for the rut. Would of liked to have had it done sooner but it was through workmen’s comp.

[Fletcher]

Recovery will depend on the type and size of the hernia and whether the repair is done laproscopic or open.  I had a 4" open repair of an inguinal hernia.  I went back to work in three days, but moved quite slow and didn't do any lifting.  It took about 6 weeks for me to get close to normal.

[Bowitis]

Do what your Dr. says    I was to do NOTHING for a week, I felt so good, I did not follow the doc's orders and ripped every thing loose in less than TWO days. Now I have to do the whole thing again,wasting three weeks of sick time and all off my deductables

[rraming]

You'll be on the ground this year I guess

[Jack Guard]

Luke, i have had 4 inguinal ring surgeries.  My most recent was when i was 40, 9 years ago,  had two baby boys and i was processing for an overseas job.  talk about a little stress.  

First one at 17, then 18, 23 and then at 40.  My last was quite honestly my easiest.  Don't let my quantity scare you.  the last two they put mesh in me to keep it from happening again.  BUT, it still takes time.  I was back to work in a week and shooting within days.  Fact is i am a bit stubborn.  I am also in fairly good shape.  

The main thing is that you rest early on.  stay active.  i was walking around chasing my kids the first day of recovery.  i seem to remember they restrict you from lifting over 25 lbs.    

The easy thing is the shooting.  that doesn't stress the abs as much as maybe climbing a tree to sit in the stand.

Main thing i would do is make some ground blinds and rest well, yet stay active.  does that make sense ???

Good luck.  You will do fine.

[Big-un08]

Yes sir, you can be almost certain that you will not get any string time for at least 6 weeks. I just had one repaired in May. When I finally got back to shooting, I started out in the 30# range and worked back up.

[Lechwe]

Not sure how long ago you guys had your surgery's but the one I had (thi past Spring)the doc told me to do my exercises and then do whatever I wanted immediately.I shot a bow that afternoon and went to my sons soccer game the next day. I was told to get up and walk, climb stairs and generally get moving and I would feel better sooner. Ask your doc but I would be terribly srprised if you were not in a tree the first week of October.

Good luck.

[ArrowAtomik]

The first week is the most important to do nothing.

Opener was less than 3 weeks after the surgery for me a few years ago.  It was certainly a little iffy to pull a bow and climb a ladder stand.  But I got the wife to help me drag the small doe up out of the ravine (I chose a small one out of six larger deer).  

I think they talked about 4-6 weeks for any real serious lifting.  Probably not smart to bend the Dr's orders, but I tried to be reasonably careful and used only a 43# bow and had no issues.

[thump]

Guys I really appreciate all your words of wisdom.
Thanks Luke

[Tater John]

Follow the surgeons instructions and play it smart. I had laparoscopic done June 4th for a reducible inguinal hernia and was shooting a little in the 5th week and am full form now. You'll be in the woods by Nov. no doubt.     Your age, I'm 55 and don't heal nearly as fast, is a determining factor too

Rusty

[Recurve50 LBS]

I just had hernia surgery July 9th. Don't plan on doing much of anything activity wise for at least a month. The best thing tto do is to go outside and walk on flat ground. If you can do this at least twice a day.

I understand that they do diffrent types of surgery for hernias. One being done with tiny insisions the other making a large insision like they did with me. The insision was about 6 inches and required 18 staples to close it.

Things were very uncomfortable with pain and swelling until the staples came out about 3 weeks after surgery. After that things got better pretty quick. I was out of work from July 9th till August 20th.

Best of luck with your surgery and make sure you follow the doctor's instructions so you get well faster.

[Missouri Bowman]

I had mine at age 35 and the first week all I could do is walk. The doctor did say to walk and the second week I started walking in the woods with my bow. I hunted on the ground and it didn't bother me shooting my bow. I was back to work in 4 weeks and doing most things ok. But we're all different.

[RM81]

I'd give it about a month before shooting.

[swamper]

Had 2 inguinal hernias done 3 weeks ago,laproscopic was done,did nothing for 2 weeks then started shooting and no pain while shooting,My doctor said after 3 weeks to do whatever I wanted.

[limbow]

Wow!!!! Two procedures? Mine was last spring which was non-laproscopic, I am just now feeling 100%. mind you last year November I went to Kodiak Island and hunted Blacktail for a week with my stick and string... I would have considered myself "in shape". It was four days after surgery before I could get up from laying down unassisted. I am glad to be on the backside of that!

[ratherbehuntin]

I had double inguinal laparoscopically repaired with mesh took about two weeks before I could kind of feel sort of normal. The first week it was hard to walk upright second week walking around and doing normal tasks seemed easier just a pulling feeling where the surgery was with lifting or bearing down. The third week I went back to work and just made sure I didn't over do it.

[swamper]

still a little pain,but only with pressure on it.

[Sam McMichael]

I have had 3 hernia surgies (will probably need a 4th). It takes the wind out of your sails for a few weeks. Start back carefully and slowly with a light weight bow. Talk it over with the doc before you even think about pulling a bow.