Hernia operation and how it affects running?

I had a hernia operation using the laperoscopic surgery and general anaesthetic at the end of 2008, was walking 1-2 km the next day and was running some short runs about 5-6 weeks later.

I've never felt any discomfort from the mesh while running.

1) laparoscopic--I had mine a few years back and my idiot doctors still used old school.

2) Either way, ZERO effect on running. When my first (old school) hernia repair eventually didn't hold, and I nearly died of an incarcerated hernia, they had to rush me into emergency surgery where they GUTTED ME LIKE A FISH. I was cut open from the bellow button all the way down to the... in fact, they performed an appendectomy while they had me open (to remove part of my intestines). Despite all that, I was running again in a month, and sprinting again, playing tag football, in 2-3 months. No lingering effect. A hernia operation is nothing compared to Achilles Tendinosis. In fact, having part of your intestines removed is nothing compared to Achilles Tendinosis.

3) Not that you asked, but Achilles Tendinosis is from the devil. It will make you question the point of living.

I had old school method - 4 months later I had another hernia. Will have to go through it all over again.

I didn't want any mesh (don't like the idea of it being in my body forever), but looks like that may have been a mistake.

I have a friend trained in sports injury who reckons he can get rid of minor hernias by training the core in a specific way. Anyone ever heard of that?

I had a hernia & my doctor told me it was cosmetic only. NO WAY! Man, my guts would push out of my abdomen & I would cramp-up like nothing else I've ever experienced in my life! When I'd lay on my back, I could--literally--feel my guts going back into my body. It sucked!

So, I got the mesh put in. (My doctor told me I’d be running in 3-5 days.) It took me almost a week before I could sorta walk/shuffle for distance. I ended up taking 3 complete days off from work then did 2 half-days, but probably should have taken a bit more time off.

But, they put me completely under. Inserted the mesh. And, used the “superglue” to put me back together (no stitches or staples).

And, the important part, I really didn’t run for, um, 6-8 weeks or so.

It’s been 2 years & I’ve had ZERO problems. I think I kinda feel “something” where the mesh is when I do my post-run stretching. And, I heard you’ll have problems strengthening the lower abs, but I’m not too sure about that.

Good luck!

I had the old fashioned operation about 18 years ago. No problems since and no mesh. Just a local and I was home about 3 hours later.

I was really sore for a few days and it was difficult to move around but I started easy running after about 3 weeks.

I it were me I would just get it done and over with rather than worrying about it for years.

I lost 3 inches in girth.

Just to follow up about future running. As I said, mine was about 18 years ago and no affect on running at all. I've put in plenty of miles since including 100 mile ultras with no problems.

Thanks for the feedback.

I will be opting for the traditional method (old style), because the 'new' laperoscopic procedure, needs a lot of experience (around 1000 surgeries or so). The old style method is much easier to do, and not all doctors have the skills or knowledge to do a successful job on the laperoscopic method.

The pain I have comes and goes. When it comes, it can be really bad, and basically, the pain even comes when I am sitting down. The only relief I get is when I lie down horizonal. It is a very annoying problem, because even work and normal activities can be a problem when the pain comes on.

Is there any documentation on top athletes coming back from hernia operations and repair?

Jon Roberts