Hernia repair with mesh

I'm 54 and just had a hernia repair (three months ago) with mesh. It took four weeks before I ran (got on a bike after less than three weeks); ran fairly hard today without feeling a thing while running. Occasionally I feel a slight twinge in the area, but no real "pain". Get it taken care of before it becomes a bigger issue, and as long as you are cautious for the first six weeks you should be fine. BTW the surgeon that did mine said he triple-stitched the mesh in because he knew I would push it.......

I had the mesh procedure done 25 years ago. He said it was a very large tear. I tried to start running before the doctor said and felt a twinge. I still feel it occasionally when I do core work like situps and weight lifting. It's not debilitating. It doesn't affect running. I seldom notice it, but if I had it to do over, I'd take the entire time off like the doctor said.

What kind of hernia do you have? I had one repaired with mesh and had no problem with pain after healing.

Had one fixed 10+y ago, just out of college, no problems. I was told to limit hard activity for several months and I did nothing for at least two.

I know of at least one qualifier for the Olympic trials marathon who had the mesh surgery last year. He's back in shape and on track to hopefully match or beat his qualifying time at the trials, so it has been good for him.

I had a bilateral mesh repair mid June of this year. Took about a month before I could run (slow) and felt considerable pain throughout that first month. Had to roll out of bed, difficulty getting up from chair, and just basically felt like death with the frequent sharp pains. Two months out I did a sprint triathlon as bike and swim were much more comfortable than running - most training was swim and bike, just faked it for run. Still pretty tender at times for about three months. Four months out ran a HM and am now five months out and don't feel it or even think about it when I run or do anything else. 52, so probably healed slower than you would. I ran a HM a month before surgery and the one I ran four months after surgery was a minute faster on a more difficulty course under challenging conditions. My stride feels stronger, especially on hills. Use a surgeon that has done a lot of these - mine was a runner.

I had one over a year ago. My experience only' fwiw:

First, go to a doctor that does a lot of these.

Do not rush back to running. An extra few weeks will not matter.

Do not rush core work

Have a good stretch and hip/lower leg routine as you might for first few months unknowingly favor one side. This will help prevent secondary injuries.

I ran after 3 1/2 weeks and slowly built up for a few months and then ran 2 rigorous races - one within 5 months and one 9 months out (I am eRly 50s so less intense than you). Started core work only @2 months out. Could feel it for first 6 months - not necessarily pain but just feeling mesh. Now I only very occasionally feel it.

Spork wrote:

What kind of hernia do you have? I had one repaired with mesh and had no problem with pain after healing.

I have inguinal and obturator hernias. I've been out with a painful unknown injury for 2 years so taking time off after surgery won't be a problem. The doctor thinks that these hidden hernias may be what's causing the pain. Hopefully the are!!!!!!

I am an old timer by your standards, 65 years old. I had the same concerns as you, but I recovered quickly with no issues. The mesh they use today is considerably better than what was used in the past. No problem running, in fact I raced within a month of surgery.

Igy