No, hernias don’t necessarily need to be repaired immediately. Hernias can often exist for years without any symptoms or major health issues. However, if the hernia is causing pain and the discomfort increases, it could signify the hernia is growing and becoming larger.
In these cases it is important to see a doctor for an examination to determine if the hernia needs to be surgically repaired. Certain types of hernias may pose a risk for irreversible damage to the organs, so it is important to have the hernia evaluated.
The doctor may recommend surgery, as the pressure caused by a hernia can cause damage to internal organs. Without surgery, the organs could suffer long-term damage that is not reversible. Having surgery to repair the hernia can help prevent this.
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of surgical repair with your doctor if you are considering this option.
What happens if you don’t treat a hernia right away?
If you don’t treat a hernia right away, the situation can become more complicated and put your health at further risk. Without prompt treatment, hernias can get bigger and cause more serious problems, as the organ or structure protruding through the weakened area of tissue may become trapped in the hernia.
This can lead to strangulation of the organ, which cuts off its blood supply, resulting in pain, infection, or tissue death. Long-term complications can be more severe, such as a bowel obstruction, severe infection, and internal bleeding.
Therefore, it’s important to see your doctor right away to make sure you get the necessary treatment as quickly as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment gives you the best opportunity for a successful outcome.
How long can a hernia go untreated?
It is not recommended to leave a hernia untreated, as it can become more serious over time. A hernia itself is not considered life-threatening, but it can develop into a serious medical condition that requires treatment.
If left untreated, a hernia can lead to a strangulated hernia, which can cause pain and swelling in the area, nausea, fever, and as a result can cause serious complications like ischemia (blocked blood flow) and infection.
In some cases, an untreated hernia can also cause intestinal obstruction, which can become life-threatening if not treated. In addition, if the hernia is not treated, it can weaken the muscle wall and lead to an increased hernia size or other hernias.
It is suggested to get checked by a doctor as soon as possible and to seek treatment to avoid any possible complications.
How much time off do you need for hernia surgery?
The amount of time off you will need for hernia surgery will depend on the type of surgery being performed, your current health, and the recovery time recommended by your doctor. For minimally invasive laparoscopic hernia repair, expect to take off at least 1-2 weeks.
During this time, patients should limit physical activity and follow their doctor’s instructions for care, including taking medication for pain and swelling. Open hernia repair, which requires a larger incision, may require 4-6 weeks of recovery time.
During this period, it is important to limit physical activity and exercise until otherwise directed by the doctor. In some cases, the patient may be able to return to work or other activities sooner than expected, but this decision should be left up to the surgeon who is performing the surgery.
Can you live with an untreated hernia?
Yes, it is possible to live with an untreated hernia. However, it is not advisable to do so. Untreated hernias can become larger over time and may lead to complications such as obstruction of the intestine, strangulation, and serious infections.
An untreated hernia can also cause pain, tenderness, and discomfort. If left untreated, a hernia can also cause herniated tissue to become trapped and unable to pass through the affected area. In the worst case scenario, an untreated hernia can lead to death if the hernia strangulates (cuts off the blood supply to) a portion of the intestine.
To avoid these possible problems, it is important to consult a medical professional regarding the best treatment option for your hernia. Treatment for hernias typically includes hernia repair surgery or wearing a support garment.
How do you know when a hernia is an emergency?
If you believe you may have a hernia, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. A hernia can be an emergency if there is unexpected pain, swelling, discoloration or strangulation. Strangulation occurs when the hernia becomes stuck and cannot be pushed back into its original location.
Unexpected pain is one of the main signs of potential emergency. It is important to be aware of any sharp or sudden pains that occur in the hernia area that were not present before. Swelling is also a sign of emergency, as a hernia area may increase in size more than normal.
Discoloration may also be a sign of emergency as the hernia area may change color or turn blue. If any of these symptoms are present, seek emergency medical attention at once.
What to do while waiting for hernia surgery?
If you are awaiting hernia surgery, there are several things you can do to prepare for your procedure and to make the most of your time while waiting.
First and foremost, ensure you are doing everything you can to stay healthy by eating nutritious foods, exercising and keeping stress levels in check. Regular exercise is particularly important for improving and maintaining muscle strength and can even help manage pain associated with hernias.
If you are physically able, low-impact exercises, like walking, swimming and gentle yoga are all beneficial. Additionally, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your pain and any pre-surgery activity restrictions.
It’s also important to research your hernia surgery options and ask questions of your care team to make an informed decision. You should have a clear understanding of what to expect before, during and after the surgery and potential risks.
Talking to your doctor or nurse can also help you understand the necessary steps for recovery.
If you feel your emotions getting the best of you, make sure to focus on your mental health as well. Take a course or explore a hobby that brings you peace and joy. Spend time with friends and family or in your community to stay grounded while awaiting surgery.
Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to family and friends for moral and emotional support during this stressful time. Talking to others who have had hernia surgeries can be particularly helpful. Connecting with an online community or support group may also provide the comfort and guidance you need.
Should I go to ER for suspected hernia?
It is important to ensure you are comfortable and safe before making a decision on what to do regarding a suspected hernia. Generally, you should go to the emergency room if you experience extreme pain, swelling, or any other issues that require immediate medical attention.
Additionally, you should go to the ER if you are having difficulty breathing or if you have a fever, as this could indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
If your symptoms are mild and you are able to move around normally without too much discomfort, it may be beneficial instead to make an appointment with your primary care doctor or a specialist in a few days.
They would be able to perform a physical examination and order the appropriate imaging studies such as an ultrasound or CT scan to identify any hernias that may be present and recommend the best course of action.
If you are unable to walk or stand due to severe pain, or if you have any other medical concerns that you feel might require immediate medical attention, it is best to go to the emergency room. The medical personnel there can examine you more thoroughly and provide the necessary treatments if needed.
Do you need to see a doctor for a hernia?
Yes, it is important to see a doctor if you suspect that you may have a hernia. A hernia can be a sign of a more serious condition, and it can be very painful if it is not treated promptly. Seeing a doctor will help determine the best course of treatment for your hernia, and will also help rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing the hernia.
The doctor can examine the area and do any necessary tests to diagnose the hernia and decide the best course of action. It is also important to treat any hernia as soon as possible, as it can worsen and become increasingly painful if not treated.
It is important to discuss any treatment plan with your doctor to make sure it is the best plan for your individual case.
When should you go to the hospital for a hernia?
It is important to go to the hospital if you are experiencing any hernia symptoms. If you experience sudden, sharp pain in the affected area and difficulty passing stools, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
There may be an obstruction in the intestines, and if this is not treated quickly, it can result in tissue death, infection, and other complications. Additionally, if you experience a severe increase in abdominal size, severe nausea and vomiting, or a fever, you should seek medical care right away.
Furthermore, if you have a hernia that has been growing progressively over the days and weeks, you should go to the hospital as soon as possible. It is also recommended to go to the hospital if the hernia becomes tender or painful and if there is any redness or potential signs of infection.
Overall, it is important to seek medical treatment if any of these symptoms arise.
How long can you have a hernia without surgery?
Hernias are not typically considered life-threatening, but they can cause uncomfortable and even painful symptoms, so seeking medical attention is advised. It is generally not recommended to wait more than a few weeks before scheduling surgery as the condition is considered progressive and can become complicated if left untreated.
Depending on the type of hernia, certain lifestyle changes and medical treatment may help to relieve symptoms, but correction of the hernia can best be achieved through surgery. If you have an inguinal hernia, it may be recommended to wait until it is reducible, resulting in the hernia being able to return to the abdominal wall without intervention.
This can lessen the complexity of the surgery, so it’s important to monitor and discuss with your doctor the progression of the hernia. If there is pain or any other concerns related to the hernia, surgery should be scheduled as soon as possible.
How long is too long to have a hernia?
In general, hernias do not typically resolve on their own and can occasionally cause serious complications, so it is recommended to get them treated as soon as possible. Most hernias should be treated within the first six months of the onset of symptoms to prevent further damage or the potential for serious health issues.
In some cases, hernias can worsen and cause complications if left untreated, such as intestinal strangulation or obstruction. If you have had a hernia for more than six months, you should consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of treatment.
How painful is hernia surgery?
Hernia surgery can range from minimally painful to quite painful depending on the individual, the type of hernia, and how complicated the surgery is. Generally speaking, most hernia repairs are done under general anesthesia, which means the patient is asleep and not in pain during the procedure.
After the surgery is complete, the patient may experience mild-to-moderate pain and may be prescribed pain medications such as opioids, anti-inflammatories, or other medications to provide relief. Generally, within a few days after a hernia surgery, the pain should start to decrease, but symptoms may last up to a month or longer in some cases.
Post-surgery pain can also vary from person to person and could depend on the size and location of the hernia. Some people also experience pain when coughing or moving after hernia surgery. It’s important to follow up with your doctor if you experience severe pain or other concerning symptoms after hernia surgery.
Can I delay hernia surgery?
In some cases, hernia surgery can be delayed depending on the type and severity of the hernia. If the hernia is causing only minimal pain and does not appear to be growing larger, it may be possible to delay the surgery.
Additionally, if the hernia is asymptomatic, or causes no symptoms, then it may also be possible to wait for surgery.
However, it is important to note that, in general, hernia surgery should be done as soon as possible. Hernias are typically caused by a weak spot in the abdominal wall and the protruding organs may cause significant discomfort or even pain.
Furthermore, there is a risk that the incarcerated intestine can become strangulated, or even burst, leading to an emergency surgery. Therefore, it is important that you consult with your doctor to determine whether or not the hernia can be safely delayed.
Can a hernia be pushed back in without surgery?
No, a hernia cannot be pushed back in without surgery. A hernia is a bulging or protrusion of an organ or tissue through the wall of the cavity it normally resides in. This can result in a loop of intestine, or other internal organs or tissues, extending downward from the abdominal opening.
Without surgical correction, a hernia can worsen over time and may cause severe pain, increased risk of strangulation or incarceration of the hernia, and potential organ failure. Therefore, it is not safe to try and push a hernia back in without seeking medical attention.
The only effective and safe treatment for a hernia is surgical repair.