Thread: Umbilical Hernia

Hi all,

Long time, no post! Been out of action for quite a while with an umbilical hernia. Had an operation on it August 2009 and have only just started to get back into the gym. Tried earlier around Dec/Jan to get into it but was still experiencing discomfort (not that tearing sensation anymore, just dull ache). The surgeon repaired the hernia (size of ten cent piece) with permanent sutures (he was hesitatant putting in a mesh as he said there was not enough fatty tissue and the mesh could rub against the skin underneath). Now that I'm getting back into weights again, I've found that certain exercises (pullups, bench, rows) causes discomfort still, 6 months after the op! I'm not sure this is right and whether I should of pushed for the mesh? I've very aware of internal pressure and try to not hold breath and breathe out but sometimes in the last couple of reps this is hard to do.

Has anyone else had this experience personally and advice of what they've done?

I'm just worried that my days of lifting heavy are over and I'm only 30! One thing I've forgot to mention, I'm pretty hesitant in doing ab work since this. Should I actually be trying to strengthen the core instead before taking on heavy lifting or will ab work just cause more internal pressure which will aggrevate the situation?

Hoping someone can share.

Thanks for your time,

j0hnny

is this the same as a lower ab tear / sports hernia?

no, i was born with it however it developed bigger due to years of lifting. the hernia was directly behind the belly button...

ouch

what rehab did they have you do for it?

you'll have scar tissue around the area that will pull and stretch as soon as you raise your arms

no rehab, was told to not lift anything over 5kgs for 6-8 weeks then should be back to normal. i can feel the scar tissue but i'm more worried about the sutures pulling through the muscle.

all i can suggest is to trial and error your exercises and avoid what hurts which to me doesn't seem like many...