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A carer needing open insiscionall hernia repair. How long will hubby need to go into respite.?

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Posted 11/3/2012 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, this is my first post.

I care for my 85 year old husband and have been diagnosed with a hernia after a laparoscopic prolapsed bowel repair a few months ago.

I have been told this will be under locals anethsetic. With the previous bowel op,hubby went into respite for 5 weeks... I am now wondering how long I should book him in for after the hernia operation, it is important that I try not to have a relapse so I can have him back home again.

Any comments would really be appreciated
thank you
Posted 11/3/2012 7:16 PM (GMT 0)
I'll first welcome you to HW.

Being a prostate forum, hernias are not a hot subject, but there are a few guys here who have had hernia repairs, so I'll have to defer to them.

 

Posted 11/3/2012 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Cranmer,
I'm sorry you both are going through this tough time.
As Mr. 142 said, this is a Prostate Cancer forum but I have had the "pleasure" of having 2 indirect hernias so I can answer you.

I was much younger than your husband (45) but probably much stupider! I was also in very good shape. Not overweight. Every time something would pop out of my lower abdomen I would push it back in with my fingers. It would happen about 2-3 times per week. I did this for months! What an idiot! By the time I went to the doctor it was a mess.

I had a mesh installed with titanium staples so now I am stronger than normal. Recovery was about one month but I was up and very mobile in 3 or 4 days. Remember I was only 45.
Even now if I eat too much I can feel the staples and mesh pull. This prevents me from getting fat. ;-)

The mesh made my prostate surgery much more difficult and was a concern for the surgeon as he had to follow a different path to get in to do his work. But in the end everything worked out for the best.

I wish you both well.
Jeff
Posted 11/3/2012 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you 142 and worried guy for replying. I am sorry I am on the
forum. It's just i had no idea whenI would be able to do allthe 24/7 necessary things to look after hubby, who has spinal stenosis and walks with a frame as well as some incontince problems, so there is a fair bit of attention needed.
And I am 77 and am really worried that I will be able to cope looking after him properly for a few weeks. I don't think it is a big operation and don't want to make a fuss about it.
Posted 11/3/2012 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Have you asked at the hospital where he is to have surgery about support services? There may be groups who could help with meals, transportation, and the like. I see a lot of volunteer efforts connected to cancer patients, but they may also have senior's resources that you could use. Wouldn't hurt to ask. Ask if they have a patient navigator or similar service.
Posted 11/3/2012 9:22 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a little confused, who is the hernia operation for- you or your husband? I think the answers you've gotten so far might be for caring for him after his hernia surgery, but it seems you are asking about your ability after your hernia surgery? Oh, welcome , by the way... smilewinkgrin

I see now that the subject holds the answer: A carer needing open insiscionall hernia repair. How long will hubby need to go into respite.


In that case, you will want to be very careful with moving or lifting anything for 6 weeks or more, Your surgeon should tell you beforehand. I can't see how anyone having this surgery could do much caregiving, especially assisting with lifting, supporting others and such for quite a while. To be useful in the future for your husband, you will have to be extremely cooperative of your doctors orders concerning after surgery activities and timelines. It wouldn't be helpful to go thru all that and then tear the good work out by pulling or straining your surgeons good work. So, having had one side done, I'd say 6 weeks- MINIMUM- of any activity that involves lifting or pulling. The usual thing is no more than a pint of milk first 2 weeks, then a quart of milk the first month. then build up from there.

Post Edited (James C.) : 11/3/2012 3:37:54 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 11/3/2012 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you JAmes C

Your answer seems to reassure me as hubby was in respite care for 5 weeks inJune for my prolapsed bowel op and in a way I possibly needed A couple more weeks but of course he was so,anxious to come home. I am trying to make him understand that I do need time to recover properly so i canhave him back home again ASAP and he finds it this a bit hard to understand.

Thank you for your reply
Posted 11/3/2012 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
Make sure the surgeon knows of your particular home situation and the demands that makes on you. I would suggest at least 2 full months of no demands on you, to ensure complete healing. Discuss it with the surgeon and make sure he understands that, so that you can truthfully tell your husband the recommendations , maybe he will accept that. I understand the demands he may make on you, but your recovery will have to out weigh his short term loss of your care and attention. Good luck with the procedure...
Posted 11/4/2012 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Just had an inguinal hernia patched this past July.  As others have posted, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks before I was able/allowed to lift anything much more than a gallon of milk. My Dr. said a gallon, others are less.  The first couple of weeks where a bit of a battle, but after you settle into a routine it is not bad.  However, if I had to fulfill duties as a caregiver I would certainly excercise a great deal of caution lifting, straining, or overdoing it in any manner.  Better to take the time to heal yourself, rather than a relapse which will take even more time from your husband.

Post Edited (mr bill) : 11/4/2012 12:50:18 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/4/2012 10:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your kind replies which have been helpful.

I am not even sure what the name of my hernia is.. It's beneath the keyhole site lower right side of my stomach but above the groin area. Not so big as some people write about perhaps an inch or so which disappears when I lie down, sore rather than very painful unless I climb over something , which I try not to do! So hopefully it will be an easy repair..I will be awake with a local he said, which I don't mind too much cause I was under for the keyhole
bowel op and had to stay in hospital but hope to go home the same day for this,
Posted 11/4/2012 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Well, good luck, may you have an easy surgery and uneventful recovery. Let us know the outcome and how you get along.
Posted 11/5/2012 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
I asked the NUrse today what kind of hernia it was and I think she said it was a porthole hernia or something like that?
Posted 1/22/2013 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Just back from one hours open surgery for porthole hernia surgery..no mesh dissolve able stitches..local anesthetic with more given on an ouch!!

Have not needed yet to take the tramadol..not sure if their pain killing injections are still working. Am trying to be very careful but walking around the flat e every hour.

Hubby went into respite reluctantly yesterday in a bad mood saying I was the lucky one !!!

The consultant told me to be careful for about four weeks, is although he is booked in for two weeks they won't relent the room till I am ok...think the dangerous time is when I feel ok not to think the op has actually completely healed. Any twist hurts a bit today.
B it I am glad it's over and thought I would let you know..even though I am an old lady and somehow got on to the wrong forumLOL

Best wishes to you all
Posted 1/22/2013 8:57 PM (GMT 0)
Dear Cranmer,
Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. Even though you came here by mistake it is still our pleasure to offer support.
Take your time and heal. Do not rush into anything.
Like fine wine and good cheese, the longer you wait, the better you'll get.
Good luck with your recovery.
Jeff
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