Question 1

how will a future pregnancy be affected if i have an umbilical hernia repair? (not sure whether stitches or mesh) but will i have pulling/tugging/pain

Accepted Answer

No problem: It should not be a problem.

Question 2

i just had an umbilical hernia repair with mesh last monday 2/17.  i just took a pregnancy test today and it was positive.  would it be safe to take an abortion pill?

Accepted Answer

Dilemma: Usually one would wait for at least 6 weeks after your type of repair to put stress on the abdomen and thus you would have to weigh the risk not aborting earlier vs the potential tear of the recent repair.   Although the risk of a tear from an early abortion is likely low, this is a difficult decision and you should consult the surgeon who did the surgery re. This asap.

Question 3

i'm having umbilical hernia repair with mesh, will future pregnancy be effected or effect the repair and will my belly button be an innie again?

Accepted Answer

Umbilical hernia...: This repair is quite strong once healed. So there is a small chance that the hernia could come back during or after pregnancy, but the risk is small if you have healed for several weeks before getting pregnant.  As far as having an "innie", talk to your doctor about whether they address this cosmetic concern with the procedure.

Question 4

good day i am 48 years of age with a history of acid reflux, gastritis, hiatus hernia repair (fundoplication), umbilical hernia repair, childless but my husband wants a child. what are the odds of pregnancy with my medical and surgical history?

Accepted Answer

: Fertility at the listed age of 48 is low, aside from the medical issues listed, which can be managed successfully. The risk of an unexpected or undesired outcome with any pregnancy runs about 4% at any age. When you add the age factor reaching added 5% risk of a child with a chromosome defect, the risks are significant. Consider consulting a clinical geneticist before pursuing pregnancy.

Question 5

how can i assist sleeping after umbilical hernia repair?

Accepted Answer

Lazy-Boy: Many patients prefer to sleep in a reclining chair for the first few days after surgery due to the pain associated with rising from a flat position. Of course, using pain medication 30 minutes before bedtime can help, as well.

Question 6

what to do about infection 3 months after umbilical hernia repair?

Accepted Answer

Depends: It depends on the type of repair and the specific location of the infection within the abdominal wall. If mesh or permanent sutures were used, AND are involved in the infection, they may need to be removed. If the infection is only in the skin (no pus, red skin only), then antibiotics may suffice. Best to get an evaluation from your surgeon. You can also ask for a second opinion if warranted.

Question 7

when will the swelling go down after umbilical hernia repair surgery?

Accepted Answer

Soon: Usually local swelling around the surgical site resolves over 1 to 3 weeks depending on the size of the surgical repair needed.

Question 8

after an umbilical hernia repair what type of exercise program is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Generally , one: would avoid any exercise for 6 weeks that would stress the repair site while just doing mild cardiovascular conditioning such as walking .  Once this initial phase has been passed, you should have a specific discussion with your surgeon as to what expectations in terms of an exercise regimen that may be anticipated including any restrictions that may be specific to your surgical repair.

Question 9

how long does swelling last after umbilical hernia repair?  i am 46 years old, at a healthy weight, and exercised for 60+ minutes before the surgery.

Accepted Answer

Several weeks: The fatty tissue will shrink.
The bruising will resorb
some residual scar is common

follow instructions 
     avoid sit-ups
and abdominal strains for a couple of months to minimize recurrence.

Question 10

2 weeks after umbilical hernia repair, can't eat as much. get full much faster than before.  used to eat 1 cup oatmeal (dry meas.) before bed.   some days, more.  now, it makes me too full.  is this ok?

Accepted Answer

Discuss with your : Surgeon. It's usually stomach surgery that would affect the appetite and not hernia or intestinal operation. Could just be psychological. If you're losing weight with vomiting and diarrhea , go follow up with your dr right away!

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Doctor answers about:

Pregnancy after umbilical hernia repair

A member asked:

How will a future pregnancy be affected if i have an umbilical hernia repair? (not sure whether stitches or mesh) but will i have pulling/tugging/pain

A member asked:

I just had an umbilical hernia repair with mesh last monday 2/17. i just took a pregnancy test today and it was positive. would it be safe to take an abortion pill?

A member asked:

I'm having umbilical hernia repair with mesh, will future pregnancy be effected or effect the repair and will my belly button be an innie again?

A member asked:

Good day i am 48 years of age with a history of acid reflux, gastritis, hiatus hernia repair (fundoplication), umbilical hernia repair, childless but my husband wants a child. what are the odds of pregnancy with my medical and surgical history?

A member asked:

How can i assist sleeping after umbilical hernia repair?

A member asked:

What to do about infection 3 months after umbilical hernia repair?

A member asked:

When will the swelling go down after umbilical hernia repair surgery?

A member asked:

After an umbilical hernia repair what type of exercise program is recommended?

A member asked:

How long does swelling last after umbilical hernia repair? i am 46 years old, at a healthy weight, and exercised for 60+ minutes before the surgery.

A member asked:

2 weeks after umbilical hernia repair, can't eat as much. get full much faster than before. used to eat 1 cup oatmeal (dry meas.) before bed. some days, more. now, it makes me too full. is this ok?

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