I just had inginial hernia repair with mesh about 5 days ago and its very painful when i cough is this normal?

Yes.: Unfortunately, hernia repair is typically associated with discomfort for "days-to-weeks", depending on the method of repair and size of the hernia. Follow your surgeons advice for pain control. If your pain is not well-controlled, your surgeon will want to hear from you. Rest assured, though: the pain tends to lessen with each passing day.

Probably : It's normal to have some pain after inguinal hernia surgery. Coughing is going to "test" the repair. Having pain 5 days out with coughing is still within the normal course. Make sure you go to your post-op check to have it looked at.