Men are nine times more likely to get a hernia than women. [3] X Research source Kim E Leblanc MD PhD, Leanne LaBlance MD, Karl LeBlanc MD Inguinal Hernias: Diagnosis and Management. , American family Physician. 2013 June 15 87 (12) 844-848 Men between the ages of 40 and 59 are particularly at risk of hernia. People who regularly do heavy lifting, like weightlifters and manual laborers are also at increased risk.
Taller women Women with chronic cough Pregnant or obese women who may get an umbilical hernia “Femoral hernias” tend to cause bowel blockage in women.
Pain that can be described as pulling, tugging, or burning. It can feel worse after physical activity. Pain relief when lying on your back, when organs are restored to their rightful place. Possible gurgling sound when bowels are in the hernia. Rigid bulge: If you can’t push the hernia back in, the bowels may have become trapped, or “incarcerated. " Incarcerated hernias require emergency medical care.
Incarcerated hernias are a surgical emergency and need immediate attention. When this happens, the bowel gets blocked and strangulated, cutting off blood flow.
Because this surgery opens the abdominal muscles, some people experience further muscle weakness and hernia after surgery. To prevent this, surgeons often sew a piece of mesh into the abdominal wall. This helps strengthen the wall and prevent a hernia from recurring.
Keep the incisions dry for 24–48 hours after surgery. Cover them in something like a “press ’n seal” kitchen product to keep them dry in the shower. After 48 hours, expose the incisions to running shower water, and pat dry gently. Then reapply fresh dressing. Do not allow the incisions to soak (bathtub, pool, ocean) for 10–14 days after laparoscopic surgery or four to six weeks after open hernia surgery.
If you don’t want to use stool softeners, the best thing you can do is stay hydrated. Drink at least eight to ten 8 oz. glasses of water per day. Drink prune juice and apple juice to naturally soften stool.
Excessive bleeding from an incision Vomiting Change in mental status (fuzziness, wooziness, loss of consciousness) Inability to breath
