An inguinal hernia surgery is a surgical procedure to repair a weakened area in the abdominal wall. Even after inguinal hernia surgery, you may still be in a lot of pain. The recovery process can raise many questions, especially whether driving is safe. In this blog, we discuss the important aspects of driving after inguinal hernia surgery.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a bulge of abdominal fat or peritoneum caused by the abdominal muscles. This bulge lies at the level of the groin and is caused by a weakness in the abdominal wall. An inguinal hernia can be very painful. However, the patient may also have no symptoms at all. If the patient is very bothered by the symptoms, an inguinal hernia surgery may be chosen.
Period of recovery after surgery
It is essential not to drive yourself immediately after surgery. The first few days are important to recover from the operation and give your body rest to heal. Driving a car can be dangerous during this period, as you may still suffer from pain and stiffness. In addition, your reaction time and alertness after surgery will be affected by the medication and painkillers.
Listen to the surgeon's advice
It is essential not to drive yourself immediately after surgery. The first few days are important to recover from the operation and give your body rest to heal. Driving a car can be dangerous during this period, as you may still suffer from pain and stiffness. In addition, your reaction time and alertness after surgery will be affected by the medication and painkillers.
Gradually resuming driving
In principle, you can resume driving a car after a few days. However, the driver is expected to make a wise decision about this. Moreover, it is wise to resume driving gradually. Start with short distances on quiet roads to see how your body reacts. If you experience pain or discomfort while driving, it is best to stop immediately and wait until you have fully recovered. For support, it is also possible to wear an inguinal hernia brace. This provides support after surgery and exerts pressure in the area, reducing pain.
