PAIN: pain varies with everyone and is dependent on the type of procedure performed. Most pain in handled with a single tablet of Vicodin or equivalent pain medication, but sometimes it is necessary to take two at a time. The medication is more effective if taken as the pain starts to increase, rather than waiting for it to become too severe. Occasionally, the use of anti-inflammatory medication, such as Advil or Aleve is helpful, but aspirin is undesirable because it can cause bleeding.

CONSTIPATION: This is often a problem following surgery. It is usually a result of taking the pain medication, which can be very constipating. To help counteract this you should drink a lot of fluid, especially water. Milk of magnesia, one to two tablespoons, will help ease the problem. Try to avoid straining with stools as well as urine.

PHYSICAL EXERCISE: This should be limited to walking so that no undue strain is placed at the operative site. After two or three weeks the activity level can be increased but this is dependent upon the type of surgery performed. Check with the Doctor at the first postoperative visit so that future instructions can be given.

SWELLING: After every surgery there is going to be some swelling, as this is a normal tissue response. This may increase over the first several days then will stabilize. It may take 4-6 weeks for this to resolve. Sometimes ice can be helpful for the first 48 hrs. After this, heat is better.

BRUISING: This is a normal bodily response, and one can experience this anytime after surgery. It may last for a week but usually starts to disappear after that. After hernia surgery, it is often helpful to wear supportive underwear or scrotal support, as this will alleviate the pressure caused by the swelling.