They say 1 in 4 men will be affected by an inguinal hernia in their lifetime. I'm pretty sure I popped my right one whilst wave-sailing 4 months ago. I will never be sure because there wasn't an event, but I noticed the lump around that time. I think the un-harnessed time going down the line is particularly stressful on the core. I could also feel it popping out and in when I was jumping (not a good feeling - my nursing wife has filled my head with horror stories of people bleeding to death like this...) . I think some genetics might be involved too because my dad had the same thing.

I had surgery where they put a piece of mesh in to patch the weak spot. It isn't an experience I want to repeat. The guy in the hospital bed next to me was back in having the other side repaired.... YIKES!

I'll be checking with the surgeon if it is worth seeing a physio.
Does anyone have any hints on how to get back on the water trouble-free after the 6 weeks "grounded" period?
Did you make any modifications to what you rig/how you sail?

Hey Slim Jim - had both sides done with mesh at the same time about fifteen years ago
Stayed out of the water for the 6 weeks and then went for a few sails on the lake to see how it felt than took it easy in the ocean for 4 weeks after that - all was all good - was back for a surf & sail with no issues and no changes to gear or rigging.

I have been out of the water after a bit of surgery since before Easter & hopefully get the all clear to sail/surf again mid June so I know how ya feel - seems like there's been waves or wind everyday I walk the dog - See you back in the water in June!!!!!
Cheers
RussH

Hey Jim

I had an inguinal hernia, most probably from a youthful life spent chippying, who knows, probably genetic as well.

I went back to work too soon, young and dumb, ripped it open again.

The second operation recovery was really painful, I thought the surgeon had left a pair of scissors inside me! That's what it felt like.

15 years later, no problems at all.

Trust the operation, do the right re-hab, you'll be fine.

Thanks guys!

Just to add to the pile.... I had mine done about 5 years ago. Doctor said it was pretty large breach. Sailed after 6 weeks after surgery, started doing Crossfit a year later. No problems since. Take care & build up your core to support everything...

The timing of this conversation is ironic. I'm booked in to see a doc at the end of the week to look into what i am suspecting an Inguinal hernia

as for stats Approximately 40,000 Australians have their hernias surgically repaired every year and Inguinal - occurring in the groin. This is the most common form, accounting for more than nine out of 10 hernias

I hate getting old. My body is stating to make some new noises like a HK Holden lately.

As a physio I would say get back into graduated strength and activity at 6 weeks. I would say if you do the right core and strength work you should expect a return to wave sailing after another 6 weeks. 3 months after initial operation. You could do light sailing around week 8-9.

Hope this helps but don't dispair just don't rush it.

Yes, Vince68 it's the getting old bit! suggest marking up your hernia with texta before you go to see ultrasound (they make you lie down for the U/S and the bump disappears - might save you going twice!) and the anaesthetist said I should have done this before surgery. Good luck with it.

Thanks H2O that looks like sound advice. I found this hernia recovery chart californiaherniaspecialists.com which says you'll be back in action at week 4!! My surgeon said the same thing but I don't think the majority of medical professionals have much idea about windsurfing. It looks a bit optimistic too me; it definitely needs to be read in conjunction with the caveat at the bottom!

Nasty stuff, bros. I hope everyone with hernia problems in this thread makes a speedy recovery. I'm always in fear of this since Windsurfing seems really hard on the abdominal part of the body. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

With so many busting a gut what exactly is failing and what sort of exercise should we be doing to prevent it?

I'm pretty sure repetitive forceful uphauling caused it for me or was it the 365lbs I squatted with hardly any warm-up... ?! (weighed 165 lbs at the time).

Like you one day I noticed it. Not sure I could have fixed it with exercises ? Anyway, to prevent... never do anything strenuous holding your breath completely, blow out slowly, and make a conscious effort of keeping your gut in when using force.

Probably the most common surgery, recovery was painful but the mesh technique is supposed to be pretty strong. Any laparoscopic patient here?