Beach Detecting After Hernia Surgery

[mn90403]

Today was my first go at detecting after left inguinal hernia surgery last Friday (5 days).  I had to get my fix and see my favorite beach.

The first challenge was to put on my rubber boots.  I could get my right boot on normally but when it came to the left sock it was not possible or wise to bend my leg and twist it at the angle I normally would.  Once the sock was on I could jam my foot in pretty much ok.

My idea was to 'cherry pick' but conditions really weren't good enough to have many choices of what to dig.  I walked and walked (with no pain) but there just weren't many targets on the way out.  Conditions weren't very good at the bottom of the slope.  On the way back there were more targets and the uneven slope made me start feeling some tingles from the incision and the repair site.  Digging was comfortable with the left hand only with my arm scoop.  Bending and pulling at the sand was restricted so that I didn't over-do-it.  I don't use a foot/shovel scoop.  Using two hands caused pain that I wanted to avoid.

In the end I had 1 quarter, 1 dime about 5 pennies, 5 pieced of trash and a really deep (18") aluminum can bottom in my collection.  That was good enough.

So, my questions are: "What did you do for your rehab to get back to your digging?"  "Do you have any cautions or horror stories to share?"

I'm not ready for a nugget trip based upon what I learned today.  That could be too challenging until I have more healing time.

[Norvic]

Give it time, be positive you`ll come back, had bowel & appendix tumors removed, prostrate rebore, chemo etc back in 20. Was a hard year but magic professional health care, good luck, fit out of new Troopy and gentle 6K detecting brought me back.

[paradiceau]

Mitchel,

Glad to hear you are up and running (walking).  I think Norvic is spot on, take it easy for a bit, rest as necessary and in a short bit you will be back in the desert slaying it.

Jeff

[mn90403]

2 hours ago, Norvic said:

Give it time, be positive you`ll come back, had bowel & appendix tumors removed, prostrate rebore, chemo etc back in 20. Was a hard year but magic professional health care, good luck, fit out of new Troopy and gentle 6K detecting brought me back.

Norvic,

Thanks for the perspective.  We all have our challenges and given a chance to compare situations it shows me and the rest of us what to expect.  Being as this is my first surgery it supplies the mind with information not previously considered.

I'm hoping this thread will allow more stories to be shared which will provide experience, strength and hope to move on to the next steps.

Mitchel

[Northeast]

3 hours ago, mn90403 said:

"Do you have any cautions or horror stories to share?"

Caution - I would stop doing any more detecting for at least 3 weeks.

The last thing you want with a hernia is to re-open it.   Often after that type of surgery they might suggest something like not lifting anything more than 1 kilogram for 4 weeks, 3 kilogram for another 4 weeks, 5 kilogram for another 4 weeks, etc.

Walking is great but the twisting, lifting, squatting of detecting and retrieving targets is something I’d avoid for awhile.

That’s just what I would do.  No point overdoing things and having to go back to the OR for the sake of a few weeks  ?

Keep on top of the pain and don’t get constipated  ? 

 

 

[mn90403]

Adam,

Thanks.  I've been given those suggestions and today I took it lightly and limited my time.  I don't want to stretch the mesh too soon.

The family is not here to surprise me with things to do so I'm taking it easy.

[Norvic]

3 hours ago, mn90403 said:

Being as this is my first surgery it supplies the mind with information not previously considered.

Aye, tis a rude awakening finding out we aren`t bullet proof and I agree we should be open with our experiences, it helps the healing process.

[mn90403]

 

I remember your reverence for the dog who had passed so many years ago.  You paid tribute.

I appreciate your natural understanding very much.  It makes me know there is a connection between such things.

 

[Valens Legacy]

My grandfather had the same type of surgery a few years back and said " I would rather take off a couple of months to heal my body than to have to go through it again and never be able to do what I love the most.

So I will say this, take it slow and easy for now so that you can handle the hunts without any worries.

Good luck and hope that things will work out for you.