This was my first real encounter with doctors and hospitals since I had my tonsils removed as a teenager in Austin, Minnesota. Given my age, I have prided myself on fitness and agility, often drawing encouraging comments at the fitness center. This began after I postponed surgery on an umbilical hernia for at least a decade and later developed an inguinal hernia. I was told surgery was not urgent at the time. However, the holes became larger, the protrusions embarrassing, and it was finally time.
I’m sharing this both as a personal record and in the hope that it encourages others, since it was also a faith journey.
On February 25, 2026, at age 74, I had robotic surgery with Dr. Ledesma to repair two hernias: a left inguinal hernia and a long-standing umbilical hernia. Before surgery, the surgeon prescribed two medications: tramadol for post-operative pain and tamsulosin to help with urinary flow after the inguinal repair.
The surgery went well. I had three small incisions instead of four. I woke up with a dull ache but was able to urinate right away with no catheter — thanks in large part to the tamsulosin. I was home by 1 p.m.
The first week was the hardest. I dealt with significant bruising below the belly button, general soreness, and random sharp pings in the groin. I iced frequently, took tramadol for pain, and used tamsulosin to help with urinary flow. By Day 7, Dr. Ledesma checked me briefly and said everything looked normal. No further appointments were needed.
The first 30 days were about gentle rebuilding. I focused heavily on walking, gradually increasing my daily steps. I added the stationary bike at very low tension and began very light upper-body stretching. I was surprised and pleased that the bulge was completely gone; there was no longer anything to push back into place. Even so, I still experienced occasional groin awareness and a firm, bloated feeling around the umbilical site. Cutting back on coffee and nuts noticeably reduced the bloating.
Days 31 to 60 brought both progress and setbacks. I began riding my bicycle outdoors, slowly increasing the distance to 8.9, 11, and eventually 12 miles. I added light cable and machine work for my arms, shoulders, back, and chest, being very careful to avoid direct core loading. I also had a few frustrating setbacks. One 12-mile ride followed by a full workout day left me with mild aches at both hernia sites. Another time, simply crossing my legs in church caused a sudden sharp reminder in the inguinal area that required icing and several easy days afterward.
By Days 61–90, I had turned a corner. I was able to resume more of my normal routine. I added incline treadmill walking, mostly keeping the incline at 6 with occasional short bursts at 9. I successfully reintroduced very light skipping and jogging into my walks. I continued my arm and shoulder work with lighter weights and slower movements, always stopping at the first sign of any awareness.
In a real sense, I needed to take literally the idea of waiting on the Lord, which is part of the process of renewing strength: mounting up with wings as eagles, running and not being weary, walking and not fainting (Isaiah 40:31). I have taken some pride in how physically strong I am at this age, but this has been a season when waiting and trusting have mattered more than skipping and jogging (2 Corinthians 12:9). My energy levels remained high.
Throughout these 90 days, I learned to listen very carefully to my body. The biggest emotional challenge was the frustration of having high energy and a previously active lifestyle yet needing to move much more cautiously. There were moments when I felt impatient and even ‘old,’ especially when I found myself walking slower and more carefully and cutting back on the explosive movements and plyometrics I loved. Still, the relief of having a normal-looking stomach without a bulge made it all worthwhile.
As I reach Day 90, both hernia sites are mostly quiet. I still notice mild tightness or awareness at times, especially after longer or more intense activity, but those moments are becoming less frequent and less intense. I’ve successfully returned to most of my pre-surgery exercises, though with lighter weights and much more mindful movement.
This 90-day journey has been one of patience, careful listening, and gradual progress. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and we are to honor God with our bodies (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). While I still have more strength and flexibility to regain, especially for explosive movements, I’m extremely grateful for how far I’ve come.
My prayer continues to be that I will listen to my body and be patient, recognizing that healing often takes time. I do so with gratitude to the Lord, who is good and whose steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 118:1), giving thanks to God the Father through Christ our Lord (Colossians 3:15–17).
No comments:
Post a Comment