So, I think I’ve got a hernia. I honestly think I had it for at least a year before I really gave it any thought, just a lump on my low torso that felt funny. Never had any pain, never felt it moving around or anything. Recently I ‘rediscovered’ it, and after a little bit of research/talking to people, I think I’ve probably got a direct inguinal hernia. It’s been getting worse, I think, because I feel it a lot now when I move around/lift.
Anyway, I went to see the doc and he sent me for an ultrasound. In between, I went back to the gym and decided to do front squats. I had to stop after my third set because I could feel a stretching sensation in down there.
It’s a few days until I get my results back, and I want to train. I figure a lot of this is just mental, because I was squatting more than twice the weight just a couple of weeks ago, but I don’t want to screw anything up. Plus, if it is a hernia, who knows how long it will be before they can schedule me for surgery? I have read about people’s training while recovering from a hernia, but does anyone have any advice about training while waiting for surgery?
[quote]bushidobadboy wrote:
Do you wear a belt whilst training?
I normall do not advocate using a belt at all, but in this case, if your hernia is in a position where it can be blocked or covered by the belt then that may support the tissue enough to prevent the development of the condition.
However don’t quote me on this idea, because I suspect it may possibly encourage you to push out with your abs, generating even more intra-abdominal pressure, which would probably be bad for the hernia.
That’s all I got, sorry.
BBB[/quote]
Unfortunately, it’s not going to be possible to cover the area with a belt. I agree that wearing a belt in another area is probably just going to make things worse. Thanks for the reply.
I am not giving any advice just telling you about my situation.
I have been training with a hernia for about 5 years. It is an obvious hernia with the tell tale bulge near the unit, It has been officially diagnosed as well.
I still do heavy squats and deadlifts but focus on form and keeping really tight. I wear very supportive underwear, actually baseball sliding shorts that are about 4 sizes to small. I might look into squat briefs or power pants.
I dont wear a belt because I am afraid of the IAP being directed down into the wrong area.
I do alot of heavy ab work with as much weight as I can move.
I usually dont have pain or discomfort except when I sneeze, then I sometimes get a shooting pain under my left testicle.
One of these days I will get it fixed, the recovery is only a few months before you can be lifting heavy again.
Just make sure you keep really tight abs, strict form and get some good supportive undergarments and you should be OK until you figure out what is going to happen.
If you do get it surgically repaired you may want to see about getting the other side done as a preemptive measure. Most people get a hernia because they are predisposed to them.
[quote]bushidobadboy wrote:
Do you wear a belt whilst training?
I normall do not advocate using a belt at all, but in this case, if your hernia is in a position where it can be blocked or covered by the belt then that may support the tissue enough to prevent the development of the condition.
However don’t quote me on this idea, because I suspect it may possibly encourage you to push out with your abs, generating even more intra-abdominal pressure, which would probably be bad for the hernia.
That’s all I got, sorry.
BBB[/quote]
Funny you mention this. When I had my hernia a while back, the only times it was painful was when I was wearing a belt. Even post surgery, I’d have more pain when wearing the belt than when not. That’s the primary reason I stopped using a belt back then.
However, I haven’t noticed the same issue when using a Rehband back support. Perhaps because it covers a greater surface area than a belt would.
As far as the surgery goes, depending on the severity of the hernia, it really doesn’t take that long to recover from. I was back in the gym lifting within 4 weeks, but it probably took another 4 weeks after that before I was really pushing myself hard again.
Thanks for all the helpful replies.
I can feel that the lump is there all the time now, whereas before I had to be looking for it to notice it, which is why it’s gotten worse I think. I have done a lot of stupid things in the gym over the years, but I think i’m old enough now to realize that heavy deads and squats with a hernia isn’t exactly smart. I think I’ve formulated a plan.
I’ve decided to stop doing my usual lower body workouts. I thought about just going lighter, but my setup and the way I brace my core is the same whether I’m going heavy or light, so I figure it’s best to just leave it, rather than develop bad habits (staying loose). Instead, I’m going to use the extra time as an opportunity to bring up my deltoids and upper back, which are lagging. I’m also going to start doing hill sprints, which should help me keep my gains, and will definitely improve my conditioning.