THE FIRST 48 HOURS AFTER SURGERY

It is hard for me to know precisely where my discomfort is coming from now. I have had the hernia surgery and a mesh has been placed over the torn muscles so that my no part of my intestines are poking about where they should not be. I either am no longer feeling pain in my abdomen or imagining that I no longer feel pain in my abdomen. I believe most of my discomfort is localized in my belly button area where the surgeon made one of his incisions. It is still difficult to sit up, sit down, sneeze or cough. When I am actually walking, moving about, I don't feel so bad. I have stopped taking the pain medication because I guess I don't feel enough pain. I think that the physical discomfort that I do feel should be utilized to more accurately assist me in assessing my rate of healing. I feel that it will not be a good idea to further mask the discomfort. I have not lifted anything heavier than a gallon of milk, and that it going to be the biggest challenge going forward. Not attempting to over-exert myself based on doctors orders. I certainly do not want to risk causing the surgery repair to fail.

Your Food Diary For:

Saturday, April 30, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Special K - Original	480	92	2	24	880	16
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
	575	117	2	25	882	35
L U N C H
Omelette With Ham, Spinach and Swiss Cheese	600	9	33	64	696	2
	600	9	33	64	696	2
D I N N E R
Roundy's Organics - Cheese Pizza	560	74	16	32	1480	2
	560	74	16	32	1480	2
Totals	1,735	163	44	105	2,317	38
Your Daily Goal	1,930	241	64	97	2,300	72
Remaining	195	78	20	-7	-17	33
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar

.


.



.

LAPAROSCOPIC HERNIA SURGERY

Apparently I was very mixed up about when my initial visit with my hernia doctor was going to be. First I thought that the appointment was on Friday April 22nd, then I thought it wasn't and then I found out that it was just as I had originally thought. Apparently hernias affect the ability to think clearly.

I did visit with my surgeon on Friday. The appointment was very short. He quickly confirmed that I had a hernia after a couple of quick coughs.  He quickly explained how the repair is done with a mesh placed over the hole in the muscles. He sent me on my way to schedule the procedure with the receptionist and that was that. The bottom line is that I will be starting my recovery on Friday Morning April 29th, at 7:00AM.

During Week 1: rest/walking
During Weeks 2-3: light activity
After Week 3: normal activity
Recurrence rate: <5%
Pain: 3-6 days

.

Anyone can purchase this book at amazon.com for  $272.95. I am under the impression that my doctor will have studied from this book or others like it.  This is the description of the book on the amazon.com website:

Repair of simple and complex abdominal hernias by the laparoscopic technique is now the method of choice in many centres. Laparoscopic repair offers equivalent outcomes to open repair, with the additional benefits of greater patient satisfaction and reduced hospitalization. For some hernias, notably incisional and hiatal, the outcome appears to be superior using the minimally invasive technique.

.

Your Food Diary For:

Saturday, April 23, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Instant Oatmeal Apples & Cinnamon	640	132	8	16	800	48
Mcintosh - Apple, 2 medium apple	160	44	0	0	0	34
	800	176	8	16	800	82
L U N C H
Chicken Breast - Chicken Breast Cooked	374	0	8	70	200	0
Traditional Sage Stuffing	400	43	21	7	1,133	7
Potatoes, red, flesh and skin, baked	200	44	0	5	27	3
	974	87	30	82	1,360	10
D I N N E R
Beef, cured, corned beef, brisket, cooked	500	1	38	36	1,939	0
	500	1	38	36	1,939	0
S N A C K S
Vanilla Cupcake With Frosting and Sprinkles	485	63	24	4	95	49
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 2 medium apple	190	50	1	1	4	38
	675	113	25	5	99	86
Totals	2,949	377	101	139	4,198	179
Your Daily Goal	2,463	308	82	124	2,300	92
Remaining	-486	-68	-18	-15	-1,897	-86
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 533 extra calories from exercise today

.

INGUINAL HERNIA

Yesterday, I visited my doctor. My diagnosis was correct. I have a hernia. Specifically an inguinal hernia.

An 'overview' from WebMd.com

An inguinal hernia (say "IN-gwuh-nul HER-nee-uh") occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in your groin muscle. This causes a bulge in the groin or scrotum. The bulge may hurt or burn. Most inguinal hernias happen because an opening in the muscle wall does not close as it should before birth. That leaves a weak area in the belly muscle. Pressure on that area can cause tissue to push through and bulge out. A hernia can occur soon after birth or much later in life. You are more likely to get a hernia if you are overweight or you do a lot of lifting, coughing, or straining. Hernias are more common in men. 

The main symptom of an inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin or scrotum. It often feels like a round lump. The bulge may form over a period of weeks or months. Or it may appear all of a sudden after you have been lifting heavy weights, coughing, bending, straining, or laughing. The hernia may be painful, but some hernias cause a bulge without pain.

A hernia also may cause swelling and a feeling of heaviness, tugging, or burning in the area of the hernia. These symptoms may get better when you lie down. Sudden pain, nausea, and vomiting are signs that a part of your intestine may have become trapped in the hernia. Call your doctor if you have a hernia and have these symptoms. A doctor can usually know if you have a hernia based on your symptoms and a physical exam. The bulge is usually easy to feel.

If you have a hernia, it will not heal on its own. Surgery is the only way to treat a hernia. If your hernia does not bother you, you most likely can wait to have surgery. Your hernia may get worse, but it may not. In some cases, hernias that are small and painless may never need to be repaired.

Most people with hernias have surgery to repair them, even if they do not have symptoms. This is because many doctors believe surgery is less dangerous than strangulation, a serious problem that occurs when part of your intestine gets trapped inside the hernia.

But you may not need surgery right away. If the hernia is small and painless and you can push it back into your belly, you may be able to wait.

A hernia may come back after surgery. To reduce the chance that this will happen, stay at a healthy weight. Do not smoke, avoid heavy lifting, and try not to push hard when you have a bowel movement or pass urine.

.

Inguinal Hernia - What Increases Your Risk

Many things can increase your risk for having an inguinal hernia.

Risk factors you can change

• Being overweight or having a recent, large weight loss (such as in crash dieting)

• Having weak abdominal muscles from poor diet, lack of exercise, or both

• Straining during urination or bowel movements

• Chronic coughing, such as from smoking

Risk factors you cannot change

• Being male

• Having muscle weakness from birth, along with a hernia sac

• Having muscle weakness from aging

• Having one or more inguinal hernias

.

It appears that surgery is in my future. At this time, my doctor has described it as elective surgery. I will elect to proceed. I just need to decide on the election day.

.

Your Food Diary For:

      Monday, April 11, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Egg, whole, cooked, poached, 3 large	215	1	14	19	446	1
Butterball - Bacon Style Turkey, 4 slices	140	2	12	8	600	0
	355	3	26	27	1,046	1
L U N C H
Gemelli Pasta Salad	150	0	0	0	0	0
Generic - Milanese Chicken Breast, 1 breas	500	37	26	28	520	3
Baked Macaroni and Cheese	345	32	24	15	583	7
Endangered Species Chocolate - Natural Dark Chocolate With Cherries, 1 Bar	500	44	32	6	0	22
	1,495	113	82	49	1,103	32
D I N N E R
Cheese Pizza, 2 SLICE	1,400	140	56	88	2,740	14
	1,400	140	56	88	2,740	14
S N A C K S
Nice! - Honey Grahams , 6 pieces	390	72	9	6	510	24
	390	72	9	6	510	24
Totals	3,640	328	173	170	5,399	71
Your Daily Goal	2,025	253	67	102	2,300	76
Remaining	-1,615	-74	-106	-67	-3,098	5
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 95 extra calories from exercise today

WHAT'S THE PLAN?

I need to heal. I need a plan. I really, really took it easy today. My total 'steps' were just a touch over 5000. In the past few weeks I have been averaging closer to 25,000 steps per day. I almost went the entire day without feeling any pain. I also did not exert myself in any meaningful way. I know that my groin muscles are still tender and I am hoping that they will heal quickly. My lack of exercise has been reflected into a loss of appetite. I need to exercise. It is really annoying that I cannot even walk (fast) which is my most favorite way of burning calories. Today, Friday, I have just one appointment, then I am driving back to Chicago. I think I will still need to take it easy for a few more days. I am being very timid about exerting myself as I do not want to have a setback.  If I can force myself to stay inactive for a week or so, I am betting  that I will recover more quickly.

That's the plan.

.

Your Food Diary For:

Thursday, March 31, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Scrambled Eggs w/two Sausages breakfast	450	0	0	0	0	0
Quaker Cinnamon Spice Instant Oatmeal	640	128	8	16	840	44
Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
	1,185	153	8	17	842	63
L U N C H
Jason's Deli - Amy's Turkey-o, 1 sandwich	480	56	17	29	1,380	11
Jason's Deli - SPICY SEAFOOD GUMBO	230	26	8	12	1,710	3
Jason's Deli - Flatbread Cracker, 4 cracker	200	24	8	8	380	4
	910	106	33	49	3,470	18
D I N N E R
HYVEE - HUGE SPINACH SALAD	750	0	0	0	0	0
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
	845	25	0	1	2	19
S N A C K S
Yoplait - Original Stawberry, 6 oz	150	25	1	6	95	18
	150	25	1	6	95	18
Totals	3,090	309	43	72	4,409	118
Your Daily Goal	1,978	247	66	99	2,300	74
Remaining	-1,112	-62	23	27	-2,108	-43
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 48 extra calories from exercise today

.

DAY OFF FROM EXERCISE
RECOVERING FROM GROIN PULL

.

total calories consumed 3090 calories

total calories burned from additional exercise - 0 calories

total net 3090 calories

. . . . . . . . . . .   

fitbit day 211

5103 steps

.


.



.


.

TAKING IT EASY

Yesterday, I started my day with the incorrect conclusion that my groin pull had more or less cleared up. I was with a customer in the morning, and all of a sudden the pain returned, a pain which I had previously only felt during workouts. My customer, was kind enough to offer me ibuprofen which I had forgotten to take with me. Whether the ibuprofen helped chemically or as a placebo - the pain dissipated during the drive to my second appointment. I went to sleep very early last night just to get complete rest. I have been applying a cold ice pack to my inner thigh with the thought that this might speed up recovery time. I am sure I will take it easy today and likely on Friday too. Then I will gingerly see if I am ready to consider increasing my activity over the weekend.

I think this 'emoji' captures perfectly how I felt when the pain cranked up during my first appointment yesterday.

.

Your Food Diary For:

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Quaker - Cinnamon & Spice Instant Oatmeal	640	128	8	16	840	44
Hotel - Scrambled Eggs w/two Sausages	450	0	0	0	0	0
	1,090	128	8	16	840	44
L U N C H
Subway - Turkey Breast & Black Forest              Ham	560	92	8	36	1,460	16
Subway - Chicken Soup, 1 small bowl	100	12	1	10	720	1
Nature Valley - Crunchy Oats & Honey, 2 bars	190	29	6	4	160	12
	850	133	15	50	2,340	29
D I N N E R
HYVEE - HUGE SPINACH SALAD	750	0	0	0	0	0
WHOLE FOODS - YOGURT PRETZELS	380	56	0	4	360	38
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 2 medium apple	190	50	1	1	4	38
	1,320	106	1	5	364	76
Totals	3,260	367	24	71	3,544	149
Your Daily Goal	2,070	259	69	104	2,300	77
Remaining	-1,190	-108	45	33	-1,243	-71
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 140 extra calories from exercise today

.
DAY OFF FROM EXERCISE
RECOVERING FROM GROIN PULL

.

total calories consumed 3260 calories

total calories burned from additional exercise - 0 calories

total net 3260 calories

. . . . . . . . . . .   

fitbit day 210

5491 steps


.


.

GROIN PULL?

I think I may have a groin pull. I started to feel some discomfort while on the elliptical machine on Saturday night.  I put a cold pack on the area, and took some ibuprofen to reduce any swelling of the muscles. I thought I could work through this problem and I exercised on the elliptical machine again on Sunday and Monday. Each time, during my workout, the pain returned. Each time I followed my session with a cold pack and ibuprofen. Finally, yesterday, I decided to take a brisk walk. After about two miles, again the pain returned and although I finished a six mile walk out and about in Bloomington, Illinois, I definitely struggled for the last mile or so. My speed was greatly reduced and when I returned to my hotel room I used ice and ibuprofen to reduce the discomfort.

It appears that I will not be able to 'will' myself to health. I am going to need to consider staying away from the elliptical machine and fast walking for at least a day or so. I copied the 'home treatment' instructions from WebMd. My area of discomfort has not been nearly as big as the area of redness in the illustration below.  Again, this morning, Wednesday, I am not experiencing any pain anywhere...but still I think I must force myself to skip the workout today (at least).

What Does a Groin Pull Feel Like?

Here are some symptoms of a groin pull:

• Pain and tenderness in the groin and the inside of the thigh
• Pain when you bring your legs together
• Pain when you raise your knee
• A popping or snapping feeling during the injury, followed by severe pain.

.

Groin pulls are often divided into three degrees of severity:

• 1st degree: Mild pain, but little loss of strength or movement
• 2nd degree: Moderate pain, mild to moderate strength loss and some tissue damage
• 3rd degree: Severe pain, severe loss of strength and function due to a complete tear of the muscle

.

What's the Treatment for a Groin Pull?

Happily, a groin pull will usually heal on its own. You just need to give it some time and rest. To speed the healing, you can:

• Ice the inside of your thigh to reduce pain and swelling. Experts recommend doing it for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days, or until the pain is gone.
• Compress your thigh using an elastic bandage or tape.
• Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, will help with pain and swelling. But studies show their effects are controversial especially if taken long-term. Additionally, these drugs can have side effects; they should be used only occasionally unless your doctor specifically says otherwise.
• To assist tissue healing, your medical provider will guide you in active stretching and strengthening exercises. Depending on grade of injury, this can start immediately or may require several days of rest. Pain is used as a guide. Too aggressive and further damage may occur.

.

Your Food Diary For:

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

BREAKFAST	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
Hotel - Scrambled Eggs w/two Sausages	600	0	0	0	0	0
Quaker - Cinnamon & Spice Instant Oatmeal	480	96	6	12	630	33
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 1 medium apple	95	25	0	1	2	19
	1,175	121	6	13	632	52
L U N C H
HYVEE - HUGE SPINACH SALAD	1,000	0	0	0	0	0
Chewy Oat & Honey Granola Bar, 2 Bar	200	36	5	2	110	14
	1,200	36	5	2	110	14
D I N N E R
Jason's Deli - ASIAGO POT ROAST SANDWICH	620	50	20	56	1,200	4
Jason's Deli - SPICY SEAFOOD GUMBO	230	26	8	12	1,710	3
Sage - Red Delicious Apple, 3 medium apple	285	75	1	2	5	57
	1,135	151	29	70	2,915	64
S N A C K S
coconut beach - coconut chips	440	40	32	4	440	32
	440	40	32	4	440	32
Totals	3,950	348	72	88	4,097	162
Your Daily Goal	2,837	354	94	142	2,300	106
Remaining	-1,113	5	21	54	-1,797	-55
	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein	Sodium	Sugar
	*You've earned 907 extra calories from exercise today

.

       Your Exercise Diary for:

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Cardiovascular	Minutes	Calories Burned
Walking	89	1,039
MFP iOS calorie adjustment	N/A	-132
Daily Total / Goal	90 / 30	907 / 590
Weekly Total / Goal	181 / 210	2,408 / 4,130

.

.

total calories consumed 3950 calories

total calories burned 1039 calories

total net 2011 calories

. . . . . . . . . . .   

fitbit day 209
12866 steps

.