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Had Bilateral Hernia Surgery. Having Itching In Lower Abdominal Area. Taking Lortab And Bendryl. What To Do?
Question: Hi I am two days post op for bilateral hernia surgery (I am a female) and I have intense itching lower abdomen and in my upper pubic area. Could this be a complication, reaction, or just healing from being shaved in the area? I am taking Lortab every 4 hours and now bendryl every 6 hours because of the itching.
Brief Answer:
Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Certain degree of pain and itching is to be expected even up to 7 days postoperatively especially if there was bilateral hernia repair so this is nothing strange.
Wound infection usually starts on 2nd or 3rd postoperative day and it is manifested with redness around incision, fever, pus secretion and pain.
during hernia there is usually nerve manipulation so this may lead to your symptoms. If there was damaged ilioinguinal nerve then it would be sharp pain in area of incision.
If this itching is caused by some medicines then benadrly has some purpose but I dont think it is necessray to take benadryl for early postoperative itching which is normal part of healing. Also,if your pain is so significant that you need hydrocodone then something may be wrong.
I suggest to take acetaminofen only and if this is not helpful than it may indicate some complication. At this point,it is to early to know something more so just be patient for 7-10 more days and see will there be improvement. From my experience,most patient have symptoms similar to yours,but it persists only for 3-7 days. Just avoid weight lifting and rest.
Wish you good health. Feel free to ask. regards
Hi and welcome to XXXXXXX
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Certain degree of pain and itching is to be expected even up to 7 days postoperatively especially if there was bilateral hernia repair so this is nothing strange.
Wound infection usually starts on 2nd or 3rd postoperative day and it is manifested with redness around incision, fever, pus secretion and pain.
during hernia there is usually nerve manipulation so this may lead to your symptoms. If there was damaged ilioinguinal nerve then it would be sharp pain in area of incision.
If this itching is caused by some medicines then benadrly has some purpose but I dont think it is necessray to take benadryl for early postoperative itching which is normal part of healing. Also,if your pain is so significant that you need hydrocodone then something may be wrong.
I suggest to take acetaminofen only and if this is not helpful than it may indicate some complication. At this point,it is to early to know something more so just be patient for 7-10 more days and see will there be improvement. From my experience,most patient have symptoms similar to yours,but it persists only for 3-7 days. Just avoid weight lifting and rest.
Wish you good health. Feel free to ask. regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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