fromdressagetojumping
New User
Hi everyone I’m a younger rider and have an umbilical hernia surgery tomorrow under general anaesthetic I was wondering if anyone knows how long it may be before I’m back in the saddle, mucking out etc.
Riding after umbilical hernia repair surgery
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Nudibranch
Well-Known Member
I had one two years ago and I was told not to do anything lifting wise, etc, for 6 weeks. I can't remember how long I waited for riding but I'd say lifting, carrying, mucking out are your enemies! I did give mine longer than they advised as I'm sure it was mucking out whilst heavily pregnant which caused it in the first place. It's right in the middle of your core, so you do need to let it heal properly.
I did have to wear a dressing on mine for a very long time as the scar couldn't bear the feel of clothing and even now I have to avoid buttons on jeans, etc as it has remained sensitive. Thank goodness for riding tights. Good luck tomorrow!
I did have to wear a dressing on mine for a very long time as the scar couldn't bear the feel of clothing and even now I have to avoid buttons on jeans, etc as it has remained sensitive. Thank goodness for riding tights. Good luck tomorrow!
HorseMaid
Well-Known Member
I've had an umbilical hernia repair and an inguinal hernia repair, the umbilical one has given me no issues but I rode after 5 weeks with the inguinal one and it was too soon really as I do get niggles from it years on. Take it easy for as long as you can, the wound really does take a while to repair itself properly on the inside especially if you have a mesh put in.
Skib
Well-Known Member
Do as your surgeon and after op carers advise.
I was going to reply to this giving the 6 weeks rule. I had a bad peritonis op and was told 6 weeks. It is the same 6 weeks after a cesarian section. I gave it 8 weeks in the end before riding. You need the muscles in your abdominal wall to rejoin and heal well so you can continue to use your abs to support you when riding.
When they say 6 weeks it doesnt necessarily mean you can then go back to riding exactly as before. It is the 6 weeks when you ought NOT to ride. After that build up slowly. My first ride back was rather odd. I felt quite weak and feeble and went to the centre of the school thinking I might call the whole thing off. The mare perhaps realised I couldnt use strong aids for when I asked for trot she lifted into the most beautiful unsolicited canter. I still have the feel of that lovely transition implanted in my memory. The teacher was so impressed she asked if I would like to share the mare and I did till the end of her working life.
As I get older, I begin to think that horses respond well to being ridden by physically fragile riders. The tiniest touch is enough.
I was going to reply to this giving the 6 weeks rule. I had a bad peritonis op and was told 6 weeks. It is the same 6 weeks after a cesarian section. I gave it 8 weeks in the end before riding. You need the muscles in your abdominal wall to rejoin and heal well so you can continue to use your abs to support you when riding.
When they say 6 weeks it doesnt necessarily mean you can then go back to riding exactly as before. It is the 6 weeks when you ought NOT to ride. After that build up slowly. My first ride back was rather odd. I felt quite weak and feeble and went to the centre of the school thinking I might call the whole thing off. The mare perhaps realised I couldnt use strong aids for when I asked for trot she lifted into the most beautiful unsolicited canter. I still have the feel of that lovely transition implanted in my memory. The teacher was so impressed she asked if I would like to share the mare and I did till the end of her working life.
As I get older, I begin to think that horses respond well to being ridden by physically fragile riders. The tiniest touch is enough.