What to do for a month

Keith Molden

Well-known Member
I 've known guys that had hernia surgery and were up and driving around 2 days later. The Dr. told me if I want to be back in the operating room just get on the tractors. He says that most problems guys have is they don't listen when told. He tells me that I can't get on a tractor for 4 weeks, no driving for 10 days or until he sees me again. I'm about to go nuts just sitting and laying around the house. I've got so much to get done and my grand son is doing everything for me, but it aint me doing it. He says it was a pretty large one (about 5" incision) and for my age and what I do, the mesh is almost a 100% necessity. The surgery was on Monday and it isn't even a little sore now and that makes me want to get up and go. What did you guys do to keep from going stir crazy in this situation? Larry at the corner, I was so glad to see the pics of your tractor at the farm & sure hope you were able to go to Pa. and take them instead of downloading them from days past, I just don't know how you do it and I do admire you my friend.
 
I had two fixed with mesh about 20 years ago.

I can't recall being told to stay off of a tractor, but the surgeon told me not to lift over 5 pounds for two weeks. I was taking college classes at the time, and the books I had to carry to one class weighed more than that. It was an evening class, so my wife carried my books for me for the duration.
 
In the comfort of you living room or office look back through Yesterdays tractors and watch You tube and pretend you are in the driver' seat
 
Keith, I too was feeling pretty good and then moved some bales around upstairs in the barn, bad idea. At 3 weeks I took my tractor to the neighbor's farm and moved round bales. I had ingroinal hernia mesh repair and the doctor said no heavy lifting for 5 weeks. Surgery was 5 years ago and have been working full time accept for 2 week vacation in 2015. Stick with the doctors advice because you'll have even more time off if the have to sew you up again!
 
I had hernia surgery when I was in my 30s. Dr said no work for a week to 10 days. It was hard to set still. But I got caught up on my reading and slept a lot. It take lots of energy to heal. The Dr said if I tore the stitches out he'd have to go back in and couldn't fix as good the second time in. So I did what he said.
 
Keith Molden- In 2013, I had my colon removed. Doc cut me from sternum to groin. After surgery, he said: No lifting over 5 pounds or any heavy work or 4 weeks.

After a couple of weeks, I too was going stir-crazy. I figured, heck, I'll just get on the tractor and ride around ob the level ground and check fences.

It was so-o-o-o nice being back on the tractor. Was in 2nd gear putting along. Then, right front wheel caught in a small rut and sharply turned right. Driving my right elbow into my abdomen. It hurt a little bit but I went on.

A week or so later a small bump appeared (about the size of a golf ball. Over time, that thing grew to the size of a large cantaloupe! Didn't hurt but was awful looking and my oncologist kept after me to get it fixed. I couldn't find the time for that.

Anyway, this last March, I had the surgery including the mesh, to get it repaired. Doc said it was the biggest one he had ever repaired. He had to cut me open using the same incision. The hernia was too big to use laparoscopic surgery.

This time I followed his advice and no lifting over 5 lbs., no tractor rides, etc. I'm now cleared to lift up to 50 lbs.

I know what you are feeling but resist the urge to hop up and take a ride. Hope this helps.
 
I have mesh that is 25 years old and holding (I do not think about it) I stayed out of action and lower body stress for 30 days and gradually returned to normal. Ripped out mesh is a disaster! The repair of failed mesh is not nearly as successful. Work on your farm books for 2 hours a day. Put together your manuals and tractor info. Setup a computer based history of the land and memories related to its history.
DO not lift things. Do not do stressful exercises. Feeling like new is an early sign you need to keep to the doc's schedule. Do what the doc says is reasonable and get back to normal soon. Jim
 
I didn't listen to the Doctor after my Diverticulitis operation and passed out on my crawler seat. Fortunately I did not get hurt. It was a lesson.
 
I had an umbilical hernia repaired few years back. Wife almost had to sit on me to keep me down!

But even worse than that was an ankle injury in high school. My senior year, I totally dislocated my right ankle. Doctor said I'd be on crutches a minimum of 6 months, would NEVER run again, and might not walk normally again. At that age, you think I was easy to keep in bed?? I was in fire dept, martial arts, EAA, marching band, symphonic band, acapella choir, active in church, chess club, woodworking.....in short, I never slowed down! Six weeks later my Mom confronted the good doctor with an ultimatum - either release me from care or put me in a straight jacket!! :lol: Unfortunately, it's coming back now to bite me in the rear!
 
Do as the doc says. Or you will pay for it. I ripped my knee up. Had the operation doc gave me the rules. I thought I was a tuff guy didn't listen. Cost me an extra month at home.
 
I tore my shoulder 35 years ago. I fell off a ladder 4 years ago and made it worse. My surgeon said he could fix it but I'd have to give him SIX months. I could only do what my Physio lady told me. I figure after 30 years of pain it would be worth it. The pain was less the day after surgery than when I walked in for it. I just about went stark raving mad. BUT today I have full motion with NO pain. I can do anything except lift over my head. It was definitely worth taking the time off work.
Dave
 
Is there some place you can drive a car to that you have wanted to see but thought you never had time? If you can drive you've got a month.
 
Write a novel. Take your best girl from the 50s' your best tractor story from any time, your best argument/fight and put it all together. May not sell, but you wrote it.
 
I'd be resting and looking thru my collection of old Farming,gardening and tractor books and magazines or get someone to drive me over to the local garage where a bunch of old guys
sit around all day and catch up on the local gossip.
 
I had my first one when I was 27 or so,operated on at 12 milking cows again at 5. Bad idea hurt like heck. Stay on the move but avoid lifting and listen to your doctor. If you have a month off enjoy it while you have the chance.
 
Hang in there, at least you know you that if you take care of yourself now, you will be able to go back to what you enjoy. Some guys find out they won't be going back... ever.

In the mean time:
Write some letters to friends and family.
Read some old letters or look at old pictures.
Update your books and accounting.
Make your business plans for the next two years.
Research and plan next year's vacation, or the vacation of your dreams.
Do some volunteer work at the VA or a nursing home, sometime just talking with those folks helps them.
Think about what did you enjoy as a kid, and can you do any of those things while you're laid up?
Sew on those missing shirt buttons.
Wash the dishes for your wife.
Put a puzzle together.
Read a book.
Order a gift for your caregiver.
Smile.
Sometimes helping someone else can take your mind off your own troubles for a little while.

I do hope you have a very speedy recovery.
 
(quoted from post at 09:38:48 07/22/17) I 've known guys that had hernia surgery and were up and driving around 2 days later. The Dr. told me if I want to be back in the operating room just get on the tractors. He says that most problems guys have is they don't listen when told. He tells me that I can't get on a tractor for 4 weeks, no driving for 10 days or until he sees me again. I'm about to go nuts just sitting and laying around the house. I've got so much to get done and my grand son is doing everything for me, but it aint me doing it. He says it was a pretty large one (about 5" incision) and for my age and what I do, the mesh is almost a 100% necessity. The surgery was on Monday and it isn't even a little sore now and that makes me want to get up and go. What did you guys do to keep from going stir crazy in this situation? Larry at the corner, I was so glad to see the pics of your tractor at the farm & sure hope you were able to go to Pa. and take them instead of downloading them from days past, I just don't know how you do it and I do admire you my friend.

Don't start eating extra and yummy stuff due to boredom. An extra 10-15lb slips on there too fast and easy.
 
I have been disabled since 1993. I work on guns, do reloading, target shooting ETC. Also work on small stuff in the shop like starters, generators, magnetos ETC.
 
What to do for a month?

Are you interested in genealogy?
I stopped at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City last week on a little vacation.
They showed me the FamilySearch.org website.
Someone had already done parts of my family tree, showing ancestors with my name, back to 1698 in York, Virginia.
And even farther back to the 1300s in Scotland, although they said that?s not very reliable.

You could research your family tree.

But, what would make these names and dates more interesting to me, is a little of their life story, what their occupation was, their interests, hobbies, other details.

You could write some of your own life story, for your great-great grandkids.

There?s a place in this website to write a little of the life story of your grandfather and grandmother, and others.
You could do that. Write some of their story, and add it to a genealogy website for future generations.
Family Tree research
 
When I broke my back wasn't supposed to do anything until it was right. I decided since I was already off work, I might as well have the knee surgery on both knees that I had been putting off done now that I was off work anyway and couldn't do anything but lay around. I HAD to mostly lay around for about 4 days since I couldn't get up without help and I wasn't supposed to be walking anyway. Once I got cleared to walk after the knee surgery I wasn't supposed to lift anything due to my broken back and the upper body brace I was wearing. So, I would go over to the farm and do stuff for my dad where I could set at a low workbench he made for me, and he would bring the projects to me. I sorted all my fittings, bolts, screws, etc. Organized my toolbox better, read (I love to read war and history books), stuff like that. I was off work for 5 month before I was cleared to lift or do anything. It'll pass quick once you get used to it

Ross
 
I had hernia surgery a while back. Mesh, etc. Was off for a few days, but as soon as it felt right, I was back at it, but being careful. No problems. Don't think you will be down for near as long as Dr sez.
 
Lord no I already know some of my relatives and that's more than I want LOL. Seriously, that is a darned good idea, I know we were related to Baby Face Nelson and my wife's great grandfather kinda left Pa. in a hurry on someone else's horse. Just never know what's in the wood pile when you move the wood.
 
Afternoon Kieth. Good to see you up on the forum. Been There ,and listened to the DOCTOR. Walk around the property. Do not over do it. It is only just a couple of weeks in your long Life ahead. I just want to thank you for coming down in Gallipolis for lunch in late June .Lets do it again soon. Chuck Machinist
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I had double hernia surgery with the mesh twenty years ago and went back to work the next day. No problems yet.
 

I had double hernia surgery with the mesh twenty years ago and went back to work the next day. No problems yet.
 
Another very good library for genealogy is Ft Wayne. For tombstones go to find a grave. Politics and news go to Daily Kos and Huffington Post. Then when you get tired sitting, walk. The mesh will hold you togather, but other places might tear much later. I had a quack repair two without the mesh and they had to redone. No problems anymore. I sold my old hard cranking Tempte trailer and got a Wilson with strap openers.
 
My first one was repaired without mesh, since I wouldn't need it per the doc. The second one got the mesh. some time after that, I developed another on the same side as the first- one of the sports hernias way over by the hip. The third one repaired was the umbilical, and that hurt the worst afterwards- had little kids at that time, hard not to pick them up and wrestle around...

With a month off, get your will updated, shop some auctions and watch some Netflix you missed.Hope you heal well.
 
Listen to the Doc
I've had 3 hernia surgeries....so far
First few days...do nothing, even a hard cough can damage the repair.
That 6 week thing with no heavy lifting is tough in the tractor world.
My Doctor knows me and told me to do bench work. (He knows I won't sit around.)
Every tractor got a carb clean and rebuild...distributors removed and cleaned, etc...

Also, [i:6882f17265]after healing[/i:6882f17265] I got the OK from the Doc to wear one of those flexible support stomach/back belts pretty much all the time while working....to try to keep my guts inside where they belong.
Too strong for my own good I guess...

ps don't mess around, one of my hernias...stuff got outside and got pinched...almost did me in.....
 

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