Liver Transplant - abdominal hernia and exercise

Good morning Patricia 30. I also had abdominal wall reconstruction surgery. One year post liver transplant a small golf ball sized lump appeared. I was told it was a hernia and required surgery. It took a year to get the surgery and by then my entire surgical site had ripped open. I also was left with a rather large "lump" just to the side of my incision site. Both my family Dr and the surgeon told me it was excess skin, as I had lost quite a bit of weight. I was very worried another hernia had developed but they assured me it wasn't. I do pilates 3x per week and find the lying on my stomach the hardest. Keep going it will get better. 🤗

@patricia30, In addition to the experience that @footballmum has shared, I want to share a link to a related discussion where exercise might be mentioned:
- Incisional hernia after transplant: Anyone else?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/incisional-hernia/
I also want to tag @cehunt57, @jackie421blfdgurl, @terry14, @melody12, and ask if they have any thoughts about exercise after incisional hernia surgery.

Thank you! Since my transplant, I often wonder if I’m overthinking issues with the changes in my body. It is comforting to be able to connect with others that have experienced the same things that I have and put myself at ease.

I will continue with Pilates and until my core strength improves, I’ll have the instructor modify the more strenuous activities for me.

Been doing Pilates for 3 weeks, 2x week and have noticed “small” improvements to my abdomen workout. Just don’t want to damage the repair

Pancreas transplant in 2005 & enteric conversion surgery in 2006. In the years that followed I noticed a golf ball size/shape bump at the bottom of the incisions. I was told that it was an incisional hernia fairly common with abdominal surgeries. I was told it could be repaired but might just perpetuate the problem. It was best to leave it alone unless it changed in size or shape or caused pain. That is what I did until I developed a painful bowel blockage that I initially attributed to the hernia. The bowel blockage was dealt with and the hernia was repaired with a mesh (2012). I never really gave exercise much thought. (I hardly ever do anyway!) I like to walk, swim and sometimes use a stationary bike. After I’ve had any kind of surgery I typically ask about any restrictions (activity, eating, driving …etc.) to be aware of and for how long. My husband & I discovered some video workouts offered by Apple Fitness Plus that we like to do. There is a variety of workouts for all fitness levels, ages, types and times. We are currently doing stuff for beginners/ older adults that is about 10 - 15 minutes a day. We’ve tried sessions for core, strength, balance, stretching, flexibility, yoga, dance …. plus cool down sessions for breathing and meditation.

Rosemary u r soo funny.
After liver and hernia surgery! What exercise? I was suppose to b exercising,? I missed that class!

@patricia30, I don't think that it is possible for us to overthink issues after we have experienced an organ transplant!
How long ago was your hernia surgery? Is the bulge painful or uncomfortable? I have heard of some patients who like to wear supportive under garments. I just offer that as an idea.

You are wise to modify the more strenuous activities as you have indicated.
It sounds like Pilates is working for you. What small improvements are you noticing?