Since February I have had to live with an Inguinal Hernia. At times it has been painful but most of the time it's just one of those annoying day to day things I have had to deal with. I have no idea how I ended up with an Inguinal Hernia, as I don't do any heavy lifting or anything like that. Though I did read somewhere extreme weight loss can be linked to Inguinal Herniae. Though as I cannot reference the source I read that from, as I have no idea where I read it. Though to me the why isn't important, as either way I am living with an Inguinal Hernia.
Just what is an Inguinal Hernia?
Up until getting one, I thought it was something old people got. I was told by my doctor that in simply not true. It's normally caused by overexertion that causes a tear in the intestinal wall. According to my family doctor, it's more common than one would think.
Working out with an Inguinal Hernia
Up until then, I was working out pretty extensively, sometimes twice a day! Following a hernia popping up I put things on hold until I got to the bottom of it. I did try doing light cardio and ride the stationary bike but my hernia would pop out forcing me to lay on the floor and pop it back in. This was really weird at first but as time went on I just got used to it.
Finally, my doctor recommended to me that I go get a hernia belt. It's a belt that I wear around my waist that holds everything in place. I went to the local pharmacy and picked one up for $25. The next day I did a light workout, nothing fancy; jumping jacks, pushups and a simple bike ride. To my surprise not one time did the hernia pop out. It wasn't the most comfortable workout I have ever had but it was better than doing nothing at all.
The real test though was with Jiu-Jitsu. The drilling didn't worry me much but rolling. (Just another name for sparring) My first class with it was alright actually. The warm-up killed me as usual but no hernia popping out, drilling was fine but come the rolling I started to worry. After about my second roll, I realized everything is fine. I was just over thinking everything as I tend to do. This belt was something of magic.
Right up to now this belt has been a lifesaver! The only issue is I need to make a purchase of at least two more. Washing it after every workout has taken a toll on it, as well been a hassle.
I wanted to make a post about this because I just wanted to show that regardless of what is happening there are ways to get a sweat going. Of course, if the doctor tells you to stay put than listen! But I didn't want to put my work out on hold because of this hernia. I had goals that I wanted to hit and sometimes you need to find another route to get there. All that really matters, in the end, is you hit that goal!
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