Just had the surgery a little over 2 weeks ago. I had the traditional method, with the mesh, done and reccommended by one of the best hernia docs in the country. Here's the rundown on pain/discomfort.
The first day sucks, but you'll be able to walk out of the hospital/surgical center. You'll be hunched over while walking, but able to get around, and go up and down stairs with help from the railing. I found sitting up with my legs straight to be the most comfortable, so a recliner, or a chair with an ottoman helps. Also, recovering from the anestesia sucks even more.
They'll give you a script for a narcotic pain reliever, which you may or may not decide to take. I took 2 of the 30 pills that they perscribed. You probably won't need it, past the first day or two, and they can cause constipation, which is un-f'ing bearable with an incision in your gut preventing you from "pushing harder". So, if you take the PK's, then get a stool softner, activia yogurt, and eat lots of fiber and fruit.(don't ask me how I know).
Some advice that I was given and followed, was to walk around the first day a little, and then as much as comfortable the following days. This is supposedly to keep from getting stiff and to keep that area flexible as it heals.
Some advice that I was not given, that I wish I had, is to get/wear boxer briefs or another supportive type of underwear. Boxers don't offer the support that you need while recovering IMO.
Finally, it will be painful in that area, sometimes beyond belief, if you sit in an awkward position for a while and then get up, etc. However, I noticed that after a week and a half, that a switch almost flipped, and the hurting stopped. I mentioned this to my doc at the post-op check up, and he said that he's heard this from alot of his patients, so hang in there.
Feel free to PM or post any questions that you may have, and good luck.
I hope everything turns out ok.
