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LOL, oh man,maybe a bit of an odd question but has anyone climbed with a hernia? Its not like i will be scaling Everest or K2 but i will be leaving for a Mt Baker climb in about a week and had a damn hernia pop up about 2 weeks ago.

Where is the hernia? How big? I agree with Zodis, just suck it up and get the surgery. While fairly rare serious complications can arise from an unattended hernia.

I can tell you first hand that recovery is no fun the first 48 hrs.

A lot of variables here. I will assume it's either an inguinal (groin) or umbilical (belly button) hernia since those are quite common. Most hernias do not require surgery, but a surgical repair could be elective. Many people put up with discomfort from hernias on a day-to-day basis and can go about normal activities. People whose lifestyles put increased strain on the hernia may have more symptoms, but that doesn't mean they must do less.

One certainty: if you elect for surgical repair NOW, you will NOT be climbing next week. If this is a new symptom for you (and you may have an inguinal strain, not a true hernia), you might be better served to wait it out and see if symptoms persist over time. If it's minor discomfort you could consider taking the climb and see how it goes, with the understanding there is a chance that increased strain could worsen the presumed hernia. Over-the-counter hernia supports are available, although their benefit is not significant. If it's pretty intense discomfort you might want to postpone the climb.

Again, a lot of variables as everyone is different and I don't know exactly what you're dealing with. The standard disclaimer: see your doctor. If you see 5 providers for this you will probably get 5 different opinions on how to approach it. Isn't that comforting? Anyway, good luck!

Hi Fellas,
I cant argue with what you say the 100% best thing to do would be to get it repaired. If i do that tho i cannot have the surgery until bout late Aug-1st of Sept,i have already put out money on this and have been wanting to do it for awhile. Yes it is a inguinal hernia,it is small maybe about the size of a nickel and then sometimes not there at all,not really any pain/discomfort but a little burning sensation once and awhile but not often, i have been to see an internist about it and he referred me to a surgeon which i cannot get in to see until Aug 9 and then he has a 2 week wait for surgery. I definitly put more strain than the average person as i like to lift at least 2 days a week and have 2-3 cardio sessions a week, the funny thing is that at one point in my life i could squat and deadlift over 500 pounds on each of those lifts and never anything like this but i am older now 45,lol. I think i be fine with going i will just be extra careful, i have hiked about 13/14 miles with pack since it has popped up and so far no problems. Thank you for the responses.

You might want to pick up a belt:



I dealt with mine for well over a year and it grew rather large and very uncomfortable. If it is bothering you or gets sore a belt like the one above will help keep it in and prevent added discomfort.

i have thought about one of those but would that cause severe chaffing?

j4ever wrote:i have thought about one of those but would that cause severe chaffing?

I'd wear it over some synthetic tights, but you'll never know until you try. Hey, they're light! If you find it uncomfortable for the climbing aspect perhaps you can just bring it along for use around camp etc... I used to actually hold mine in when it was really bugging me. Mine was about the size of a tennis ball near the end and was a real burden. It's likely yours will continue to grow as well; especially under the conditions you describe above.

Don't put off the surgery like I did. The pain was brutal the first 2-3 days after the mesh went in. Tried to get up to take a pee the first night and threw up and almost passed out. I can take pain too, finished a HS football game at middle linebacker with a broken wrist...

holy sheeeet batman,size of a tennis ball,oh man,no i dont want that,i am going to get it checked out more thoroughly on Aug 9 and taken care of surgically soon after, if that is what is needed.

If you're still connected to this thread, I would like to hear your thoughts on this subject, now that it's in the past. I am set to hike the Olympic Mountains, this Tuesday thru the end of July and am in the same condition you were before you made your hike. Thoughts and suggestions please