2 weeks after hernia surgery with mesh, I feel weak and lightheaded, is this a concern?

After any surgery, it can be common to feel tired and wiped out.  Generally, the feeling improves as time passes.  If the sensation is a new one, it may be a sign of infection or other issues best discussed with your surgeon.

Thank you for your question regarding your symptoms two weeks after umbilical hernia repair with mesh. While some discomfort and fatigue are normal after surgery, feeling lightheaded, weak, and experiencing a racing heart is not typical and could signal something more serious.

Two weeks post-op, most patients should be gradually regaining energy, especially if they’ve started walking and following post-op instructions. However, persistent or worsening symptoms like weakness, dizziness, and increased heart rate could point to a few possibilities that require immediate medical evaluation. These include:

Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, especially if your fluid intake has been low

Infection, either at the incision site or internally (around the mesh), which can cause systemic symptoms like fatigue, fever, and a racing heart

Internal bleeding or hematoma formation, particularly if your hemoglobin has dropped

Cardiovascular changes or reactions to medications used during or after surgery

Even though you’re walking and making an effort to recover, it’s very important not to ignore these symptoms. I highly recommend that you call your surgeon immediately or visit an urgent care or emergency department. You may need blood work, vital sign monitoring, and possibly imaging to rule out infection, anemia, or other complications.

Please don’t delay seeking care. When it comes to post-surgical recovery, it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
(President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, International College of Surgery, and American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Thanks for the question.After any surgery, your body will take time to recover. The abdomen does take longer as there is a lot of movement in this region of the body on a day to day basis. Once you have had surgery here and are having to restrict your movements, this in itself can result in you feeling more tired.Make sure you are keeping yourself well hydrated, eating well and keeping on top of your pain relief. These factors alone will markedly help improve your symptoms. Dont try to overdo it and listen to your body. Some patients take longer to go through the recovery period - others come through quickly. There is no one way and just listen to your body and take it easy. This will help.If you are still concerned, liase with your surgeon and let them check you out to make sure there is nothing untoward going on. Based on your description above, there are no red flags popping up that have me worried. I hope this is of help to youBW

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry to hear of your symptoms.  Unfortunately this sounds like quite the departure from the healing you’ve experienced over the first two weeks and should be investigated further by your surgeon.  I would reach out to them to that you can be seen sooner than later. Best wishes. 

While it is normal to have pain and feel weak after surgery, some symptoms you describe do cause some mild to moderate concern.  You should be drinking plenty of fluids and if you are not, you will notice that your urine will be dark and you won't urinate as frequently as usual.  If this is the case, your dizziness and weakness could be due to dehydration, for which you should be drinking more water and electrolyte drinks.  However, with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding in the early postoperative period which can lead to low blood counts (anemia) which commonly manifests as weakness, dizziness on standing and feeling your heart racing.  Therefore, it is important that you communicate with your surgeon the problems that you are having so that he or she can help you through this period and intervene if necessary.  If your surgeon doesn't know that you are having the problems, he or she can't help.  You should also be seen on a regular basis in this early recovery period (every 1-2 weeks usually).  If your weakness and dizziness gets to the point of feeling short of breath or like you are going to pass out, make sure to let your surgeon's office know, and it would likely be best if you are seen urgently in the emergency room or urgent care.  Best of luck with your continued recovery!

There is always concern when a new symptom appears that wasn't there before, or a current symptom is worsening instead of improving. Please check in with your surgeon and/or your family doctor as soon as possible to be assessed.Best of Luck, Dr. K.

Two weeks after hernia surgery You should Not be feeling this way and I would be concerned and I would seek the medical advice of your surgeon as well as your primary care physician and make sure that you’re not having any problems with the mash and that your blood counts are high enough.