Inguinal Hernia - to kite or not to kite?

[JakeFarley]

I've suspected for several months that I had a hernia. No pain, but sensitive with a very slight bulge, hardly noticible. I avoided going to see my doctor until my annual routine appointment last Wednesday. I've been out riding about a dozen times once the beaches reopened and most recently a 2 hour session 2 days prior to my doctor appointment. Still not any pain to speak of. I read all the posts on hernias but was wondering if anyone has gone through the surgery and how long it took before you were able to kite again.

[TheJoe]

I had surgery a few years ago. My hernia was small might have had it before I thought I had tore it not sure. My surgery was easy and the recovery was only 4 weeks. Again it was small and not bulging. I would recommend seeing a specialist to ask the these question. Most people don't think hernias are that serious but they can be very serious. All so if it gets worse it would be a far harder surgery and longer recovery time. This is why I had mine taken care of as soon as I found it.

As far as most people kiting with a hernia it probably would not be a problem. Most people for the most part just mow the lawn and do small jumps. If your more extreme with high winds and kite loops or freestyle then it might be more of a concern. I would talk to a specialist as soon as you can. I know with everything going on it makes it harder to get in.

[Dave_5280]

Had one years ago and over time it got worse, had the surgery with the mesh, and trying to recall but probably could have kited in a month, maybe less, I felt bad the day after, but much better after that. Try and get the doctor to “find” a hernia on the other side so they can fix it at the same time so it doesn’t need surgery at a later time. Got mine after helping a neighbor move his upright piano - god those things are heavy - up on a moving truck, jumped down off the truck and thought, something feels loose. I had the keyhole small incisions surgery, but I know someone that both keyhole and open, and swears recovery was better with open because they don’t inject gas in the area while doing surgery. Plan out the insurance part to pay for it, flexible spending account, etc.

[mhansman]

I fix hernias and I kitesurf. For now, until you have surgery, there are no restrictions. Do whatever you want. Very, very, very low risk of something getting stuck in the hernia and causing an emergency.

Quickest recovery and least pain if you have your hernia fixed laparoscopically (with camera/small incisions). I use the surgical robot for this. I tell people 2 weeks of no running/swimming/biking. 4 weeks of no heavy lifting/straining. Kiting would be 4 weeks.

[Robsw6]

I just push mine back in & it makes a squelching sound

[Diego Gama]

I think it depends a lot of your riding style, if you are jumping 20 meters high or doing freestyle performance it can be a high risk if you have unfortunate. But if you are just sailing I think it should be fine. But the best is to look for your doctor.

[Robsw6]

I think it depends a lot of your riding style, if you are jumping 20 meters high or doing freestyle performance it can be a high risk if you have unfortunate. But if you are just sailing I think it should be fine. But the best is to look for your doctor.

lol.... so I should be fine just doing 19m then.... in reality, mine can be ignored, even going through the rinser at One Eye it was fine! Dr's/surgery is great - but I prefer to wait until I need something, rather going under the knife

[jumptheshark]

^^^ User name checks out

[Robsw6]

^^^ User name checks out

[JakeFarley]

I think it depends a lot of your riding style, if you are jumping 20 meters high or doing freestyle performance it can be a high risk if you have unfortunate. But if you are just sailing I think it should be fine. But the best is to look for your doctor.

I don't think I've ever jumped 20 meters, at the most 10-15, which for me was high enough. And I don't do any freestyle. Right now we are in our "off season" here in Florida. Just the usual sea breezes 10 knots, unless we get a tropical system. Most of my riding will be cruising on my 21m Speed 5 on a TT (I don't hydrofoil yet), just to get me through the doldrums.

Thanks!