Typically, pain after a routine inguinal hernia repair should gradually subside and be gone or of minimal concern by 4-6 weeks after surgery. The scarring process can cause tightness in the groin area that is described by many patients as pain when their activity forces this area to stretch. Usually stretching exercises applied progressively a month or more after surgery will loosen the area enough that this tightness subsides. It is more often a complaint of young athletic people than older and/or obese individuals most likely because they tend to expect more of their bodies and this "limitation" is more pronounced for them. As was stated by some of the other doctors, there are other pain issues related to nerves in the area that may require further intervention. At 5 months after surgery, I would recommend a follow-up with your surgeon or a second opinion to address this.
Gregory T. Ginsburg, MD, FACS
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