I didn't experience as bad a pain like you others. I've had the same inguinal hernia fixed 3 times - mesh the last two. All these were under local anesth. or Verced. The Endoscopic is mesh repair from the inside the abdominal cavity. It's supposed to be the best way, my Doc said that's what I'll get next time. Think of it as repairing an innertube either from the inside or outside. Normally the mesh attaches on the outside of the muscle ring. Endoscopic has the patch put on inside with the pressure trying to push it out through the ring (inguinal that is). The only thing I don't like about it is you go under general anesth. - completely out! I like to stay awake and tell jokes - DON'T PUT ME TO SLEEP MAN!!! The worst part for me, besides the lifting restriction, & sitting around, was after one surgery when the Nurse said she'd cath' me if I didn't pee soon enough. Now, I was numb from the waist down but I got up and had my wife hold the urinal for me....."Am I peeing yet?", "No not yet Honey!", strain, strain, strain.....
Nothing like the threat of having a rubber hose shoved up the length of my willy to get me moving. BTW, being "in shape" doesn't always keep someone from getting a hernia. Sometimes it's just genetics. I figured I abused my body too much during my time in the military, oilfields and shoeing horses. Last bit of advice, make DAMN sure you stick to their lifting/exertion orders, and I second the idea of having laxatives around IF you need them. Take care and may you fare well!
WSmac