I am 3 weeks post op from and umbilical hernia repair(lap) using mesh, I have this horrible burning sensation to the left of my belly button that worsens when ever i bend or seem to move wrong. Is this normal? How soon will it go away? It is interferring with everyday activities especially sleep, no matter how I lay it feels like I am being pinched. At this point in time I am wishing I had just left the hernia alone!

The best person to discuss this with would be your surgeon. He/she is the most experienced with your case. Many things will effect your recovery time, the severity of the hernia, your overall health(especially weight), the type of repair. Everyone's body reacts different to surgery, and in some cases may take a few months before the pain is resolved. I recommend that you discuss with your doctor what would be appropriate stretching exercises for you. From my experience it sounds like your pain is being caused because the nerves are being effected by the new scar tissue, stretching, exercises will keep the scar tissue soft and flexible.