I had an inguinal hernia a few years ago and lived with it for a little over a year. It was painful from time to time. When I had my surgery, they cut me open, put a patch over it, and sewed me up. I was down for 3 days and then was only able to lift 10 or so pounds for several weeks. I know that's a different hernia than what you have. Your doctor should have told you what to expect though.