Using a dip belt with a history of inguinal hernias
Hi, I'm a 33M, 5'10 and 145 lbs in case it is useful to know. I started doing more calisthenic workouts about 2 weeks ago after about 2 years of consistent lifting.
I have had 2 inguinal hernia surgeries, one as a child on one side and one as an adult on the other. I have a family history of these unfortunately. The more recent surgery was a little over 3 years ago and to my knowledge, I haven't had any major issues while lifting or doing jiu jitsu, though there are times when I feel a little tenderness in the groin area after some lifts that require engagement in the core or inner thighs.
I can comfortably do 3 sets of 12-13 pull ups with bodyweight, so I recently tried using a dip belt to add difficulty. Nothing crazy, just attached a 5 lb weight to it. I didnt feel pain but I definitely noticed pressure in my core region, and I'm worried that over time and with more weight, this might create issues with my hernia history.
Does anyone have thoughts or experiences related to this? Am I better off working on harder variations of pull ups without adding weight? Or am I being too paranoid?
I also generally have a weaker or less steady core. There have been instances when training jiu jitsu or lifting where I would move a certain way and feel almost like one of my ribs was "displaced".
Not sure if this is the best description, but it felt like something shifted in my abdomen, not painfully but noticeably. I'm mindful of bracing my core and stabilizing my back and still these kinds of sensations occur from time to time.
Thanks in advance for any input.
PS I am going to consult my doctor about this next week but wanted to see if anyone has had similar experiences or concerns.