Hernia (info and help please!)

I’ve been noticing this funny bulge in my mid-abdomen (to the right side above my belly button). I have been telling hubby about it and finally had him come in earlier to see it while I did a crunch. He was shocked to feel how huge it is…it’s between the size of a large grapefruit and a small cantaloupe.

I have a lot of abdominal pain that I blame on IBS. Sometimes it feels like a concrete block is in my intestines, especially when I lay on my tummy and then get up. I don’t know if the pain is linked to this bulge. I don’t even know if this bulge IS a hernia but I’m really leaning toward the possibility that it probably is.

I also know that I’ve had this for awhile…before I saw my gastro for my IBS and before I had my RNY. Perhaps I see it so much more now because I’ve lost weight? Why is it that a doctor, especially during my surgery, didn’t catch this if it is a hernia? Is that possible?

Is it important to get this diagnosed a.s.a.p.? Does this effect my ability to begin weight lifting? Is the ideal time to have a repair after you reach your goal weight? Any and all information you all can provide for me will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a million!

Hey Shauna,

It does sound like a hernia.  Does it hurt when you press on it?  I would call my pcp and get him to look at it or go to my surgeon.  I wouldn't do any weight lifting until I saw him/her.  Good Luck. Hope things turn out ok.

I'm a nurse and used to work in family practice.  Just saying!! 

Deborah

Deborah,  It doesn't "hurt" when I press on it, no.  Maybe a slight ache?  But "pain," no.  I will postpone the weight lifting and make an appointment with my PCP in the near future.  Thanks for the advice! 

Just one week left for you!  How are you feeling?

Hey Shauna
I cant diagnose you but it sounds  like one. I have one that I got from an emergency gall bladder surgery when I was 6 mos preggers. I have had it for 3 years. My doc told me he didnt want me doing any abdominal exercises because of it. They say that your intestines can get in it and become blocked. Mine is much worse now since I have lost alot of weight. So much so that I have an appointment on Thursday with the doctor. They have set my surgery date of Feb 10 to have it fixed. My insurance company will pay to fix the hernia but the doctor wants to remove excess skin at the same time he fixes it. BCBSNC said if i waited til I was 18 mo post op they would consider but the doctor doesnt want to wait that long because of some issues the hernia is causing now.
I know that they can detect hernias with CAT scans but other than that the doctor may not have seen it. Mine is so noticeable that you can see it a mile away. But I have another one that wasnt found until this past summer when I was sick. They found it with a CAT scan. It wasn't the cause for my sickness but it was nice to know I had another one.
Anyways  I think you should see your doctor about it. Better to be safe than sorry.



Melissa

Melissa,  I remembered you having trouble with this (as well as Myrtis) so I was hoping one or both of you would see my post.  I haven't had any surgeries near this area but I have had 4 pregnancies which I read can trigger one.  I've also lost and gained weight several times over. 

I've really been trying to convince myself to begin weight lifting so I won't lose muscle/bone, and now it looks like this is going to change things.  Hopefully I won't have to have hernia surgery until I am at my goal weight.  It would be nice to take care of other issues then as well if need be.  I guess only time will tell?

Please update after your appointment on Thursday.  I hope you have this cleared up soon!

Shauna - I think Melissa is correct - go see your PCP and definitely no weight lifting until cleared by the doc.  As for having a hernia repaired - once again it would depend on the docs.  It is not going to affect your weight loss, though.  When it comes to having the hernia repaired, ten I would speak to Dr. Cook.  But you could have tests, etc. done at home and take the results to Dr. Cook.  Did you have to make another appt with Dr. Cook in a few weeks?

Big ole hug!
Shelia

Shelia,  I just realized that they didn't schedule me for another appointment when I was leaving the office.  I had a one-track mind about getting over to Frye for my tests.  Will have to call and get that scheduled...thanks for the reminder! 

Hi Shauna,

I would call my surgeon and ask them to check it out. I wouldn't lift anything heavy until I got an all clear from your Dr.

You might want to PM Myrtis, "PostalChick" and ask her for her suggestions and experience because she had a significant recurring hernia that was just recently removed.

Wishing you all the best,

I just posted an update that I did get to speak to my surgeon's office, thanks!  Guess I'm going to have to focus on cardio while losing this weight.  I hope Myrtis has recovered well and I will keep in mind to PM her if I don't hear from her under this post.  (Oh Myyyrtisss!  Come out, come out, whereever you arrreee!  lol) 

Hi Shauna,
I had the same thing about 5 years ago. I had a bulge right beside my belly button.
I just kind of ignored it for several months but then it started to hurt so I went to my PCP who
immediately made me an appt with a surgeon. It was definitely a hernia and had to be repaired right away before it twisted and cut off blood supply.
Surgery was laproscopic and when they went in the found 2 more. They had to pratically cover my whole abdominal cavity with mesh to keep them from poking back out. He said I was bullet proof unless I was shot in the head lol.
Glad you're going to see your PCP about it. They can be dangerous if left untreated too long
and get twisted. NOT WEIGHT LIFTING!!! And that's an order!

BIG HUG BUT NOT SQUEEZING THE BIG HERNIA
Pam