hernia question

not sure if I spelled that correctly however my question is : the doctor asked if I have a hernia and I was wondering (due to the fact I have had three c-sections and am not sure) if I do and what does that mean? Will they do the surgery or will I have to have it fixed first what could be the complications? and if I do and don't know until they open me up for surgery what will happen?

Hi Kimberly, If you don't know and your doctor can't tell just by looking at you, the doctor should have you have an ultra sound, upper GI or some other diagnostic test. Do you know if he is asking about an abdominal hernia from your C-sections or a hiatial hernia? AD

Kimberly, you might need to ask him for a little more definition. I have a 3cm by 15cm diastasis recti - from 2 pregnancies (second baby was a 9 pounder!). (I had 2 c-sections). This is a separation of the abdominal muscles. I was doing weight training and trying to increase my abdominal muscle strength, and started to notice a big bulge between the bottom of my sternum and my belly button. I had my PCP check it out, as I thought it might be a big hernia. But no, diastasis recti. Considered a "normal" condition. (Probably by men, who don't have to deal with it nearly as much as women). I am hoping to have an abdominoplsty and have it repaired, as it bugs me about as much as my back pain. If you do have a hernia, it probably won't interfere with having surgery, especially if you are having lap RNY. A friend of mine had a big hernia, and still had her lap RNY done.She will have the hernia repaired after she loses weight. Sue