Hernia and Ab exercise??
If it hurts don't do it.
I just had 2 incisional hernia's repaired. I could still do hanging leg raises and stuff like that with the hernia, but 1 crunch and I'd be doubled over in pain and pushing the sucker in. I seemed to be able to do decline situps if I didn't push the reps to the limit too. Exercises that simulate that crunch too, like deadlifts (big time ab exercise btw) would lead to a lot of pain and suffering.
Earl