Hernia ??

I hate to sound stupid BUT....what exactly does a hernia feel like?

I know that when things have progressed that the bulge thing happens. I saw my Grandmother's hernia when I was younger and when she'd cough or sneeze....OMG it scarred and scared me for life. But before it gets to that point?

The reason I ask is I have this really tender spot. A few nights ago I told yall about the kitchen sink disaster. While I was trying to fix it I ended up with this crazy twisted pain in my gut. It almost felt like a charlie horse that you'd have in your calf. But after laying out flat on the kitchen floor it "relaxed". Then a little while later it came back (I was still plumbing) only that time It took quite a bit of standing, stretching, manipulating and massaging to get it to go away.

3 days later and the area is still very, very tender. I've got a Dr. appointment in a couple of weeks and I plan on discussing it. But until then....well, I'm just askin the professionals (that would be yall).

- Iris

Hi, Iris. I'm so sorry you're experiencing pain! You described the pain and mentioned it was in you gut but do you mind me asking where?

Of course I'm not a doctor, but I'm on my fourth hernia. My understanding is that the only time a hernia will cause pain that is dangerous is when it's strangulating the bowel (the intestines pop through the hole and cut it off--it's extremely serious and needs urgent medical attention). I was always told if would be severe enough I would know what it was and I should go to the ER. My current hernia is always popped out unless I am lying down and the only pain is around it st times...it feels like a tearing, stretching, pulling feeling. The pain you're having could very well be a muscle spasm or pull which can take you breath away. If it continues, please call you doctor asap and don't wait until your appointment.

Jenn

Hi Iris.  I agree with Tigs.  My hernias have felt heavy under my skin and when I would cough or reach up for something they would protrude and become quite noticeable and sore.  I have twisted many times and have had pain take my breath away as muscle spasms.  I also heard that if you have an hernia that is strangling your intestines that it is accute pain and also you will be throwing up.  If this every happens get to the ER at once.  This is life threatening!

Thanks girls....I was pretty convinced that it was a muscle spasm of sorts but it is in the area of 3 previous laproscopic surgeries. It's fairly high up under my left brest bone. My RNY surgeon did mention there being a hernia near that area but I've never had any problems with it and he said I would definietly know when it gave me problems.