Question:
Do hernias cause pain?

Here's the deal...I think I might have a hernia. I have a spot, near the top of my incision (Open RNY, 6/14/01), and there's a bump there, about the size of a marble. Every once in a while this bump will hurt. Some days it sticks out, some days it doesn't. I went to my regular doctor, and she said it was most likely an abscess under the skin, not a hernia. I'm still not convinced. I have my next checkup with the surgeon in June, and since he's over an hour away (and not wanting to take more time off work) I'm hoping I can wait until then to find out for sure. But until then I thought I'd send it to you all...do hernias hurt?    — Becky H. (posted on May 1, 2002)

May 1, 2002
You did not give enough info, but I have had hernias and they can hurt. is your lump hard or soft. because all of my hernias have been soft, because a hernia is usually your intestine or an organ that sticks out a weak place in your abdominal wall. get a second opinion if your unsure but I would just give it some time and then see if it goes away on it's own
   — Grace H.

May 1, 2002
Hernia's can hurt and they can go in and out like that . I would call my dr and tell him what u are feeling . My friend barely made it to the hospital with her's. A hernia can rupture and can cause some serious problems . It may be nothing more then an absess but I think it is better to be safe then sorry . Good luck :-)
   — sallie P.

May 2, 2002
I had surgery 7/20/01 and I too have an incisional hernia. It started out the size of a walnut and is now the size of a softball. It sometimes does cause me pain. It is very uncomfortable when I eat (it really bulges when I eat or drink) and coughing,sneezing getting up from a laying position hurts not to mention my apron pulling on it all of the time. My surgeon knew it was a hernia as soon as he saw it, my primary doctor said it could be. Definantly bring it up to your surgeon. Good luck.
   — Dawn H.