Question:
Are these symptoms of a hernia?

I'm a pre-op, but had an open gall bladder removal several years ago (in 1988). I have a huge 9" scar because of complications with gallstones. Anyway, the lower portion of the incision gets hard and it cramps. Also, I swear it feels like a baby is kicking! The top portion of the incision protrudes but is very soft and fluffy. I've read everything about hernia's and I don't see anyone describing the sensation of a baby kicking. That sensation will last for several minutes along with the cramps when I do lifting, or crunches or something like that. It usually goes away if I stretch or kind of push on the area. It seems that most people with hernias have a permanent type of hardness, has anyone had the sensations I'm having? Thanks!    — Shayna T. (posted on June 22, 2004)

June 22, 2004
If you find out what it is, let me know!! I have a place on the lower left side of my body that gets VERY tight and spasms to the point where it doubles me over with pain. I've had my tubes tied so my OB/GYN looked at the area and said it wasn't an ovarian cyst. Then I had my gallbladder removed and my surgeon looked at it and said it wasn't a hernia. Neither doctor saw anything but about once every couple of weeks the pain comes back with the "kicking" sensation that you describe and it REALLY hurts. It actually did it when I was at my PS's office and he could feel it moving but had no idea what it was. So anybody else out there have any ideas of what it might be???
   — Patty H.

June 22, 2004
Similar story. I get the "baby kicks" too, but haven't always had them...just in the past 5 years or so. (I had the open surgery 20 years ago.) First time it happened, I freaked out and thought OMG...it can't be! Anyway, it doesn't happen every month...maybe 5 times a year. I'm not in pain and I don't have hard spots, so I just have always ignored it. If anyone figures it out, let me know. Thanx.
   — AlleeM

July 3, 2004
I had two hernia's repaired. I never got the baby kicking sensation, but my stomach around the outside of the hernia was hard. You can feel the stomach pushing through the hernia hole, it feels very soft to the touch. I had alot of nausea with my hernias. Repair of them is outpatient and very simple. Recovery is not bad either. 2 weeks normally. If you visit a specialist, they will know by touching it right away if it is one. They do get bigger so i'd have it checked out right away.
   — Kelley