Question:
How do I know if it's a hernia?

I had the flu all last week and coughed and sneezed for about four days straight. Now I have to bulges by my incision - one near the bottom and the other near the top. They don't hurt at all and you can only see them or feel them when my stomach muscles are tightened. Any ideas ??    — Christy S. (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 22, 2003
I would ask your surgeon to be sure, but I felt a 'knot' (it didn't really bulge out physically but I could feel it - it was small) awhile back. My surgeon said that, due to the fact that it didn't protrude, cause pain and was small, that it was most likely my sutures 'popping'. He explained that there are many different kind of internal sutures -- Many of them dissolve over time. This one I felt about mid-incision was quite a big one in the muscle layer. I would check with your surgeon but depending on the size, etc. it may be an internal suture not 'laying flat'. I'm not sure how far out you are, either. I was about 2 months post-op when I noticed this. All the best,
   — Teresa N.

February 23, 2003
here is a novel idea...call your doctor!! it might be nothing to worry about or it might be something serious! take care of yourself!! good luck
   — nan K.

February 23, 2003
If you lay down on your back and raise your head as if you are doing stomach cruches and they bulge out, more than likely it is a hernia. A lot of times they do not hurt unless they get pinched or becomes strangulated.
   — Lisa N M.