Question:
Does this sound like a hernia to you?

Hi everyone, I'm a little over a month out of an open rny, and everything feels fine except the very top of my incision.....when I cough or sneeze, it hurts a bit, but nowhere else. Does this sound like a hernia to you, or is this normal, and it hasn't heeled as well yet? Any thoughts would be of help, thanx a bunch! :)    — Jennifer M. (posted on March 13, 2002)

March 13, 2002
It doesn't sound like the hernia that I had. Mine didn't really even hurt, more like a "popping out" kind of feeling. The top of my incision was still tender after the rest of it healed up. I think that is because it has the most resistance in that area. I know that my bra rubbing on it really aggrivated it.
   — livnliter

March 13, 2002
hi i had oen also and am doing well i have the most discomfort there too i agree with kathy its the area and the bra thing good luck to you :)
   — carrie M.

March 13, 2002
At a little over a month post op you are not considered "fully healed" yet. Another couple of weeks until you get there. I would guess that the incision line is pulling a bit when you have quick movements like coughing or sneezing. Sometimes, holding your incision with your hand pressed down firmly on it while you sneeze or cough can really help. If you have irritation near your bra line, consider taking a panty shield or pad, pull half of the sticky strip off and press it onto your bra with half of it hanging down over your incision. If you keep that one part of the sticky strip on it will keep it from sticking to your shirt and the pad will help protect your incision from chafing. Unscented pads are best, the scented kind can be irratating to your skin.
   — BethVBG