Hernia question - ThinnerTimes

Gina in NY · 07-14-2006, 07:32 PM

This is a bad question, but how much does it hurt when you develop a hernia. I have a sore area near the bottom of my insision - I can't feel anything that feels like a hernia, but it gets worse as the day goes on. By this time of night, it hurts even if I'm just sitting here. By morning, it is better...

Feels too close to the surface to be a musle strain, but who knows.

Would a hernia be a sharp horrible pain?

Duckie · 07-14-2006, 07:40 PM

As it gets worse throughout the day it COULD be a muscle ache, as they have to cut through muscle (especially with an open like you had). I'd keep an eye on it and keep checking for any protrusions, such as a hernia. {{{{Gina}}}}

LyndasRoom · 07-15-2006, 10:48 AM

I don't have any answers Gina, but just wanted to say, I'm sorry you're hurting.

coptergirl · 07-15-2006, 10:53 AM

I am glad you posted this, Gina because I have been wondering how we know when we have a hernia so we can bring it to the attention of our doctors (now that my scaris healed, they don't really look at it unless I have a concern). There is still so much padding/rolls, and the right side of my open incision is more lopsided than the left that I am unable to see any protrusions. Would one feel pain, or is the telltale sign an protrusion in the belly area? Thanks!

melanie hirschorn · 07-15-2006, 12:06 PM

gina
i'm sure it is muscle ache from your surgery. You're too early out to develop a hernia. It is my understanding a hernia takes a while to develop. Maybe diane can clairfy this.
melanie

Dyann · 07-15-2006, 07:22 PM

Is your wound red or tender. No slow brewing wound infection?? It could also be a seroma or sterile fluid collection causing discomfort. You are a bit far out for those things. Early hernias usually happen when you had a wound infection weakening the healing or if you felt a stitch pull or rip. A hernia would feel like a bulge that protrudes more with straining and can be pushed back in. If it is stuck out, you would probably be vomiting and it would be very tender and that is a surgical emergency. Doesn't sound like a hernia to me, but you would just need to have your surgeon lay hands on and examine you. They are much easier to detect as you lose weight.

Gina in NY · 07-15-2006, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyann

Is your wound red or tender.No No slow brewing wound infection??No - Yuck! It could also be a seroma or sterile fluid collection causing discomfort. You are a bit far out for those things. Early hernias usually happen when you had a wound infection weakening the healing or if you felt a stitch pull or rip. A hernia would feel like a bulge that protrudes more with straining and can be pushed back in. If it is stuck out, you would probably be vomiting and it would be very tender and that is a surgical emergency. Doesn't sound like a hernia to me, but you would just need to have your surgeon lay hands on and examine you. They are much easier to detect as you lose weight.

Thank you so much Dyann - I was pretty sure it wasn't, but it does hurt in the same place all the time. It sort of feels like a pulled muscle, but it is right under my incision, so I have been nervous. This is compounded by the fact that I absolutely lift my daughter (who weighs 35 pounds) many, many times a day and I have GUILT about it.

When my surgeon discharged me, he looked me in the eye and said, "Be a good girl" and lifting more than 5 pounds is not a good idea, I know...The nurse told me that if I get a hernia its my own fault. (That didn't help) So I admit to unreasonable paranoya.

So thanks for easing my mind. I can push right on the spot as hard as I please, and nothing sticks out - it just hurts.

Guess it'll go away if it is a muscle thing...Doesn't hurt when I'm on the treadmill walking or jogging so thats a good sign.

Thanks again dear. If your kids ever take music lessons, I hope I can give you half as much info as you've given all of us!!