Abdominal hernia: How can you tell if its getting worse?

Question

I just found out that I have a small abdominal hernia. The doctor said to do stomach exercises and lose some weight. He said if it gets worse, I might have to have surgery. How can I tell? It is sore now. What to do? Thanks

Answer 1

In general,hernias that are at risk for complications,that cause pain or that limit activity should be repaired. If they are not repaired they are at risk for surgery at a later date. Sometimes a hernia can be controlled by a belt like device called a truss,it applies external compression that pushes the tissues back into the abdomen and holds them there.It must be carefully applied on a daily basis only used for selective situations carefully evaluated by a doctor.

Answer 2

I have a small hernia by my belly button that happened when I was pregnant with my third child. It never went away and I workout 5-6 times a week and wonder if I should not be lifting weights- it has not gotten worse but remains the same, and sometimes it bothers me, I am always pushing it back in with my finger when I feel it bothering me. It is very small but still-- I will probably have to have surgery on it- if yours does not go away you may have to to. That is strange your doctor told you to do stomach exercises, because that is the OPPOSITE of what you should do with a hernia. I do ab work and shouldn't! But I hate not to work my abs when I workout as it has become a healthy habit.