Hernia question

[steel33]

I just noticed a bump just above my navel right before bed last night. I pushed on it and to went away so I'm guessing it's hernia.
It's pretty small but I know it's not going to go away. A little about me, 54, 5-9 170 lbs, work out at least 4 days a week @ a hour each.

Can anyone tell me about repair procedures they've had, time off and recover?

 

[622675]

It is likely an umbilical (navel) hernia. I created one after really overdoing a lifting program.

You need to visit your doctor, as they often don’t go away by themselves. You can’t afford having your bowl getting trapped through an opening in a gut muscle (peritonitis).

You will likely loose the navel depression when repair is made. Doctor will make a small incision and slip a piece of reinforcement fabric against the gut muscle where you navel is now. There is a chance you will like the new look as it gives your abdomen a smooth flat apperance.

Not sure about the women, but it will interest the men. Something new to touch and talk about.

 

[867272]

The surgeries have made huge gains in the last 10 yrs. The fabric is the only way to go, procedure is relatively painless, incision scars very small and discomfort afterwards fairly minor. At one time there were issues with the fabric but they now use a different type, from what I understand, that eliminated the issues. Like Levi said, get it checked out. They are manageable but you can't ignore them forever.

 

[V72]

I had inguinal hernia repair surgery about 10 years ago. I had been cleaning up my storage room and lifted a heavy box while twisting my upper body so I could put it on a shelf. That caused a tear in my abdominal wall and subsequently, the hernia. The surgery itself was a day procedure (checked in to the hospital in the morning, had the surgery, and was able to leave by late afternoon). I was off work for about a week, was able to comfortably drive after about 10 days and was fully recovered (ie, could move about freely and lift things without pain) by about 3 weeks. It left me with long scar (about 3 inches) across the right side of my groin, which I find quite noticeable (more so if I've been "trimming" the area) but others say they can barely see.

 

[Jockstrapper]

I just had inguinal hernia surgery less than 3 weeks ago. I had surgery at 2 in the afternoon and was home relaxing on the couch by 6pm. I had mesh installed (that seems like the wrong word) with open surgery, not laparoscopic due to a previous appendectomy. I was off work for a total of 2 days, the day of surgery and the next to rest up. I was pretty sore for 4 or 5 days but only when moving about. Sleeping was uncomfortable for the first 2 days and after that it wasn't a problem. I made sure to get out and walk every day and keep moving. At 2 weeks after surgery I was back on the treadmill. Honestly the entire procedure was a lot less invasive than I thought it would be.

The most surprising thing was the bruising! My balls turned black. I was warned they would but it is still surprising and see a pair of balls you don't recognize. It took 2 weeks but they are back to their normal rosy self.

I have a 2 inch scar but it is already less noticeable than the appendectomy scar. There were no external stitches and the incision was held closed with glue, I think that helped minimize the appearance. So far I am very happy!

 

[steel33]

Thank you for the info.

 

[metoprolol2004]

Many people live with a small (or even a large) hernia for many years. If the hernia is small you do not want to have mesh, it can cause long term pain. Also if you ever need another surgery the mesh might interfere with the camera placement for laparoscopic surgery. If the picture on avatar is correct you are at a weight that would not be detrimental to the healing of a hernia. If you ever get abdominal pain and can not push the hernia back, go to the emergency room right away!.