Could this be a hernia?

[Aindreas]

When I was lifting this morning, not really sure around which lift it started, but I got this weird, uncomfortable feeling around my belly button. I have an outtie, and when I lift my shirt up and look at it, the area around it seems to be protruding a little bit. I can push it back in, but it pops back out. There's not an overwhelming amount of pain, but it is a bit uncomfortable, and I ended my workout early because I wasn't sure about it. I wish I had a picture, but from the description, does it sound like it could be a hernia? I hate to get sidelined like this because I was really enjoying the process of bulking up, but I certainly don't want to make things worse. I plan on calling the doctor in the morning if it's still like this, but I just wanted some opinions. Thanks!

[user23960508710783]

When I was lifting this morning, not really sure around which lift it started, but I got this weird, uncomfortable feeling around my belly button. I have an outtie, and when I lift my shirt up and look at it, the area around it seems to be protruding a little bit. I can push it back in, but it pops back out. There's not an overwhelming amount of pain, but it is a bit uncomfortable, and I ended my workout early because I wasn't sure about it. I wish I had a picture, but from the description, does it sound like it could be a hernia? I hate to get sidelined like this because I was really enjoying the process of bulking up, but I certainly don't want to make things worse. I plan on calling the doctor in the morning if it's still like this, but I just wanted some opinions. Thanks!

Yes, it is possible.

If you are in pain that doesn't go away, you should see a doctor.

Just keep in mind that surgery will also be painful, and require you to not train for at least a month.

[Aindreas]

Yes, it is possible.

If you are in pain that doesn't go away, you should see a doctor.

Just keep in mind that surgery will also be painful, and require you to not train for at least a month.

I saw the doctor this morning, and yes, I do in fact have a hernia, and I have a consulting appointment with a surgeon tomorrow. That comment about the surgery isn't exactly encouraging. Sh*t.

[user23960508710783]

I saw the doctor this morning, and yes, I do in fact have a hernia, and I have a consulting appointment with a surgeon tomorrow. That comment about the surgery isn't exactly encouraging. Sh*t.

I just meant that you'll be in pain afterwords, and you won't be able to do much besides walking for at least a month afterwords.

Keep in mind that your doctor can only afford to give you the most conservative advice possible. He/she will always err on the side of caution and advise surgery, since it is incredibly low-risk. Plus, it's $$ for him or her.

People tend to hear "hernia" and think that if they don't have surgery, then they will necessarily have a strangulated hernia. That isn't true. Strangulation can happen, but its not for certain to happen.

Whatever the surgical consult tells you, be sure to give it some thought before agreeing to the surgery. Your description makes it sound like you are dealing with a mild discomfort. For some hernias, the chance of it becoming strangulated are about the same as the chance of the hernia surgery not working.

[Anabolik]

I just meant that you'll be in pain afterwords, and you won't be able to do much besides walking for at least a month afterwords.

Keep in mind that your doctor can only afford to give you the most conservative advice possible. He/she will always err on the side of caution and advise surgery, since it is incredibly low-risk. Plus, it's $$ for him or her.

People tend to hear "hernia" and think that if they don't have surgery, then they will necessarily have a strangulated hernia. That isn't true. Strangulation can happen, but its not for certain to happen.

Whatever the surgical consult tells you, be sure to give it some thought before agreeing to the surgery. Your description makes it sound like you are dealing with a mild discomfort. For some hernias, the chance of it becoming strangulated are about the same as the chance of the hernia surgery not working.

I agree with much of Jean-Paul's post but have a different take on the chances of the surgery not working and getting strangulation. I have had a hernia and came across a lot of the same info. You do need to have it repaired though. If you want to continue working out the hernia will only get worse and you will run a very real risk of strangulation. FYI - strangulation occurs when the intestines break through the abdominal wall (a hernia) but do not retreat back inside the abdominal wall. What could happen is the portion of intestine could get "strangled" by your abdominal wall which can be serious and requires immediate surgery.


The good news is that surgery does not need to be done immediately. In adults surgery can even be deferred for years. Go see a few docs and get a lot of options. There are a few different methods of surgery and each has its advantages and disadvantages. check out webmd.com to read about them and ask informed questions when you see your doc. I had a few weeks between my consult and when I had surgery and I lifted all the way up to the surgery date.

[imcharliemprhy]

Sorry to hear that man, hopefully it won't detere you too badly in the long run. While we're on topic, does anyone have any suggestions of how to prevent hernia?

[Aindreas]

Sorry to hear that man, hopefully it won't detere you too badly in the long run. While we're on topic, does anyone have any suggestions of how to prevent hernia?

Thanks, I'm actually back to working my abs (lightly) now, and it still feels kinda weird, but it's getting back to normal. All I can say is don't bite off more than you can chew and watch your form. As for my umbilical hernia, I was especially succeptable to it just b/c I have an outtie and that area was kind of weak. Most people don't really have to worry about those.