Did you feel a pop or a tear when straining or lifting something heavy, and now suspect you have a hernia? You are not alone. Hernias are very common and doctors see them all the time.
Some people feel embarrassed by their condition and avoid seeking medical care. Unfortunately, hernias do not go away on their own. Instead of ignoring the issue, it is better to consult a trained health care provider to confirm the problem and discuss your options.
“Watchful Waiting”
Sometimes, hernias are asymptomatic. You may feel a bulge or something moving in and out of the muscle wall, but it doesn’t interfere with your daily life. In this scenario, your doctor may recommend a “watchful waiting” approach, meaning they monitor you instead of treating the hernia immediately. If that is the case, you would want to contact your doctor if you notice a sudden change in your symptoms (e.g., the bulge or lump becomes painful to touch).
Are Symptoms Interfering with Daily Life?
Are you experiencing uncomfortable hernia symptoms such as pain, soreness or tenderness in the affected area, changes in urination or bowel habits or limitations on your everyday activities?
There is no reason to live with unrelenting pain or other symptoms caused by a hernia. Today, doctors can repair hernias using minimally invasive techniques during outpatient surgery. New options and materials have been developed to make surgery less invasive and recovery much easier than it used to be. To minimize the hernia’s impact on your life, you should try to be seen by a doctor fairly soon to discuss treatment.
Is Your Hernia a Medical Emergency?
Some hernias are extremely serious and require immediate medical attention.
If you have a noticeable bulge or protrusion accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever or chills, or if you are unable to have a normal bowel movement, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. If your doctor isn’t available right away, go straight to the closest emergency room or call 911.
You could have a strangulated or incarcerated hernia, meaning that a loop of the intestines has gotten caught in the abdominal wall and lost its blood supply. The intestines are at risk of dying and the consequences are life threatening. In these types of cases, you will likely need to have surgery very quickly.
For more information about hernia repair, Dr. Dumanian is here to help. Please contact our Chicago office at (312) 695-6022 today to schedule your visit with Dr. Dumanian.