Re: Hiatal Hernia

Posted By HFHSM.D.-rf on May 31, 1998 at 18:23:12:

In Reply to: Hiatal Hernia posted by Guilia on May 22, 1998 at 18:26:19:






Approximately 3 years ago I was diagnosed as having a hiatal hernia. At the time there was only a small protruding lump in my stomach. Currently, the lump has gotten so large you can actually see it . This is so embarrasinbg it makes me look as though I was expecting. This is quite embarrassing -- yet I was told by the physician there was nothing that can be done.
Will the hiatal hernia continue to enlarge? When can something be done to correct this?
  _______


Dear Guilia.
I would be surprised if the lump that you see is actually a hiatus hernia.  A hiatus hernia refers to a portion of the stomach that moves into the chest.  This movement is not visible on the surface of the abdomen.  
It is difficult to be certain what you are describing.  If you have a lump in the middle of your abdomen between your belly button and your chest bone, that is noticed when you are lying flat and lift your head then you may be descvribing diastasis recti.  This condition is not serious as your physician indicates.  Diastasis recti is separation of the recti muscles.  These muscles are the predominat muscles that run in the center of your abdomen.  Pregnancy, increased weight or marked straining can cause the muscles to separate and the abdominal contents to protrude with straining or increased abdominal pressure.  If your lump is elsewhere in your abdomen, then you may have a hernia,
This information is provided for educational purposes only. Always ask your personal physician specific questions regarding your health.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: hiatal hernia,
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