Hernia or not?

On 10/29/11 I had surgery for an intussusception. Two weeks ago I started experiencing discomfort in my upper abdomen went to the Dr. he ran a gamut of tests which all came back normal. The last week I noticed a hard bulge behind and above my naval. What makes me question if it is a hernia or not is the fact that it is actually more prominent when I lay down? I have also been nauseous and my appetite isn’t as prominent. I don't want to go back to the Dr. for them to tell me nothing’s wrong again. Any ideas as to what is going on with me?

Thank you

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Hernia is the protrusion of abdominal contents through an abnormal opening. It usually changes shape with posture and increases in size on coughing. It also reduces in size on lying down. Unless it is complicated it does not produce any other symptoms like pain. But when in doubt best to have it checked.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[808mike]

Depends on what kind of procedure was done u could be having complications w/ ur nerves or if they had placed something in u ur body maybe rejecting it or for instance u could be in the same boat as my husband. Don't be discouraged to keep following up tw/ doctors get a 2nd opinion not through n ER but by a PCP or specialist. Something is wrong and ur body is telling u that something is
Ostensibly to it don't get dis couraged n hang in there!

[Jennie_78]

Thank you for your information. I had a CT scan which showed "dead fat" along my abdominal wall. My surgeon said that it could cause me pain for up to six months until it turns to scar tissue, and that I can take pain medicine to manage my pain. I do not want to be on pain meds that long as I have heard they are easy to become addictive to. I am having a hard time believing that "dead fat" could be causing this much discomfort. I am thinking about getting a second opinion but unfortunately don't know if I should see a gastro Dr. or??? My hope is that I will have some relief sooner than later.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and good you are doing well.

If it is fat that has protruded through the opening, it can sometimes lose its blood supply and necrosis can happen. Any tissue which is dead involves reactions as the body tries to eliminate it. This can have systemic effects too. If you are against pain medications, you can consult your doctor for surgical options.  

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.