abdominal hernia

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3/4/12  I have been taking  Gabapentin  for  shingles.  The medicine has caused  diarrhea  which I believe has aggravated an  abdominal hernia  I have had for several  years  lying there minding its own business.  The  hernia has  been  outpouching  and  hardening  to the size of my fist.  Does this mean I need  surgery?

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Dear Dr. Anitha,

Thank you for your input.  I had an emergency bowel resection for strangulation in 1982.  I don't want to go through that painful and scary experience again, so I have opted for surgery.  I hope that will help to avoid further problems.  Will keep you advised.  

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and good you are doing well.

Hernia is the protrusion of abdominal contents through an abnormal opening. It can get bigger with time and needs to be surgically repaired to prevent complications like strangulation. The surgery is best performed as an elective surgery with all the adequate precautions, to prevent recurrence. So, as you wait for the surgery try to lose weight and if a diabetic, see that it is adequately controlled. But if you develop pain or redness or any signs of inflammation, please consult your doctor immediately.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.