Saw Doctor again today... It's a Hernia

[DORRIE]

Hi Everyone, Well, I looked hernia up online last night, after I called my regular doctor and made an appt. and it said that these hernias that are near or in the naval, are called umbilical hernias. That to diagnose them, you should do an exam standing up, and laying down. The ER doc, only did it with me laying down, which is why he didn't feel it. I poked around last night standing up, and I didn't have to poke for long, I felt it right away. The article also said that they can be pushed back in, but eventually need repair. Soooo, I pushed on it quite hard, and felt kind of a weird snap and it moved, (and hurt) but ever since it has felt less painful. I went in for my doctor appt. today, and she examined me, standing up, and yup, it's a hernia. She wants me to see a surgeon on Monday. So I stopped the levsin. My shot is healing but still ugly as ever.

I am embarrased to say, that after all the surgeries I have been through, I am chicken, and thinking that maybe, since it feels better after pushing it in, that it can wait? Well, I remembered my Dad had a hernia operation several years ago, although, it was an emergency situation, where the hernia popped way out, and they had to call an ambulance cuz he was in such severe pain. I called him this morning to talk to him before my doctor appt. and he told me he "doctored it himself" for years before he finally had the surgery. It is the same type that I have. Well friends, being such a chicken..... I am thinking..... maybe.... I could do that too? The problem with that is, that what could likely happen, is that it will turn into an emergency situation, like his did.
Now, I know, common sense would say, just get it fixed, and get it over with. If I do, I have to do it before the first of the year, because they are changing our insurance. But for some reason, I feel afraid. I have no clue why, I just do. I have had brain surgery for Petes sake!!! I don't know what my problem is....... just asking for opinions...input....anything....
Thanks for listening....... Love, Dorrie

[Mars]

Hi Dorrie!

That seems to be the general rule around here - stick with the docs and they will eventually find out what is wrong - do your own research. Glad you figured it out but, geez - you've been suffering long enough already!

Hang in there Dorrie, none of us like surgery. I've had enough of them and hate the idea of ever having another one. It is normal I think, to have those fears; it is not a normal every-day occurance in our lives. The unknown is what keeps us scared. Everything will be ok. Hernia's are a normal surgery these days and it will be over before you know it. You'll probably feel a little better after speaking witht he surgeon on Monday.

My husband is a big man and had a hernia repaired many years ago. He ended up having a stent put in because of his size. He did fine - went home within 24 hours and just lazzed around for a few weeks! Other than being sore he was in heaven! LOL

Take care of yourself and keep us informed about your surgery.

Love to you,
Mars

[Polly]

Hi Dorrie!

How about that! A hernia! Unrelated to the shot. The problem with waiting is exactly what you said. If the piece of bowel becomes totally stuck in the muscle opening ("strangulated", meaning you can no longer push it back in), then it must be removed in emergency surgery. It can be very serious at that point, leading to gangrene of the bowel. You could lose a portion of your bowel, not to mention the fact that gangene can be life-threatening. The good thing about elective surgery is that you can have it done at a convenient time i.e. not on Christmas day or during an MC flare, for example, when an emergency might occur.

I'm glad they found the problem. How is the arm?

Love,

Polly

[Peggy]

Hi Dorrie,

I'm really glad they found the problem, too. We all know there's nothing worse than NOT knowing! Do the research and then DO what you need to do.

Love ya
Peg

[harvest_table]

Hi Dorrie,

I've had hernia surgery MANY years ago in my late teens and they thought it was a result of gymnastics in school. I had double hernias- one on each side of my pubic area and I remember being able to manipulate and push them in like you.

Even back then the surgery was easy and my recovery was a snap. I vote to get it taken care of before it becomes an emergency.

Love,
Joanna

[DORRIE]

Yeah, I was pretty proud of myself when I not only, examined it myself standing up, but pushed it in and made it feel better.... but, when I pushed on it, and it moved, I have to admit, it really grossed me out..... but it hasn't hurt much since. I know you are right about the surgery Polly, that is pretty much what I read when I looked it up online. Thank You all for you replies, I think the older I get, the more chicken I get.... I dunno.... I will try to relax about it and see what the surgeon says on Monday. Most likely, I will get it done. The last thing I need is MORE health problems... But I know I have all of my wonderful friends here that I can turn to.... THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!

Oh, I almost forgot, my shot is better, it is about half the size, and it is pretty darn ugly, but it is healing..... Thanks again...Talk to you all later..... Love, Dorrie

[barbaranoela]

Dorrie------ dont do anymore *pushing* PLEASE!!!!

I didnt know such a thing could be done ---but do get it taken care of and feel better--

yup---always good to find out what the ailment is---wondering can be more of a *pain*

luve and
Barbara

[Wendy]

Dorrie, I agree with everyone else, better not to wait. I remember when I had my last surgery, I was more scared then I ever was before any other surgeries. I think it had to do with the what if's because of some other problems that could occur because of the CC and because of my bowels all growing together because of adhesions, and the surgeon told me that they would do the surgery without opening me up, because he told me they would only do that if it were life or death. The last time they had to open me up they told me that it was a real mess, that it would be dangerous to have to go in and try to do anything, and that I should always be aware of that risk. I knew that they would be doing the repair, which I forget the name of the surgery, but the wall separating the front and back, so with the CC and constant D, I was in bad shape. I had to keep pushing my rectum back inside of me, there was nothing holding it in anymore. And the pain was so bad, my fear was that with the CC I was scared about having the stitches to deal with afterwards, I just couldnt' stop thinking about the what if's. I did not want to have them open me up. And with what the doctor had told me I had myself worked up about it all. And now I can't believe I lived with it for so long, almost 2 years, but that wasn't my choice, it took that long for them to take me serious as to how bad it was getting. The CC didn't help.

My daughter was only 5 when she had to have a hernia operation, she was pretty active and she tried to hide it from me because she thought that she was having an allergic reaction to something and she would have to get another needle. I had to carry them with me all the time for her. Anyway, I over heard her sister and her arguing about it. My older daughter was saying, " I'm telling." and Mel was saying very angrily, " Don't you tell!" It didn't dawn on either of them that I could hear them, DUH. Anyway, it turned out to be a hernia, a pretty big tear too, she was out of the hospital in less then 24 hours. I pretty near had to tie her down to keep her from ripping open her stitches though, would you believe she was caught running in the hall dropping to her knees and sliding the same day she got out??? Now you can't even see the scar, but then she is almost 23, so it was a long time ago. And she was a kid, nothing held her down.

So keep us posted, I know once you have this done you will not have the worry about something worse happening too. I always think when it comes to something that could affect the bowels and us having this disease on top of it, its better to take care of it. And remember you've had BRAIN SURGERY, this will be a walk in the park.

Take care

Gentle hugs
Wendy