Possible hernia

[Pleasuregod55]

So I've had a weird bumpy thing just above my stomach since December, and I finally went to an internal medicine specialist to get it checked out. While I'm still waiting for final test results, the doctor is 90% sure it's a hernia from lifting (I deadlift and squat at least once a week at my community center, in addition to doing kung fu).

Have any of you experienced anything like this? The doc said while it doesn't hurt and it's coming and going, I should just take it easy and wait to see if it goes away on its own, but if it does start to hurt (which it doesn't at all right now, it's just a weird pressure sometimes), then I'll have to have surgery.

 

[P0N]

Can't say I've experienced this, but I recommend you follow your doctor's advice on this.

 

[stevesmi]

yes i have one too from deadlifting depending on the size of it you may need to get it removed.. i've had mine for years though as it has not gotten bigger plus i have no insurance so they can kiss my ass

 

[SteveMobsterG]

If you have the op it's a tiny scar and they work real well now.

 

[RoySimpson]

I have never experienced a hernia before. Follow doctors orders.

 

[RickRock13]

Follow professional medical advice

 

[cbbram]

Common from heavy lifting. Doesn't necessarily have to be from the gym. Lifting anything heavy can cause a hernia.

 

[bigtbone]

So I've had a weird bumpy thing just above my stomach since December, and I finally went to an internal medicine specialist to get it checked out. While I'm still waiting for final test results, the doctor is 90% sure it's a hernia from lifting (I deadlift and squat at least once a week at my community center, in addition to doing kung fu).

Have any of you experienced anything like this? The doc said while it doesn't hurt and it's coming and going, I should just take it easy and wait to see if it goes away on its own, but if it does start to hurt (which it doesn't at all right now, it's just a weird pressure sometimes), then I'll have to have surgery.

There may have been a miscommunication but, to be clear, a hernia will not resolve on its own. I hope the Internist didn't tell you it might. It won't!

What do you mean by "just above your stomach"? Above your belly button?

Depends on the location as to what's been damage to allow a hernia. Most often, hernias happen when there is a tear in the fascia (a thin, strong layer of connective tissue). They tend to be "sliding", meaning whatever is herniated through the tear in the fascia (fat, intestines, etc) pushes through the hole and is able to return (reducible). Increased abdominal pressure can cause the fascial tear and cause the underlying intestines to push through the hole. If the hernia is around your belly button, it will likely get bigger with time. It absolutely WILL NOT resolve spontaneously with rest. The hole has to be surgically closed. If the herniation pushes through the hole and gets stuck in that position, it's called an incarcerated hernia and is at risk for having the blood supply cut off, which will cause the tissue to die. Some hernias are less likely to enlarge than others, depending on location. If you don't have it repaired, I'd try to support the area with an abdominal binder, ACE wrap or lifting belt.