Do I Have an Umbilical Hernia?

Updated on July 25, 2009
R.B. asks from Austin, TX
8 answers

I'm wondering if I have an umbilical hernia.

For a few months I just haven't felt right. It's hard to explain. I have some tender areas that hurt slightly when pressed. The main one is in the middle, slightly right side about 1-2 inches above my belly button. I have always had an "outie" belly button with no problems. I'm wondering if I might have an umbilical hernia that got worse over time or maybe developed after my last birth. In addition to the tender spots, I just kind of feel weird in my abdomen. Like maybe IBS or lactose intolerance? I just wouldn't think either of those would cause tender spots.

A few months ago I was doing an abdominal exercise in a class and it hurt so bad I had to stop.

I went to a doctor a few months ago and she said nothing was wrong and I didn't have a hernia.

I'm scared it could be something really bad.

I don't have serious pain, but it's just an annoying kind of tenderness and discomfort.

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K.C.

answers from Austin on

I doubt you have a hernia, that is fairly simple to diagnose. You may have some gall stones or ibd or one of those types of gi problems, BUT you won't know if no one ever does an ultrasound. The one for the GB is specialized. Keep going until you are heard.
By the same token, I have a young friend who is 25 and has 4 kids and she has had this problem for years and they have done every test possible and found nothing. For her it is stress related, BUT they did do the tests.
Good luck,
K.

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M.M.

answers from Austin on

You may have IBS. I do. IBS can cause various pains. Mine was diagnosed after they ruled out worse diagnoses. Visit a GI doc. At least the doc can rule things out by ordering various tests. More than anything it will hopefully give you peace of mind. Also, regarding a hernia. I have mine right in the middle of my navel and it does cause pain. I saw a surgeon about it. You may want to see a specialist about it too....all for peace of mind:)

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J.C.

answers from San Antonio on

If you are in doubt, go for a second opinion. You know your body better than any doctor. If something is not right, be persistant until you find out what the problem is. Pain or tenderness is not normal. Get a second opinion.

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C.F.

answers from Houston on

Is it possibly your gall bladder? I had similar problems, followed by the most excruciating pain one night - had me lying on the floor breathless.

My abdomen felt bloated and uncomfortable and my right side, maybe a few inches above my belly button, would feel tender - especially if I slept on that side.

Gallstones/gallbladder problems are very common after pregnancy - I also have 2 kids similar ages to yours.

Be persistent with your doctor - you know your body better than anyone.

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N.S.

answers from Houston on

When your dr says there is nothing wrong with you and you know something is wrong with you - it's time to find another dr. You are obviously in tune with your body and know there is something wrong - it's not in your head.

Find another dr - perhaps a gastro type specialist. You might want to touch base with your ob/gyn office first - they may have a referral they can send you to.

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A.S.

answers from Houston on

Another possibility is that the abdominal muscles have separated -- a condition called "diastasis recti". A physical therapist can diagnose this. This can create problems when doing exercise as it doesn't support the abdominal contents well. A physical therapist can tell you how to minimize the effects of this.

If this isn't it -- definitely get a second opinion with a different doctor.

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J.T.

answers from Houston on

I haven't had this, but my son as an infant-6 months had a herniated belly button, but it went away on it's own by about 8-9 months old. I would get a 2nd opinion. I haven't had issues with my belly button, thank god! Because I already have had many problems after my emergency c-sec, followed by an infection. Then 15 months later, I had inflamation & pains along my scar tissue. I thought it had to do with that, but my doctor wasn't sure, so I had to get multiple tests, and spend a lot of $$$ even with great insurance.... But in the end I had to do a Laparoscopic Surgery since all of my other tons of tests all came back negative!!! But I ended up having 1 adhesion that they removed from my bladder wall/scar tissue!!! So I was right! I told them I know my own body! After you go through an emergency c-sec that could of been detected the last week before I had my son at the last visit, I have learned the hard way, that I do have a voice & we all need to use it!!! Hope this will help you? T/C Jules :)

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K.T.

answers from San Antonio on

I had the exact same thing. It's actually called an epigastric hernia if it is above your belly button. If it is causing you pain, I'd suggest getting to a general surgeon. They are the type of doctor that treats hernias and can diagnose them. I had just a lot of general discomfort in my abdomen that progressively got worse and worse until finally (when pregnant) it got bad enough for me to have surgery.

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