Incisional Hernia Symptoms?

I had a large incisional hernia (but not my whole abdomen). I had no pain, just the unsightly bulge. I had other symptoms, but they were not related to the hernia. It might have been present on your CT, but with you laying flat, there may not have been any bulging to note, no strangulation, etc. if you had a strangulation, you'd be having pain, and likely quite a bit of it. Generally, a large hernia is much less likely to become strangulated than a small one (even if it sounds counter intuitive). That is because the bowel can only get trapped (strangulated) in a small opening. If the hernia is large, the bowel moves freely in and out. It is ugly, but not dangerous.

The symptoms you describe do not sound hernia related to me either. Muscle cramps are due to a variety of things, from electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, or just simple muscle fatigue (not good enough support in your shoes or walking barefoot).

The dizziness sounds like postural hypotension, meaning there is a drop in blood pressure when you stand up. It is pretty common. Sometimes it is related to things that can be fixed, like dehydration, and sometimes it just "is" and you adapt to it. In the office setting your blood pressure would be normal because you are sitting. To detect it, they need to check your BP after position changes.

I believe you've mentioned in the past that you do not eat until you come home from work. Prolonged fasting may be a better explanation for your symptoms than anything else, I think.

Jan

I have an incisional hernia that was there for years after my surgeries. It got strangulated when I was at the gym and was twisting a lot and/or lifting too much weight.

My symptoms were: lightheadedness, change in my stool and uncomfortable feeling in the area of the hernia. I knew something was wrong. It was a few days after I had done something to it that I told my husband that I didn't feel comfortable being home when he went to work. I felt like I could faint at any time. So, he took me to the ER. The doctor confirmed just by feeling my hernia and he pushed it back in. I then went to my GI surgeon and scheduled a hernia repair.

Hope that helps you.

Well.... based on Jan's response and the symptoms found on the internet, I was probably going to cancel the CAT Scan. But, based on Allison's response, I just may continue to get a CAT Scan.

My lab work is still pending.

Still confused and undecided. Ha Ha

So, here's my thinking. If there is a concern of strangulated hernia, then immediate examination by a surgeon is warranted (general surgeon is fine, don't need colorectal, at least not yet). The GP's NP should have referred you to the surgeon or the ER. Strangulated hernia is pretty much of a surgical emergency, unless it is immediately reduced. If all this is done through the ER setting, they don't need prior insurance approval, so no need to wait.

The key is to be seen by the appropriate practitioner.

Jan

Are there various "degrees" of strangulation? Could a mild strangulation cause a restriction in blood flow?

Restriction of blood flow is the definition of a strangulated hernia. That is why it is considered a surgical emergency.

I suppose the NP thought it might be an intermittent strangulation. But, regardless, it should be dealt with on an urgent basis, as untreated strangulation can lead to gangrene of the bowel, which is life threatening.

Jan

Lab results indicate I am anemic, but not by much. Normal low range is 11.7 and I am 11.1.

After talking to my NP and my Surgeon, they said I could take a CAT scan "if I want". Well, I don't want to because apparently, it is not an emergency and I believe I was right all along that I am just lacking in some kind of nutrient.

Yes, I know I have a hernia that needs to be dealt with at some point, but my surgeon refuses to operate until Dec/Jan.

Has anybody taken Vitron-C High potency iron vitamins (http://www.vitronc.com/product-information)? NP said I need to take vitamin C for absorption of the iron.

I absolutely hated taking iron when I was in my early 20's and during my second pregnancy. I plan on stopping the iron supplement if I become the slightest bit constipated.