Is this a hernia?
Posted , 4 users are following.
I normally have a shallow navel, but after eating a large meal or being very full my belly button will stick out quite a bit. It isn't painful and after I am less full will resume it's normal shape. Is this a hernia? Or can it be normal for eating to cause your belly button to stick out? I had an "outie" as a kid and as I got older it became slightly concave. It didn't seem to previously do this where it will stick out significantly if I am full or have eaten a big meal.
0 likes, 4 replies
Esoteric melanie21160
Posted
It's very possible. You won't know until you talk to a doctor (usually an ultrasound is enough to find out). I had an umbillical hernia and that's how it started. Then I had horrible pain. I had a mesh put in because I wasn't told there were other options... The mesh ruined my life with chronic nerve pain. I've just recently had the mesh removed and just a normal closing of the hernia hole sewn together.
I would HIGHLY recommend not getting the mesh unless the doctor says it's the only option... But with umbillical it should just be a simple cut and fix. I wish I had known this before I had my surgery. Good luck!
linda3750 Esoteric
Posted
melanie21160
Posted
Thanks for your responses! I'm clearly not a doctor but I (perhaps incorrectly) was thinking it may not be a hernia since it isn't painful and doesn't protrude all the time, only after eating (I know, it sounds really odd). Possibly a silly question as well, excuse my naivety- if it is a hernia is it problematic to leave it as is since at this point the only real concern is cosmetic/ it "sticking out" and feeling a bit self conscious about that. I hate the idea of getting surgery if it isn't totally necessary- if it's actually a concern for my health I understand it would be best to do it. Thanks!
linda3750 melanie21160
Posted
Melanie...I was ushered into getting my small quarter size hernia repaired with mesh right away but that was a mistake. I went in on a Monday and had surgery on Wednesday. After meeting with the mesh removal surgery doctor last week for my 2 week post op appointment, he did tell me (and he is a hernia specialist) that he would simply have advised me to watch the hernia and do no surgery had I gone to him first. He said unless it's the size of a golfball no need to worry. My sister-in-law has had a small hernia for 17 years without any problems. She just keeps an eye on it and so far so good. Mine never hurt either and aside from the small bulge (which would go entirely away when I was lying down) I had no other symptoms whatsoever. You can get it looked at if you haven't already, but unless you are having pain issues or it's getting bigger I personally (knowing what I do now) would do the wait and see. You should see a doctor to get the proper diagnosis. I am not a doctor either, and each of us is different of course, but that's just my opinion. Take care Melanie.