Suggest Treatment For Pain Due To Umbilical Hernia

Posted on Wed, 21 May 2014

Question: I have an umbical hernia,it hurts if I stand to long and I'm beginning to have bowel problems and nausea. I watch my diet and eat 4 small meals a day. What can I do?? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May be partially obstructed umbilical hernia.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic.
From your description of your symptoms, I have a number of suggestions. Your umbilical hernia may be getting worse and the pain is being caused by fatty tissues getting trapped in the hernia. This can reduce the blood flow to the tissue and cause the pain. Also, some bowel may get caught in the hernia, this may cause nausea and bowel problems. Your symptoms may be relieved by lying down.
Also, I note you are taking codeine and morphine, both of which can cause nausea and constipation.
If the hernia is the cause of your discomfort, there is a risk that tissue may get stuck and become irreducible. This would result in the need for an emergency operation to relieve the trapped tissue.
Therefore, I suggest you see your doctor who will be able to examine the umbilical hernia and assess whether it is the cause of the problem.
I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger,
MBChB FRCA

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (2 days later)

I do not take codeine or morphine as those are my allergies.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
See a surgeon.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for this further information. As your umbilical hernia is giving you regular discomfort, I suggest you consult a surgeon for definitive treatment.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar