How Can A Painful Hernia Be Treated?

One year ago, my Urologist told me I had a small hernia on the right side but was nothing to be concerned with unless it became painful. I present as an overweight 74 year old with COPD with a successful complete right knee replcement two years ago. After a week of road business travel, I started having some sharp pain eminating from that area. my immediate thought was appendix. But then I remembered what my doctor had said regarding a hernia. The dull to throbing discomfort is whether I m at rest or moving. Are there any other signs, ie: temperature, sweating, etc. that I should be looking for? Thank you, Brad Scott