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livelaughlove21's avatar

Can an umbilical hernia occur without a visible bulge?

Asked by livelaughlove21 (15724points) May 6th, 2015 from iPhone

I have been experiencing strange abdominal symptoms over the past few weeks. I began a cut to drop a few last pounds for the summer and almost immediately became constipated and gassy. I did not decrease my calories too much (1700 calories/day) and I’m getting plenty of fiber, fruits, and veggies; I also exercise regularly. Stool softeners didn’t work at first, but they recently kicked in and I found relief from that, but I still have strange pains and pressures that move around my abdomen and back. I’ve felt them pretty much everywhere and it doesn’t get worse after meals, but does it get better after a bowel movement.

One pain that concerns me is an on and off bellybutton pain. It’s been going on for about two weeks, so I’m not worried about appendicitis at this point, but it’s still a strange sensation. I have an appointment tomorrow with my doctor, but today I was lying flat on my back, pressed on my abdomen over my belly button, and felt a “pop” every time I did it. No pain.

I started to suspect an umbilical hernia, but the pain does not get worse when I cough, sneeze, lift heavy things, or even do ab exercises. There is also no lump or bulge visible from the outside. The pain is relatively mild and not constant.

It seems strange that I would get an umbilical hernia considering I’m not overweight, an infant, or pregnant, nor have I ever had abdominal surgery, but I know it’s still possible. Does anyone here have experience with umbilical hernias is in adults? Is there always a bulge? Could gas trapped in my abdomen cause this popping sensation?

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3 Answers

bossob's avatar

I recently saw a surgeon about repairing an inguinal hernia. We agreed on surgery for it, then she asked me if I wanted her to repair my other hernia while I was in surgery. SAY WHAT! lol Turns out, I have an umbilical hernia, and didn’t even know it.

I’ve always been an ‘innie’. A few years ago I put on significant weight, and my navel stretched out like a pregnant woman’s. Then I lost the weight, but my navel has been an ‘outie’ since. I figured it was due to the weight gain/loss and didn’t think anymore of it. I’d never heard of an umbilical hernia.

Unlike my inguinal hernia, I’ve had no pain, discomfort, or any other symptoms. I wouldn’t even consider surgery for it, but I might as well get a two-fer while I’m on the OR table in a couple weeks.

livelaughlove21's avatar

…it was gas and constipation. I’m literally full of shit, and air. But no hernia.

JLeslie's avatar

If you are very constipated try eating some raisins every day, even just a handful, or a prune or two. Raw veggies constipate me very badly, especially very hard ones like carrots and celery. If you eat a lot of raw vegetables and things like nuts, try reducing those a little and see if it helps. You can still keep the same amount of vegetables in your diet, if that is important to you, just switch to a few more that are cooked. Veggie soup is something I like in the winter months, and split pea, and even things like lentil, but we are moving out of that season.

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