What are symptoms of an inguinal hernia? When should I fix it?

Posted by danhofsink @danhofsink, Jan 7 10:31pm

I was at Emerg all day. After ultrasound, I was told it showed a small hernia in my groin. I was in excruciating pain, brought to hospital by ambulance could hardly move, administered two doses of Morphine, Toradal, all through IV, was then administered liquids on IV, all for the doctor to come tell me my symptoms don't match the pain, cant do nothing for you, and the NP gave me a script for Toradol, I called and UBER and went home.

This bloody pharmaceutical nation I live in Canada. Pills, pills more pills. Im so sick of it. Back story: been off work since October 2023. After many denials I finally was told need back surgery, this happened in November in Florida. They partner with my pain clinic in Canada. Now Im struggling to survive as Im FT parent to my three girls, and overdoing it, one daughter has spina bifida, we are very medically challenged/complex family.

Looking for any advice in dealing with this situation would be much appreciated!

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John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jan 8 7:11am

Welcome @danhofsink, I had a bilateral inguinal hernia surgery a little over a year ago and my symptoms were mostly a little bulging in the groin area and some discomfort. I didn't have sharp pain but it is one of the symptoms, especially when lifting or bending over. Here's some information from Mayo Clinic on the symptoms - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inguinal-hernia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351547.

Have you discussed the possibility of surgery to repair the hernia?

danhofsink | @danhofsink | Jan 8 8:34am

In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @danhofsink, I had a bilateral inguinal hernia surgery a little over a year ago and..." + (show)

@johnbishop Thank you for responding! I really appreciate you sharing your own journey with me! Ive been dealing with sharp pain in groin for over a month now. Had ultrasound in December 21, 2024. Pain clinic doc said it didn't show hernia, but "a small Lymph node" was all he said, no elaboration on that...

Doctor at emerg yesterday was the General Surgeon, and he said "pain doesn't match the imaging" Honestly, if anyone here has any suggestions for surgeons in either Michigan or New York State (closest to where I live). It would be appreciated. It's still at least 2 hour drive to the border but I'd be willing to travel if necessary. Im sure I could start off with a virtual appointment anyhow to get a consult to at least discuss my options/second opinion.

danhofsink | @danhofsink | 6 days ago

In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @danhofsink, I had a bilateral inguinal hernia surgery a little over a year ago and..." + (show)

@johnbishop symptoms, along with the sharp pain is:

bending over/lifting (not supposed to lift after back surgery but my kids).

sharp pain in groin when coughing (have a cold atm)

irritable stomach

Explosive Diarrhea

Mostly "comfortable" laying down

danhofsink | @danhofsink | 6 days ago

In reply to @johnbishop "Welcome @danhofsink, I had a bilateral inguinal hernia surgery a little over a year ago and..." + (show)

@johnbishop Sorry, I know this is not a spot for medical diagnosis, I'm just looking for advice. Sometimes most helpful is when people like yourself have gone through the ringer already, therefore have firsthand experience and can give pointers

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | 6 days ago

I still have issues with constipation and gas that makes it “explosive when it comes out 🙂 which I’ve been struggling with. I think mine might be related to IBD or IBS. I’ve been trying a senna fiber that seems to help but difficult getting the right daily amount for regularity. I’ve been using Peppermint tea which seems to help with the bloating and gas. Stuff that I’ve been using is from Heather’s Tummy Care.