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Do I Have a Hidden/Occult Hernia?
Hi Dr. Towfigh, After doing an online consultation with you I had hernia surgery 4 weeks ago. You had seen a belly button hernia on my MRI about 5mm and suggested surgery using sucher to close the hernia. The hernia was 1cm when the doctor went in so it was closed with mesh. I was told to return to normal activities the next day (but no lifting or bending) and that I could expect 3-4 days of pain and discomfort. I was not expecting so much bruising and soreness. It has been 4 weeks and I still have 5 bruises that are very deep purple in color around the belly button area. I have little sharp stabbing pains constantly. I have trouble sitting down and standing up. I am very uncomfortable walking from my car into the grocery store. It is like there is something weighing me down. I walk slower and slower. I have trouble sitting upright. I have to sit in a reclining position or just lie down on my back. As the day goes on my abdomen, especially the lower abdomen, swells up. At my 2 week follow up with the surgeon, he told me everything looked good and to give it 2-3 more weeks for the bruising, swelling, and pain to go away. He said it can take up to 8 weeks to heal. I wanted to ask if this all sounds normal 4 weeks after having open surgery to repair a belly button hernai with mesh. Thanks!