News Feed Discussions Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

  • Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

    Posted by Dtkassel4028 on March 17, 2016 at 1:54 am

    Hi Hernia Forum
    My story starts 9 weeks ago with discomfort in my back that worked its way to under my ribs and then settled in and around my belly button. My dr checked my blood and that came back fine. He then ordered an ultrasound thinking if something was up with the spleen pancreas etc and that scan came back normal. We were still trying to determine what this disconfirt in my abdomin was. I suggested possible ulcers but after watching what I was eating and drinking that didn’t help and I didn’t have any other ulcer symptoms to go with the discomfort. My dr ordered a CTscan with and without contrast and that also came back normal even asking them to be sure they look for hidden hernia. Whether that was done by the reader or not I do not know. I had a tubal 25 yrs ago after my last child and I’m wondering if this old scar tissue has caused a breakage in that area. I have discomfort just above my naval and to the left of the naval is a very small bulge that is very tender to the touch. Even clothes touching it causes discomfort. Ice packs seem to be the best relief. After reading an article on hidden hernias in women and how Drs miss them I’m a little nervous. My dr did a hernia exam while laying down and standing up and didn’t feel anything so he’s not believing it’s a hernia. I’m wondering what to do next. I’m wondering if either of my scans could be read by one of these hernia specialist Drs and what charge to expect with that. I just don’t want to be one of these women that suffer for 5 10 or 15 yrs. It’s interfering with my life. I don’t do my treadmill anymore. There’s a pulling tight feeling pain. Ice packs have been a lifesaver. I read dr Towfighs article that Navals should be symmetrical. Mine use to be but not anymore. I can take pics and send photo if needed. Thank you for taking your time in these forums. It has been valuable just reading these stories some similar to my own.

    Dtkassel4028 replied 8 years, 6 months ago 2 Members · 7 Replies
  • 7 Replies
  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    April 5, 2016 at 4:35 am

    Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

    Consider either MR with Valsalva to evaluate the abdominal wall, or MR enterography (if it may be from deeper than the abdominal wall,or MR T spine to see if the pain is from a pinched back nerve.

  • Dtkassel4028

    Member
    April 2, 2016 at 12:05 am

    Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

    Dr Towfigh I had another appt with my general dr and he did go to review both my ultrasound and CT scan with the radiologist with the intent to have the radiologist look specifically for hernias around the umbilical area. Both scans after reviewing came back with nothing found which I wasn’t surprised. Our next move is a MRI. What would your recommendation be on the MRI and how it should be done? After this test is done and reviewed if it comes back with the radiologist not finding anything I will be going to your online site and seeking you reading my MRI. I’m hoping it don’t come to this but I’m at the process of elimination here. Closest hernia specialist is looking like 8 hrs away. Thank you for your time and dedication to get this information out to Drs that don’t look at hernias in women because they can’t be seen or felt.

  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    March 26, 2016 at 4:07 pm

    Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

    There are no hernias that naturally occur exactly at that spot. A hernia specialist can determine if you are having referred pain from a nearby hernia. Most hernias do increase in size with time

  • Dtkassel4028

    Member
    March 22, 2016 at 6:04 pm

    Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

    Thank you for your reply and recommendation. I do have another appt on Monday with my dr and will be asking a few more questions. I am attaching one more picture to show where this other tenderness is to the left of my naval. My index finger is right over the area in question. The previous pics I sent where I was pointing down was not on the area it was trying to show the slight bump on the surface of my skin below where I was pointing. Sorry I was not more clear. Will a hernia in these umbilical areas get worse and more obvious so a dr will actually be able to see and believe it’s a hernia? Thanks again to all the Drs that take their time on this forum for people. Much appreciated.

  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    March 21, 2016 at 12:34 am

    Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

    Michigan does not have a lot of hernia specialists. Please see Dr Amir Ghaferi at University of Michigan. He may be able to help you. There are no hernias in the area you pointed but you should be evaluated for one just above the belly button

  • Dtkassel4028

    Member
    March 21, 2016 at 12:21 am

    Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

    Thank you Dr Towfigh for your reply. I live way up north in Marqutte Michigan ( Lake Superior). We have a pretty big hospital here. Marquette General now Duke Lifepoint. I would love to know if we have a hernia specialist in my town. I am attaching a few pictures of my naval and it’s very hard to get a good pic of the small raised area to the left of the naval. It is a little red from ice pack but you may be able to make it out. Like I said I’ve had both ultrasound and CT scan both “normal” but my fear is what you e noted before that if they are not looking specifically they may be missed. Could a pulled or torn muscle cause this tenderness and the naval change? Thank you once again.

  • drtowfigh

    Moderator
    March 20, 2016 at 7:05 pm

    Hidden Hernia? Can scans be read if emailed?

    Attach a picture of the area of your symptoms.

    I provide online consultations. Can find information on my website http://www.beverlyhillsherniacenter.com

    Alternatively, where do you live? Perhaps can be examined in person by a specialist.

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