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Occult hernia symptoms in 31 y/o female in Richmond, VA
Hello, I have been having pelvic pain for about 4 weeks and am frustrated as we are having trouble getting a diagnosis.
-began as urinary pressure and frequency (neg for UTI/kidney), then worsened into pain in pelvic area (about 3″ below navel, halfway between midline and left hip bone).
-pain is intermittent, dull/achey (but severe on palpitation, including a popping feeling when touched in the right spot) and wraps around to back and into hip/groin and down inner thigh.
-We’ve noticed a swelling in my abdomen, comparable to my early pregnancy look.
-Worse with activity especially sitting upright and bending over. Laying down with a heating pad is the only thing that relieves the pain.
-OB initially thought it was ovarian cyst but transvaginal US came back negative for any GYN issues.
-She sent me to a GI who ordered a CT (w/contrast, no valsalva) but they’re telling me that is negative as well. I am going to pick up the films today because I’m afraid the radiologist wasn’t looking for a hernia.With no other symptoms, it seems a hernia is the only explanation at this point. I had a vaginal delivery 5 mos ago, at 38.5 wks gestation. Labor was 22 hours and I pushed for 4 hours, and had an internal vaginal tear.
I am very concerned as I am limited in my activities. It is painful to lift and carry my baby, bend to change her diaper, or even to have her on my belly to breastfeed.
I live in Richmond, VA and would like to discuss my symptoms with someone else as I feel like they’re not looking closely enough for a hernia. Any recommendations for anyone in the area that would be willing to see me even without a definitive diagnosis yet?
Thank you for your time. -
3 Replies
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Thanks so much for the support and recommendation. I had an appt with the GI this morning. I asked him to do an exam with me standing, and he was able to hit the spot that does that “pop”… he said it felt like globules of fat, and that could be normal (my questions- is it normal for that to be so painful? And… can’t that happen with a hernia?) He is great but somewhat skeptical of it being a hernia because he said it would certainly be seen. I am glad however that was more than willing to send me to Dr. Procter. He said that they would set up the referral for me, but I’m not sure how long that will take. Hopefully I’ll be able to get in sooner rather than later…
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Knowashington,
From a fellow hernia patient, your symptoms certainly sound like a hernia is a possibility. I had many of the same symptoms and also had tests that were negative or, at least, misinterpreted as so. I recommend Dr. Levi Procter at VCU as well. I have seen him and think he would be a good person to evaluate you. Definitely take your films and any medical notes with you to your next appointment. There is a lot of good information on this forum that may be helpful, as well. Sorry to hear of your problem and hope you can find the answer quickly! -
Dr. Levi Procter, who is a surgeon on this forum and works out of VCU, could be a great option. Also, the surgeon I am preparing to do my surgery with, Dr. Richard Pettit, is locally a hernia specialist.
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