Possible hernia???

I am 2.5 weeks post op for TAH SBO with cervix and was feeling a little better everyday until this week. Now I have a lot of pain on one side of my incision and a lump. It feels better if I put slight pressure on it, and if I have to cough sneeze..etc.. I have to hold it very firmly or it feels like my whole incision is ripping open. I have been writing it off to normal healing, but its getting worse every day even tho I am resting all the time. Could it be possible that I have a hernia? Has anyone encountered this problem? Because it is a Holiday weekend, my doctor's office was closed today so I couldn't have it checked. I have had three c sections where and they went thru the same scar..so I don't know if that has something to do with it.
Any info will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nancy

Hi Nancy ~

If I were you I'd call my Dr.s answering service and see who he has on call, or go to ER. (just to be on the safe side) there will always someone that will see you.

Good luck!
Plumie : )

Hello. What you have described kind of sounds like what I have in my abdomen. It feels like the size of an orange and mostly to the left of my belly button. I had LAVH/BSO, the doc took everything but the kitchen sink. LOL. I went in yesterday and he examined me and said it was either a hernia I had before that was aggravated from the gas they blew me up with, or hematoma. He has scheduled me for an abdominal sonogram early Tuesday morning to see what it is, where it is, how big it is and if it is going/oris causing problem(s). I feel a little better now. Still nervous, but better since seeing the doc. My left side is still VERY, VERY tender. Hurts me to walk or bend to much and also sitting for long periods of time. I hope that this helps. I am not a doc, and I think getting someone to look at it would be in your best interest. I always say "better safe, than sorry".

Hugs and smiles to you.

Tere in Texas

Thanks ladies...if it continues to get worse I think I will visit the ER...I'm hoping I can tough it out till Monday as I am not wild about the ER here at the local hospital.. the last time I was there.. with my son..who had cut his arm rather badly and was bleeding alot.. we waited about 20 mins before anyone even showed their face.. and then another hour and half for them to see him.. and then the "doctor" was about 12 years old and barely spoke English! I am gonna just take it really easy and see the doc on Monday...
Thanks for the input! Hope you are all doing well!
Nancy

Hi Nancy

Me again...I hope you are feeling better...if you still feel a lump and are in pain (it MAY be o.k., and then again it may be a hematoma) A hematoma is like a large blood blister and it will eventually go away on it's own, but it's important to know if bleeding has stopped..the secret is to call your Dr.s answering service and see who is on call (Your own Dr. or someone who will take over for him/her) if you go to er you will be seen very soon.
An ultrasound will tell them whats going on if it is that. They always go up high with the ultrasound, under your right rib cage to check liver to see if bleeding is around that...if it is the hematoma is evacuucuated...if not it usually goes away on it's own. This was my experience.
You have gone through major surgery and I suspect what you feel is normal...but please...be safe. You will know what to do.
Good luck! Plumie

Thanks Plumie..
I did call the doctor.. and the recording informed me that I needed to call the "regular" number to get the answering service.. only problem is..that the first number I called IS the "regular" number! So after several attempts.. I gave up and have no way of contacting the doctor! Somebody must have screwed up somewhere and believe me I will let them know (rather loudly) on Monday! I feel sorry for any women who might be in labor this weekend and can't get in touch with their doctor!
Now.. would a hematoma show any discoloration on the outside? I have none..
I may take a ride to the er just to be safe.. thanks I'll let you know how I make out.
Nancy

No Nancy.....it would not show any discoloration if its bleeding from feeder veins inside.

IF it is a hematoma...your body reabsorbs it very fast (in my case eg.) and the iron you lose from blood loss...is also reabsorbed!!!
Other nutrients are not. (the radiologist told me that)

Let us know how you are doing!!
Blessings, Plumie