Suspected Hernia?
M32 I've observed a slight irregularity in the area around my groin. It remains unchanged in size during physical exertion, and it’s difficult to determine if it diminishes when I lie down. Having undergone surgery for an inguinal hernia in my childhood, I can't recall the specifics about its appearance or which side it was located on. I find myself uncertain whether what I’m noticing could signify a recurrence of a hernia. It does not resemble the images of hernias I’ve come across online, though there seems to be a lack of photographs featuring actual people as opposed to illustrations.
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 12:10:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain about changes in your body, especially after previous surgery for an inguinal hernia. Given your situation, it’s crucial to carefully observe the irregularity you're noticing.
Key Points:
- Hernias often present as a bulge in the groin area, which may become more noticeable with activity and less so when lying down.
- Recurrences of hernias can happen, but the absence of changes in size during physical exertion may be a good sign.
- The appearance of your irregularity doesn't match typical hernia images, which is reassuring.
Explanation: A hernia occurs when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall. In many cases, they are detectable as a bulge and can vary in size. Given that your irregularity doesn't change with exertion, it could potentially be something else, such as a lipoma or muscle strain, especially since you've had previous surgery.
Prioritized Next Steps:
- Monitor the Irregularity: Keep observing any changes in size or symptoms, and take note if you experience additional discomfort, pain, or other unusual signs.
- Self-Assessment: Lie down and see if the irregularity appears to change. This might help you determine if it reduces in size, which could indicate it is more hernia-like.
- Keep Documentation: Write down your observations about when you notice it, physical activities, and any associated sensations.
- Consider Lifestyle Modifications: If you're engaging in activities that strain your groin (lifting heavy items, for instance), be cautious and take breaks.
While you have the tools to monitor your condition, if there are any signs of discomfort or if you're still uncertain after a period of observation, consider exploring professional advice. Please take care and feel free to reach out again if you have more questions about your situation.
Related Questions
Interpreting Confounding MRI Results
A 49-year-old individual, weighing 180 pounds and standing at 5 feet 11 inches, seeks clarification regarding their recent MRI findings. This MRI, conducted with and without contrast, was recommended by a specialist focused on migraines. According to the specialist, the MRI results were largely normal except for the presence of white matter changes in both the frontal and parietal regions, which they linked to migraine activity. Additionally, in early June, a neuropsychological evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), believed to be associated with long-COVID symptoms. Upon examining the MRI report and conducting further research, the individual came across descriptions suggesting that the observed brain changes might be indicative of vascular dementia, a condition that affects their family, specifically their father. Notably, the patient does not have a history of diabetes, hypertension, or elevated cholesterol levels. They have recently encountered issues with small airway disease and are currently using an inhaler, despite having never smoked; however, they experienced exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood. Other than dealing with long-COVID, chronic pain, and migraines, the individual considers themselves generally healthy. Here is the specific wording from the MRI findings: "Scattered foci of T2/FLAIR hyperintensities within the bilateral frontal and parietal subcortical white matter, representing chronic white matter small vessel ischemic disease." Any insights regarding these results would be greatly appreciated.
Seeking Understanding for Lifelong Episodes
As a 15-year-old male, I've been experiencing these peculiar episodes from a very young age. Although they've become much less frequent as I've grown older, I'm currently in the midst of one, which prompted me to reach out for guidance. These episodes occur unpredictably, and there's no obvious trigger I can identify. During these moments, my senses regarding time and touch seem to distort significantly. To explain this sensation, every object I handle feels oddly aggressive and unsettling, far from the typical experience of touch. In addition to this, I find myself moving in sync with an imaginary rhythm, perceiving everything as if it's operating at specific, rhythmic intervals. It’s difficult to articulate precisely what I mean, but that’s the best description I can provide. Typically, these episodes are accompanied by intense migraines, which can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, although I have endured one episode that persisted for eight hours. I appreciate any insights or advice you might offer regarding my experiences!
Finding Help for Skeletal Issues
At 63 years of age, standing 5'8" and weighing 188 lbs, I have encountered significant challenges related to my skeletal structure. In my thirties, I was diagnosed with degenerative scoliosis, leading to surgical intervention where rods were placed from T5 to S1. These procedures were beneficial, as I regained 2 inches in height, yet the curvature of my spine remains unsolved, leaving me with a visible tilt to the right and a pelvis that is not level. Consequently, when I stand or walk, the majority of my weight leans onto my right leg. As I've grown older, various orthopedic complications have arisen, including a left hip labral tear that necessitated a hip replacement, an increasingly severe bunion and supination in my right foot, discomfort in my right lateral ankle, and persistent pain in my right knee. For each specific issue, I have been directed to different specialists such as hip surgeons, podiatrists, and knee orthopedists. However, no comprehensive evaluation of my overall skeletal mechanics has been conducted to identify potential improvements that might help mitigate additional issues in the future. While I am fortunate to have an excellent physical therapist who assists with my individual problems, the referrals tend to focus on isolated concerns. I am curious if there exists a particular specialty or type of practitioner who could address my skeletal alignment holistically. I am not looking for surgical solutions, but rather for options like orthotics, braces, or similar aids that could alleviate my joint pain and help prevent further deterioration of my condition.
Seeking Guidance on Ringworm Treatment
Hello everyone, I’m a 30-year-old woman grappling with tinea manuum, more commonly known as ringworm, affecting my palms, the backs of my hands, and spaces between my fingers. This condition has persisted for 1.5 years, and I'm reaching out because I feel lost amidst the conflicting advice from various doctors. In Sweden, one must be referred from a primary care center to consult a dermatologist, however, my doctor has declined this referral, stating my condition wouldn’t warrant it. **CURRENT TREATMENT** I recently completed a four-week course of oral terbinafine, taking 250 mg daily. My doctor advised that if the infection didn’t completely resolve, I should return for further treatment. I was informed that it’s prudent to continue taking terbinafine for two additional weeks after my symptoms clear to prevent a relapse. Additionally, I was instructed to use a strong topical cortisone (class 3) for preventative measures since my doctor was unsure whether my issue was ringworm or eczema. However, I refrained from using the cortisone, as I had previously applied it for three months with no success, and I’m confident that my condition is not eczema. As I was undergoing terbinafine treatment, I encountered some improvement. Nevertheless, the hot weather in Sweden exacerbated the rash between my fingers. Towards the end of week three, I started using foam between my fingers to maintain space and reduce moisture. By the conclusion of my treatment, I noted that the skin between my fingers looked significantly better, no longer appearing moist. Now, about 1.5 weeks post-treatment, I believe I’m still observing positive changes. Currently, I’m not undertaking any specific treatment; I’m merely trying to keep the area dry and waiting it out. **DOCTOR CONFUSION AND LACK OF FOLLOW-UP** When I attempted to renew my terbinafine prescription, another doctor complicated matters further by incorrectly stating that four weeks of treatment should suffice. This doctor noted in my records the phrase "suspected fungal infection" from the initial consultation. Without offering a follow-up appointment, they recommended continued use of the strong topical cortisone, again without clarification. When I sought another renewal for terbinafine, yet another physician prescribed the same potent cortisone treatment as before but with the same application instructions from my misdiagnosis. Again, no reasonable explanation was provided. It feels as if my treatment for ringworm is being abandoned without any follow-up to assess its effectiveness. I’m hoping for some advice or answers, as I’m feeling uninformed about my treatment plan and uncertain about my condition’s status. **QUESTIONS:** 1. Following my four weeks of oral terbinafine, should I allow time for my symptoms to completely subside, or should I extend the treatment until I’ve been symptom-free for two weeks before stopping? 2. If I’m meant to simply wait, how long should I expect to do so? Furthermore, when can I be considered non-contagious? 3. I’ve heard suggestions to use topical terbinafine. Is applying this topical treatment advisable, and what potential risks does it pose? 4. Have the other physicians effectively disregarded my ringworm treatment, or is there a valid rationale for recommending continued use of strong topical cortisone? Thank you for your assistance!
Lump Discovered Near Armpit
I am a 24-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 230 lbs. My current medications include 100mg of Spironolactone, 60mg of duloxetine, 50mg of topiramate, and 500mg of metformin. I have several health issues, including hidradenitis suppurativa, dyshidrotic eczema, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and irregular menstrual cycles. For the past year, I've experienced the appearance of a small bump close to my armpit every few months. It's approximately the size of a pea and tends to appear and disappear, typically lasting between 1 to 3 weeks. Recently, however, I've noticed that this time it is red and causes a bit of discomfort. It feels like a small stone beneath the skin. Could this possibly be a lymph node, or might it be something else entirely? I also have a cyst in my breast that behaves in a similar fashion, disappearing and reappearing in sync with my menstrual cycle.