Q&A for How to Check for a Hernia

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Can I get a hernia after having a herniated disc surgery years ago?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

This depends on the type of surgery. For example, re-herniation of the disc doesn't occur after a total discectomy because the disc is completely removed. There are 23 discs in the spinal column, so if you are feeling back pain or sciatica you may have another disc starting to herniate.

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Question

Can a hernia go away and come back?

Kirsten Kind, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Kind is a Family Medicine Physician specializing in pediatric radiology in Scotland. She received her MD from the University of Edinburgh Medical School in 2009. In 2017, she was elected as a Fellow of The Royal College of Radiologists.

Kirsten Kind, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Yes. In fact, it's quite common for you to not feel the hernia all the time. They usually become more prominent when you strain or sit up.

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Question

Is it possible to get two groin hernias at once after lifting heavy weights?

Kirsten Kind, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Kind is a Family Medicine Physician specializing in pediatric radiology in Scotland. She received her MD from the University of Edinburgh Medical School in 2009. In 2017, she was elected as a Fellow of The Royal College of Radiologists.

Kirsten Kind, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Yes. Lifting a heavy weight can bring on a hernia in the groin, especially if you're not used to it. Getting two hernias at the same time is unusual, but still possible.

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Question

Could a hiatal hernia cause mucus in your stool?

Kirsten Kind, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Kind is a Family Medicine Physician specializing in pediatric radiology in Scotland. She received her MD from the University of Edinburgh Medical School in 2009. In 2017, she was elected as a Fellow of The Royal College of Radiologists.

Kirsten Kind, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Not usually. A hiatal hernia would more likely make you feel heartburn or indigestion. If you are experiencing mucus in your stool, then you should see your doctor as it can be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease.

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Question

Can a hernia return after many years on the opposite side of groin?

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Registered Nurse
Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

A hernia can occur on either side of the groin. If it is on a different side, then it is a different hernia (not the same one from may years ago).

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