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Author: Lisa
Date: 09-17-01 18:19
Hi there.
I have what they call an umbilical (belly button) hernia. I have lost 30 pounds so far but that area of my stomach still protrudes, and I am afraid to do crunches.
Does anyone have any exercise ideas to strenghten my stomach muscles.
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Author: Albert M. M.D.
Date: 09-17-01 19:15
For anyone who may not know, an umbilical hernia is a protrusion of the intestine through a defect in the abdominal wall near the belly-button (umbilicus). This can be corrected surgically. In most cases this particular type of hernia is not a threat to health. In many cases people are born with this minor abnormality but at times it can be associated with dangerous conditions. You should see your primary care MD for treatment options and possible pre-surgical screening.
As far as doing crunches, I see no reason why you could not. This type of hernia is very easy to reduce (push back into the abdominal cavity) if it starts to protrude during your excersises. I really do not think that strengthening your stomach muscles or losing weight will help the hernia. A minor surgical procedure that could probably be done on an out-patient basis would be the best way to correct this abnormality.
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Author: Linda
Date: 09-18-01 17:30
Hi, have the same kind of condition, back in 93 I had gull bladder surgery, and I have problem in stomach also, went back to Doc a couple of times then seen a specialist and they told me it was scar tissue? Is this the same thing? Told me too have to have surgery to have it removed! And that was the end of it, never had the problem till after surgery. I am overweight, should I lose before I even think of surgery? Please let me know? Thanks,
Sincerely, Linda
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Author: albert M. M.D
Date: 09-18-01 18:46
Although I can not be sure without actually examining you, it sounds to me like this may be keloid formation. This is a genetic condition that prevents the body from controling scar tissue formation in a normal manner. Your body basically does not know when to stop forming scar tissue. As a result these patients can have large collections of scar tissue in areas that have been traumatized (surgery incisions, piercing ears, razor cuts, etc.). The difficult part is that removing the scar tissue can lead to further scar tissue formation.
Being lean minimizes the complications of anesthesia and surgery. Therefore it would be helpful to lose weight if you are very obese. With regards to treating this difficult condition I would see either a dermatologist or maybe even a plastic surgeon. Go to a university hospital so that you could get the latest treatment.
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Author: Linda
Date: 09-20-01 13:17
Thank you very much!! I love this site! Yes, I will try and loose weight, howeve I too was afraid to exercise my stomach! Thank's for the info!! Sincerely, Linda
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Author: Samantha
Date: 09-21-01 21:30
Hi I just had surgery on my umbilacal hernia. When I went to the surgen he told me that if I don't have the surgery that the abdominal wall can keep ripping up even further and cause more damage. It is my advice to see your doctor. He also told me to take it easy before surgery and after I am not allowed to do any kind of crunches or lift anything over 40lbs for 6 weeks.
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