Those people in the white coats have summoned you to award you membership in the Hernia Club. There are some 700,000 hernia repairs each year in the United States and 100,000 in the United Kingdom. There is not much exclusivity in the Hernia Club.
No ribbons. No gold stars. But most likely some bruising and surgical scars.
Some questions you may want to pose to the white coats particularly for hernia surgeons as general practitioners usually can only offer basic answers but if general practicioners are offering you referrals for specialized treatment they should offer some justification for that/those referrals i.e. informed choice by you is the key.
What exactly is my hernia type and why did it happen?
What is the short- and long-term prognosis?
How will I know if it worsens?
How severe/advanced is it?
I have certain pre-existing conditions so how will a hernia affect them?
What are the treatment options for it?
Is there no other option other than surgery?
If surgery is involved what type of surgery?
What is the recovery period for each surgery?
What is the experience of the surgeon?
Will hospitalization be required?
Can we take a wait and see position?
What type of hernia surgeries are available and what are the risks/side effects of each?
How will a hernia affect my lifestyle?
How can I manage my hernia in the interim?
Are any of the medications and supplements I am on exacerbating my hernia?
In a perfect world all your questions and many possible answers would be provided to you in some written or electronically accessible format. We do not live in a perfect world. Dr. Google calls. Particularly helpful is discussing your hernia with friends or colleagues who have graduated from the Hernia Club.
Note that a thorough physical hernia examination may reveal more than one hernia!
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