Umbilical hernia (enlarged belly button)

[LifeInAHamsterWheel]

DH has just noticed that his belly button (usually an 'innie') is huge, swollen! He says its not painful but feels odd and 'liquidy'. I googled and it appears to be an umbilical hernia, which usually happens in pregnancy or if overweight. DH does carry a lot of weight on his tummy (he's 50)

Does anyone have any experience of this? He's trying to get an appointment with the doctor but until today neither of us have ever heard of it.

Worth checking with a doctor, but my DH has this and it's fine. I packed him off to the GP who went, yes it's a hernia, I wouldn't have really noticed unless you pointed it out. No treatment needed.

He has had it for a few years now and it doesn't cause any issues.

I had one of those, if a previously in your belly button sticks out suddenly it is likely that's what it is and my dr referred me to a specialist. He wasn't worried as the hernia was soft and he could push it back easily it's when it's hard or doesn't go in at all that it is more of a concern. They offered to operate to fix it but wasn't necessary to have done so didn't opt for it. However I had to have my gallbladder removed the next year and the surgeon basically fixed my hernia at the same time.

Thanks for the feedback, his is soft so hopefully won't require any treatment.

I have noticed I have a squishy slight lump to the side of my belly button, it’s right next to it. I was going to go to the doctors, those with experience could this be what it is?

I would definitely see a doctor about this,to be on the safe side. I had an umbilical hernia just over 8 years ago and it became strangulated. The symptoms of this are severe abdominal pain and constant vomiting. I was admitted to hospital to have it operated on, thankfully the section of bowel that had become trapped didn't have to be removed as it hadn't 'died'. I was out of hospital after 3 days. I was told it had probably happened due to being overweight.

It'a definitely his actual belly button @Hoorayhenryyah not just beside it. If you google you'll see images of what it's like. Maybe that will help?

DH got a telephone appointment with GP for Friday, I suspect he'll be asked to go in for a physical examination god knows when they'll fit that in.

He is quite overweight at the moment so part of me is hoping the doc will explain that it's most likely caused by obesity and this will give him a much needed kick up the arse to change his eating habits! Nagging from me isn't really much motivation is it!

Thank you, I will give the doctors a call next week. It’s been in the back of my mind for a while so best get it looked at! I hope your husband is ok and gets it sorted too

My DS had one from birth. When he was about 10 I asked the GP if it was ok as nobody had ever remarked on it at medical appointments. Big fuss, surgery arranged fast. Consultant asked if he played sports and when I said yes, said he shouldn't have done as it was very dangerous.

When I told my dad about what was said, he told me that his brother died at 23 after playing football with an umbilical hernia. It can be a danger to life, so I hope he gets it sorted, especially if he goes to the gym or plays sport.