DD2 has a hernia - worried.

[CharCharGabor]

Noticed a lump in her tummy yesterday so took her to the walk in who said she has an abdominal hernia, but I need to see doctor to confirm. So I took her to the doctor today who said it is a hernia and has referred her to surgeons to see if she needs an operation on it. I thought it would be more of a wait and see job so am a bit shocked and worried about implications. Is it likely that the doctor is being overcautious?

It's like a long hill off centre down her tummy from just under ribs to top of nappy, although the doc thought he could see it at the side of her tummy too. She's feeding well and happy. But every time she refuses a feed, cries or is sick I'm worrying now. I think I should be relaxing because if the doctor thought it was so important she'd be in hospital today, but she's only 11 weeks.

Hi
DD had a hernia diagnosed when she was a few weeks old and it was operated on when she was 16 weeks old-all very straightforward.
However the things to look out for are inconsolable crying and reddening around the hernia-then go to A and E.
Try not to worry though lots of babies have hernias although it is less common in girls for some reason.

Thanks for posting Frog. I've never noticed DD2's until yesterday but it has been cold so I usually try and change her quite quickly so she doesn't freeze. I think maybe that's how I've missed it. Did your referral to the surgeons take a while to come through or was it quite quick? Can't bear the thought of ages of waiting.

Frog, I had inconsolable crying for 3 months with ds2. but only at night. all night, mind. fine during day. and the hernia, Gp totally dismissed.
why is crying related to hernia ?

Hi
I didn't notice the lump for a while and it wasn't picked up by the GP at the 6 week check either partly because sometimes it was in and sometimes it was out I suppose. My husband was the one who spotted it and diagnosed it in the end.
DD had the op a bit earlier than she might have because we did an A and E visit thinking that the lump looked like it was turning red and because she was crying so much (we were told to go to A and E with reddening around the hernia and inconsolable crying). After the op she still cried a lot so the hernia was probably nothing to do with it. Still she was our pfb so we knew no better.
I shouldn't think that you will have to wait ages but if it's not causing her any problems then try not to worry, easier said than done I know.

Thanks for that. DD2's is only visible when she's tense so either crying or wriggling. She does seem happy, much more so than DD1 was tbh so probably it'll be fine. I just can't stand the thought of her having something wrong with her normal I know. Will keep an eye out for any redness or inconsolable crying.