hernia and excersize

[schnapps]

I've had an umbilical hernia for about 4 years, brought on when I had a bad cough, and not really had any problems with it. Completely pigged out on an india takeaway once, about 2 years ago, and it bulged and was really painful for a few days, but learnt my lesson and hasn't happened since.

I've noticed recently though that when I go to the gym it bulges and feels painful to touch, but a while after I've stopped excersizing it goes back to normal. Do you think I'm causing any harm to myself at all? Or is this ok?

I did go to the doctors when it first appeared (after posting in a panic on mn first of course!), I saw a hospital specialist who initially said that I'd need an operation, but after I broke down in tears! said that it was only small and would be ok to leave as long as I have no problems with it.

btw at the gym I just use the bike, cross-trainer and run on the treadmill, no weights

anyone?...

Oh deah, it's taken me until now to realise that I've spelled 'exercise' wrong
Anyway, a bump for the sunday morning crew!

schnaps you will not find anyone who can tell you it is ok to so any kind of strenuous exercise with a hernia.
The only thing I could possibly suggest is firstly speaking to your GP to ask of the appropriteness of exersice. Then asking a really good trainer to give you a set of good exercises to build up your sore muscles.
I hope I am not partronising you when I tell you that a hernia is a small loop of bowel that has protruded throught the abdominal muscles.
If you strain at all you run the risk of making the hernia bigger. and if you do the wrong kind of exersice you run the risk of cutting th blood supply off to the hernia causing damage.
What I would say to you is that a hernia op is not such a big deal these days and it might be worth re-considdering the op.

Thank you for your reply chapsman

I meant chapsMUM!!