February… the month of romance, relationships, and red flags…
As you know, each month of content I produce is centered around a different healthcare theme. In January, I dove into New Year, New You. This month, across eight short-form videos, I dove into the common red flags associated with hernias before and after surgery.
Red Flag #1: Severe pain
It is normal for hernias (especially in your groin) to annoy you after exercise, walking around, or after a long day. However, if you have had a bulge for a long time, and notice sharp / severe / or worsening pain in the area, that is a red flag.
Red Flag #2: Inability to reduce your hernia
Over time, as hernias increase in size, they can become chronically incarcerated. Meaning you cannot push your hernia back in. On the other hand, hernia can also pop out suddenly and become stuck and very painful. This is called an acutely incarcerated hernia and is a red flag.
Red Flag #3: Red and/or purple skin color
When hernias pop in or out, it can cause slight skin changes in the area. Over time, you may notice a slight pink or purple cover (which is typically okay). However, if the skin discoloration appears out of nowhere and your bulge is tender, that is a red flag.
Red Flag #4: Nausea / vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are not common with hernias… unless your intestine is involved! If you have a bulge partnered with these symptoms, it is extremely likely your hernia needs to be repaired emergently, and you should be seen right away. Any GI symptoms are a red flag.
Red Flag #5: Inability to pass gas
Like nausea and vomiting, the inability to pass gas is rare for hernia patients. If you aren’t able to pass gas, feel nauseous, or find yourself burping, it is because your intestine may be looped in with your hernia. Again, this is a huge red flag.
Red Flag #6: Extreme pain after surgery
Pain is normal after surgery. Hernia surgery can be painful! Typically, surgeons know how to manage this pain with medication, ice, and rest. Sometimes, patients are in extreme pain after surgery, which is a red flag for surgeons. Your symptoms should be addressed by your surgeon or an emergency department.
Red Flag #7: Leg pain after surgery
Leg (calf) pain after any surgery is a HUGE red flag. While rare, blood clots can occur after surgery. If you are having one sided leg pain and/or swelling after surgery, it is time to be checked out by your surgeon and have an ultrasound to rule out a clot.
Red Flag #8: Acute increase in size
Hernias often show up slowly, over weeks/months/years. However, if a hernia dramatically changes size overnight or within a day, that is a sign that something has changed. If you notice your bulge is suddenly significantly larger, check in with your PCP or a surgeon. It is a red flag and it is time to get it repaired.
In all seriousness, the red flags I outlined above can be extremely dangerous, and require a higher level of care. If you are experiencing any of the listed symptoms, you should be seen and evaluated by the emergency department or your surgeon as soon as possible.
Stay Tuned for March as we dive into: THE LUCK OF THE SURGEON
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