Are hernias hereditary? / myLot

Singapore

February 6, 2007 4:39am CST

Well my son got a full medical check in school last week. (something all 7 yr olds go through)He was diagnosed with having a hernia...the type at the groin. (is there any other? I do not know)I tried to do a search on it but couldn't understand any of the stuff. Was wondering if it was hereditary because my hubby just told me he too had the same thing when he was a kid and he had surgery for it! Surgery for a 7yr old has got to be scary!! My son has a docs appointment this saturday. Hopefully its not too serious that it needs surgery because I think I will be panicking

2 responses

ilse72

@ilse72 (1450)

• United States

7 Feb 07

Hernias are hereditary only 10 percent of the time. A hernia occurs when the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the muscles in a certain area. Yes, there are many types of hernias. The type of hernia your son has is an inguinal hernia and is quite common in males. Please note that surgery is necessary. The weakness in the abdomen must be repaired. An unrepaired hernia can become twisted leading to life threatening complications. Surgery is the only cure for a hernia. Most herniorraphies are now done on an outpatient basis so the surgery will be done and your son can come home all in the same day. Please try not to panic...this surgery is very common. I'm an R.N.

2 people like this

@angelagomes77 (198)

• Singapore

7 Feb 07

Thanks for the reply. At least now I know what to expect when he goes for his appointment. What would the recovery time be like? And is there anything I would be able to do to make him feel a wee bit more comfy? I mean isn't it gonna hurt like hell?

2 people like this

ilse72

@ilse72 (1450)

• United States

7 Feb 07

Of course, there will be post-operative pain but the doctor will prescribe pain medication for him or tell you what to give him. Actually, the first 24 hours are the worst and he will sleep through most of those due to the after effects of the anesthesia. Children recuperate very quickly...mostly because they are so active. They don't want to be lying around in bed and, the sooner you move around, the faster the pain goes away. The best thing you can do to help him recuperate is to not "baby" him...let him do as much as he feels up to doing. He will be restricted from heavy lifting and sports for a few weeks...usually 6 weeks. He will probably only be allowed showers for about a week (no tub baths) to allow the area to heal without risking an infection. Otherwise, after the anesthesis wears off, there will be no additional major restrictions.

1 person likes this

angelagomes77

@angelagomes77 (198)

• Singapore

8 Feb 07

ok thanks