Hello,

I have lower abdominal pain in an area that my doctor says is hard to determine if it is a hernia or not, especially in women. He says any diagnostic tests (like cat scans) are inconclusive, because if the bowel is in place, then a hernia will not show on a scan, so that isn't proof of anything if it is small.
It could very well be a pulled muscle or IBS. The doctor first thought he felt a small lump, but upon further coughing on my part, he said he couldn't feel it again, so was not sure. I do not feel any lumps or swelling.

He told me to follow my symptoms. I have been trying but it seems the pain is there no matter what I do, or sometimes it disapears, and is very, very hard for me to follow in any pattern. I do have irritable bowel syndrome, and it feels like bowel irritation in that spot, but it is a new pain, therefore I started to panic. I don't recall lifting anything heavy, so if it isn't a hernia, then it is a pulled or strained muscle, or IBS, perhaps.

Can anyone advise me as to EXACTLY what to look for as patterns to clues if this might be a hernia? It isn't in the groin, but a bit above it, but close enough that the doctor said it was possible. Or not. UURRgg!!!

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!! I have been poking and proding the area for two days, and probably irritating it more.

Thank you!
Valiscalm