Hernia too big to operate?

I have a soccer ball size hernia above my navel that I have put off getting checked. It has gotten worse over the past year due to lifting. Today the DR. said he didnt think it could be fixed because of the size and there is no muscle left to attach anything to. He didnt sound too sure and he is referring me to a surgeon to check...but does that sound right? Could it have possibly gotten to big to operate? Am I stuck like this the rest of my life? Im from a small town but he seemed like an intelligent Doctor. I am worried sick now that it cant be fixed. I know I put it off too long but I was(am) under alot of stress. I will be seeing the surgeon soon hopefully but has anyone heard of such a large hernia being repaired?

This can be fixed. Let me know what part of the country you are in and I can point you towards an appropriate medical center/surgeon. When they are this big, you need to see someone who performs such repairs on a regular basis and has a track record of success.

Please let me/us know what prior operations you have had on your abdomen.

A great deal of the long-term success depends on your general health. Getting weight and diabetes under control (if these are problems) and smoking cessation (if you smoke) are important for long term success.

Feel free to email me directly with questions. But rest assured, it can be fixed.

Off course that could be fixed,my mum had a whopper and they fixed it,she is 86 now and still going.

Yea my mate had one it was as big as he's head,,{ not he's dick }?? He said it was sore for a couple of days then back to work??

Soccer ball sized???? Hmmm. I'll interpret this as a gross exaggeration. What are the actual dimensions?

Para-umbilical herniorrhaphy can be done for large hernias. The surgeon is the one who will make the decision after examining you. Mesh can be used. If the defect is very large, you'll likely have a short in-patient stay.