Hernia in young children?

[VINASOL]

Mindee 28m was complaining of a sore (hurt) back today. Spoke to mum who said that at home he has been complaining of tummy aches a lot. Then she said that Hernias run in the dad's family (him, his dad and his two sons (aged 9 and 11) who are from a previous relationship) ALL have hernias.

Does anyone have experience of Hernias? Do you know what I might need to look out for? Is it dangerous to the child?

[rickysmiths]

He needs to be taken to the doctor at once and I personally would refuse to have him until this has been done to establish if it is or not and if it isn't what is wrong with the poor child.

[blue bear]

He needs to be taken to the doctor at once and I personally would refuse to have him until this has been done to establish if it is or not and if it isn't what is wrong with the poor child.

Totally agree, I looked after a little one 4 months with a hernia, needs diagnosing ASAP

[hectors house]

Normally would be able to see a small lump on one side of stomach/groin area - I had a mindee whose parents first saw the lump when lifting child (aged about 3) out of the bath, it was only visible when he was reaching up/stretching - I suggested they took photos of it to take to show doctor.

Doctor sent them to specialist and child had an operation - I found a good workbook/colouring book all about going into hospital for operation and a lovely clip on utube about a child going for hernia op (but can't remember links - sorry).

I still minded him during the time he was waiting for operation, just had to be careful that he didn't do anything like swing on monkey bars at park as hernia could have strangulated - which means you have to get to hospital asap.
He had operation and recovered quickly, only for his parents to discover that he developed another hernia on other side - so had to have another operation!

[cathtee]

I had a umbilical hernia when i was little, it was operated on when i was about 2. I have never been told that it caused me any problems. Then when i first started minding i had little boy aged 18m imagine my shock when changed his nappy for first time to have a big lump jump out at me on his belly button, parents never mentioned it. I asked about it and they were waiting for op, no special care instructions while waiting. Then last year another lb came aged 10m and again no mention by parent, and he had one too. Spoke to dad on collection and told not even took to doctors to check out, he was only tempory while his minder was on hols, now changed from her to a friend of mine so see him and still no op!!!