Hernia (Bulges) on both sides of upper abdomen

[shadowlady1]

My husband is currently being put through a barrage of tests. Ultrasound, a dye test for Kidneys & a CAT scan.
Brief history: about 2 years ago he went to a Dr. due to a bulge in his side (upper abdomen), left side that when pushed on, he felt all the way down to his privates. When he lifted or after a cold in which he did a lot of coughing, it was more painful.  He's a big guy, with a lot of "fat" on his mid section. They could not find anything specific wrong.  In Recent weeks, after yet another bout with coughing & horseplay with the kids, he felt as if the area "blew out"  He is in real pain, the protrusion can be felt easily.  There is also a smaller one on the other side that has very mild pain.  He cannot sleep on the left side where the bigger bulge is.  He is sure it is a hernia of some kind.  Why are they having such a hard time figuring this out so they can help him?  He has strong pain meds, but doesn't like to take them.  

[Elliot R Goodman, MD]

Agree w Dr T
Painless hernias need not be fixed
Painful hernias should be repaired

[DR_RTewari]

Dear Shadowlady1
This sure is a hernia (your history is very suggestive of hernia), But hernias are not painful unless irreducible or obstruced (which is a surgical emergency). Probably due to excessive fat it was missed. Just consult any Suregon and I am sure he wont have any problem in diagnosing it. However IVP (kidney dye test) is not a teat for hernia , why it is being done? Does he have any renal pathology? CT scan/ ultrasound will help in diagnosing hernia (though not essential).
Best wishes
Dr Tewari (India)