A hiatal hernia is when a portion of the stomach protrudes above the diaphragm. There are 2 types of hiatal hernia: sliding and paraesophageal. You would not be able feel either of these, as these hernias go upward not outward. The hernia you were able to feel was likely a ventral hernia. There are classified as supraumbilical (above belly button), umbilical (at belly button), or infraumbilical (below belly button). You probably had supraumbilcal since you said it was above belly button.
I have the same thing and can feel a rolling movement inside near the twisting (right above hip and rolling has now gotten worse, all the way up to rib). Mostly happens when I try to push a bowl movement. Has anyone figured this out yet? This is the only place I have found the same symptoms online.
I have had this on & off for 8 yrs! I had my gallbladder taken out BBC that's what the doctor thought it was. That was n April & the twisting just started again this past few weeks. 3 times in 3 different places in my abdomen! I'm going to try going through doctors again!
Was just researching what this exact thing could be and came across this page. I have been having exactly what you're describing and yesterday it was SO painful that if my neighbor had been home, I may have had her take me in to ER. I laid down and it finally went away. It is a twisting of ??? something and protrudes where you can feel a lump when it is happening. It's been doing it off and on for over a year but the doctor didn't 'feel' anything when I went in for a regular appointment so, like you, I've tried to ignore it.
Has your problem stopped? Or have you figured out what was causing it? If I 'push' on the lump when it's twisting and hurting, it's a bit better most times... feels like something on the inside twisting. Hard to describe. Anyway, hope you're doing better. Thanks!
Cindy
Hello and hope you are doing well.
If there is a protrusion of bowel or abdominal contents through the abdominal wall usually a ‘defect’ can be felt in the wall, through which the contents protrude. In the absence of which it is unlikely to be a hernia. Paraesophageal hernia, do not protrude out of the abdominal wall and cannot be felt externally. The movement of the stomach or stomach peristalsis can sometimes be seen in thin individuals. If you do not have any symptoms at present, you can wait and watch.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.