Hi, a strangulated hernia means that the protruding intestine gets trapped, which can cause an infection and you would need an emergency operation. If you never feel anything protruding, or if you can always push it back in then you dont have too much to worry about. If you at any point can't push it back in and you are in intense pain, the area gets red and very uncomfortable or any of these, go to a hospital IMMEDIATELY as it can be life threatening and you should not ignore it.

I have had five hernias all together now, I had two operated on, then had a femoral hernia which I managed to heal and since last summer I have another two inguinal hernias, one on each side. My hernias have always been quite large and protruding a lot. I have lived with hernias that weren't operated on for about 8 years alltogether now and never had a strangulated one, touch wood I never will!
I wouldn't worry about it too much. Also it sounds like you are not having too much trouble with it. From my experience I never felt any better after the operations then before, and if you can live well enough with your hernia then I would continue to do so and not have an operation and not have a doctor talk you into it either.
If you ever decide to have an operation out of whatever reason then try and find a surgeon who does a mesh repair with a mesh that dissolves after six weeks. Those are available now and are the best option in my opinion as the mesh often leads to complications and nerve pain afterwards. With the mesh that dissolves your own tissue replaces what was missing and once the mesh is dissolved you should be fine.

If you want to know more about how I treated my hernias and other peoples experiences you can read a bit more in this thread:

http://ehealthforum.com/health/topic43624. html

I live with my hernias fairly well, like you I know not to lift heavy things and my hernias tend to get better when I do strenghtening exercises and take supplements. They are described in the thread too.
Also try and imagine your tissue growing back together, I have found that visualising this helps a lot, just believing it can heal and will heal does a lot, and I have managed to heal the one hernia and so far it hasn't come back.
I hope this helps.
All the best, Lena

can a woman who has abdominal hernia get pregnant?if she does are there any health implications?

yes someone with a hernia can get pregnat,i did. i was diagnosed with an abdominal hernia with my second child and 2 years later had my 3rd.she is absolutly fine ,the one thing is you will probably need a csection because its unwise to push!

thank you very much for your reply and dedication to duty.

hi i had key hole surgery i week ago when should i start to be able to walk out been moving round house but still in pain