Yes it was visually evident that something was awry. Like with anything health related, you should consult your doctor. There’s multiple different options to tell if something’s going on. Like I noted, it having an effect on my IBS was potentially coincidental/very “lucky” and not typical. As I also noted I still have issues from time to time but it’s controlled fine with OTC medicines (when needed). But yeah if I bent different ways it was quite evident that I had something wrong. You can get a hernia from sneezing, it’s not necessarily just straining. Good luck!

Like I had a follow up with the surgeon first probably 3-4 weeks later and around that time I saw my GI doc and was like it’s been sooo much better since surgery - no incidents. So kinda instant I guess? But the hernia is on my lower left abdominal area. Only fatty infiltrate. Likely a surgical hernia from getting my appendix out - it was one of the original laparoscopic site areas.

I was diagnosed with IBS but mine improved after I had surgery to fix an abdominal hernia with mesh. My GI symptoms improved to point of not needing any further follow up. I still have the occasional issue that’s worse than a normal person, but nothing close to like it was. I have a lot of family with IBD (Chrons and UC), so I was glad I’ve seemingly dodged that bullet. Doctor said it was first time he had encountered where hernia surgery basically fixed my IBS.