Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] hi i am a 28 year old male that does very hard construction work 40 to 80 hours a week. I have had this hernia for a bout 7 years.  I went to the dr about 6 and a half years ago and he told me it was just cosmetic and needed no further treatment.  I did not agree.  At  the time that i went to the dr it was about the size of a very small grape and very painfull.  Now it is about the size of a golf ball. Sometimes it gets very hard and tight and is really painfull. and sometimes it is soft and causes mild discomfort.  Most of the time it is painfull.. What type of dr do i need to see and how long would i be out of work and how much do you think the surgery would cost ballpark.  What might I do to take care of it untill i can get to a dr.  Thank you so much!
[|AI|]  Thanks for contacting Chat Doctor with your medical concerns assume that you are concerned about a hernia in the inguinal area which is in the groin. A hernia in this area does require repair. I would recommend you seek a general surgeon for consultation and surgery. If this is an umbilical hernia, one from the middle of your belly button then this is less of an issue. It does not usually require repair but if it does cause significant pain and discomfort then I do recommend consultation with a surgeon for repair. The repair is more difficult to preform if you are over weight. The time off from work with both procedures could take 4-6 weeks. Hope I answered your question. Please feel free to contact us again for you medical concerns and questions