Lump on lower/left abdomen

[Paul Neuhaus]

Hopefully some docs can help me out here.

Yesterday, I found a lump on the lower/left area of my abdomen. It's about the size of an acorn, and hard. There's also a little bruising on the skin. No, it has nothing to do with my belt. It's lower than where I wear my weightlifting belt.

So, I went to immediate care to have it checked out. The doc says it is about 4" higher than where a hernia would be, and he was able to move it around, whereas a hernia stays in one spot. Unlike a fat deposit, it's pretty solid. Without going to the emergency room, I can't get in for ultra-sound until Tuesday. The doc nearly broke my heart when he told me to AVOID HEAVY LIFTING until then. Big Tony's ProAm is right around the corner. I skipped events today, and I have to skip DL on Monday (82.5%1RM-8x2) and my pressing and upper back on Tuesday. I'm not one to go against doctor's orders. There's no way I'd be able to do events today and get all intense and "grip it n rip it" without fear of causing some internal bleeding.

So, what do you docs think? I really wish he would have told me it's a hernia so that I would at least know what it is. I should also mention that cancer runs like the plague in my family. In the short 31 years I've been alive, there have been 10 deaths from cancer in my family and only 1 survivor. So, maybe you can appreciate my concern.

Any advice from the docs here would be appreciated.

[Nicolette L.]

Paul~
I hope everything is ok. I will keep you in my prayers. I wish I was a doctor, I would be making good money and be able to tell you what is wrong! I hope you heart mends real soon with good news and you can get back to lifting like you would like. I am also sorry to hear about your family history. I could only imagine how devistating that must be. Please keep us posted.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Thanks Nicolette. This may sound a bit odd, but I'm mostly concerned about whether or not I'll be able to compete in the ProAm. I'm stronger than I've ever been, and I've been hitting PRs every other week in the gym, and some more PRs on the events. All my efforts I've put into diet and training, and all the gains I've made, and I could end up taking several steps back!!

Maybe I'd rather focus on that, than focus on what it could be....? Yeah, guys are strange that way. We'll see what happens on Tuesday.

[Nicolette L.]

Paul~
I get that completely. This has been your life. I have an idea of how much effort and energy you have put into strongman. I am sure you would like to see your hard work pay off. I may be naive but I think that you will be fine. This is just a reminder to live life to the fullest. I will still pray for you and your family (if you don't mind). Your dedication and perseverance embody Strongman. I will be even more excited to read your stats from your latest comp. Keep your head up. Take care of you. Keep us informed of your progress.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

[Ryan Rhodes]

Hey Paul,

I've had a couple before, so this is just from my experience. Lumps under the skin are actually very common. A lot of times it's just a localized infection, but it could be a thrombosis, calcificatation, cyst etc. If it's obviously in front of your abdominal wall/iliopsoas and you can feel and move it, I'd seriously doubt it's anything bad. Just make sure to keep pressure off of it and be careful when wearing a belt, underwear etc. Good job getting yourself into your doc. Unless he tells you otherwise, don't worry too much. IMO, you'll be fine. Let me know how it goes; Good luck.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Hey Paul,

I've had a couple before, so this is just from my experience. Lumps under the skin are actually very common. A lot of times it's just a localized infection, but it could be a thrombosis, calcificatation, cyst etc. If it's obviously in front of your abdominal wall/iliopsoas and you can feel and move it, I'd seriously doubt it's anything bad. Just make sure to keep pressure off of it and be careful when wearing a belt, underwear etc. Good job getting yourself into your doc. Unless he tells you otherwise, don't worry too much. IMO, you'll be fine. Let me know how it goes; Good luck.
Well, that sets my mind at ease a bit. I appreciate the info.

[Brandon Campbell]

poke it with a red hot poker! that should take care of it :LOL: jk. prolly nothing to worry bout. But seriously poke it with a red hot poker. I had weird stuff like that before during football when i got bruised. Was jsut calcium buildups in weird places

[Paul Neuhaus]

I had weird stuff like that before during football when i got bruised.
I really hope that's all it is. If all I had was a Gold contest coming up, I'd think nothing of coming in at 90% or even withdrawing. But, there's no way I want to pass up a chance to compete with all you guys!

[craig kruse]

Paul,

In today's medical environment, MD's unfortunately have to cover their a$$ and take every precaution.
Is the lump tender?
do you have a fever?
do you have any others?

Tony's event is around 5 weeks away isn't it.
If I had done this much training and was in the best shape of my life, I would procede with training. Go do your best and never look back.

You still need to definitely get it checked out. You need to find out what it is.

But like I said, I would be doing what I love doing.

Craig

[Paul Neuhaus]

Paul,

In today's medical environment, MD's unfortunately have to cover their a$$ and take every precaution.
Is the lump tender?
do you have a fever?
do you have any others?

Tony's event is around 5 weeks away isn't it.
If I had done this much training and was in the best shape of my life, I would procede with training. Go do your best and never look back.

You still need to definitely get it checked out. You need to find out what it is.

But like I said, I would be doing what I love doing.

Craig
It's just slightly tender.
No fever.
No other lumps.

So, you don't think I should put off my gym training for the next couple days before getting an ultrasound?

[Patrick McGuffin]

I hope it is nothing serious.

[ClayEdgin]

My wife (a medical assistant) says that generally you should only be concerned about lumps that don't hurt. She says to get some blood work done and do what the doc says. Competing is nice, but living to compete should be better.

[Jay O'Neill]

sorry it took so long PAUL.
Soft and pliable is a good thing. Hard and fixed beneath the skin is a bad thing.
In your case I think you have either a Lipoma that got irritated, or a furunle which is an irritated folicul. they can be hard as well. Mobile is a good thing.
Ultrasound is a good idea, but If I could examine it in person, I know I would be able to diagnos you on the spot... sorry i can't. Ease your mind... you will be fine.
keep me informed.
Jay

[craig kruse]

I would go ahead and train if it was me.

if it is something like a lipoma that is inflammed, maybe try icing the area to see if it takes the size down

Craig

[Paul Neuhaus]

I appreciate all your feedback guys. Not training is really breaking me down mentally. Even though I'm still not very good at DLing, I always look forward to my DL training on Monday. Tomorrow, I do week 8 of 8 with 82.5%1RM-6x2.

Do you guys think it would be OK to at least go in and do a DE workout?
DB snatch
DL
Squat
OHP
All with 50-60%1RM for speed doubles.....??


I should also mention that, while sitting down, the lump is starting to throb a bit. It comes and goes. Yeah, I know, I'm a retard who still wants to train!

[Brandon Campbell]

kinda sounds like an infection of some sort if its throbbing, Throbbing = healing! least thast what i always figured

[davebeers]

anyone think it might be a swolen lympth node? that's the first thing that came to my mind

[Corey DuCharme]

Geez Paul!! Sorry to hear about the mystery lump, hope it is nothing major. How fast did this thing pop up? Has it changed size?

I think you should definetly work out this week. Even if it is just a DE day, getting in the gym will help ease your mind and reduce your stress. I really doubt a couple of workouts are going to worsen this problem as much as they will help you deal with it mentally.

[Paul Neuhaus]

How fast did this thing pop up? Has it changed size?


I just noticed it Friday afternoon when I was drying off after a shower, so I have no idea how long it's been there. No, it hasn't changed in size.

[rjpe99]

Any word on the lump. I also have a lump on my lower abdomen. It is very hard but it is a lypoma (probably mis-spelled that) It was very small and I never noticed it till it got bigger. Now it is about 1.5 inches wide. It is harmless but the doctors don't know what causes them. Not a lot of research has been done on them because they are no real health risk - hopefuly that is what you have.

Do you have any other lumps? I have about 100 of them thoughout my body. My brother and granfather have the same thing. Most of them are not noticeable but some grow fast all of the sudden and then I get them removed. I wish you good luck - hopefuly it is only a lypoma or something along those lines.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Any word on the lump. I also have a lump on my lower abdomen. It is very hard but it is a lypoma (probably mis-spelled that) It was very small and I never noticed it till it got bigger. Now it is about 1.5 inches wide. It is harmless but the doctors don't know what causes them. Not a lot of research has been done on them because they are no real health risk - hopefuly that is what you have.

Do you have any other lumps? I have about 100 of them thoughout my body. My brother and granfather have the same thing. Most of them are not noticeable but some grow fast all of the sudden and then I get them removed. I wish you good luck - hopefuly it is only a lypoma or something along those lines.
This is the first time this has ever happened, and my parents never had them.

I couldn't stay out of the gym this morning, so I went in and did a DL routine. But, I did all my lifts without a belt so I wouldn't apply any pressure on my abdomenal wall by "pushing out" against the belt. Started out with some DE front squats, and felt great. Then, I only used 82.5%1RM-6x2 for my DL. Went somewhat lighter on my 5x5 dead rows as well. So far, I feel fine.

Maybe this was a big risk but, I've been very stressed out the last couple months and had to get some aggressions out this morning. I lifted every rep as if it were my max.

I can't get in for the ultrasound until tomorrow at 10:30 am. The worst part about this is that I have to fast. My last meal has to be before midnight tonight. So, looks like someone's eatin' big tonight!

[Jay O'Neill]

Good luck tomorrow Paul... don't worry.. i think it is probably a furuncle or a sebacious cyst. Neither one is deadly!

[Mike Westerling]

I just noticed this thread! Good luck tommorow bro! I'll make sure and say a prayer for you. Please let us know how it goes...
-Mike

[Paul Neuhaus]

OK, just got back from my ultrasound. Unfortunately, there was no doc available to give me a definite answer. That's because they squeezed me in today when they were all booked up. The only reason they did that is because I explained the urgency of the situation (cancer runs in my family, big contest coming up, etc). So, they only had time to take the images. But, it is definitely not a hernia.

The images will be sent to my doc, and I can call him tomorrow afternoon for some answers. If they're still unsure, I'll have to go back in for a biopsy. So, looks like another day of waiting for answers.

In the mean time, workouts are going along as planned.

[Mike Hess]

Paul,

Any word from the doc?

[Paul Neuhaus]

I called my doc's office yesterday after they received the ultrasound images. The nurse told me my doc has no idea what it is. VERY frustrating for me. So, they're referring me to a surgeon to meet with me to try and figure out what it is. I haven't set that appointment yet, lots of other stuff going on right now. Thanks for asking, though.

[SBaier]

Take care Paul, and I hope everything turns out OK!

[Melissa Mesich]

I called my doc's office yesterday after they received the ultrasound images. The nurse told me my doc has no idea what it is. VERY frustrating for me. So, they're referring me to a surgeon to meet with me to try and figure out what it is. I haven't set that appointment yet, lots of other stuff going on right now. Thanks for asking, though.

Take care Paul!!! I will be thinking of you!!! I was wondering how that went for you. Keep us posted, and let us know if you need anything. It's been nice seeing you at the gym.

[barabas47]

I called my doc's office yesterday after they received the ultrasound images. The nurse told me my doc has no idea what it is. VERY frustrating for me. So, they're referring me to a surgeon to meet with me to try and figure out what it is. I haven't set that appointment yet, lots of other stuff going on right now. Thanks for asking, though.

find a good laproscopic surgeon if the need to remove it with a near perfect infection rate control. may sound silly be i've seen a lot people seriously ill from an infection off a simple hernia surgery or other simple surgeries

[Nicolette L.]

~Paul~ I continue to pray for you. You have been there for me in some pretty rough times. I am here for you. ANYTIME! Hey if you need to talk or yell just give me a call. I know this must be a frustrating time for you. I also know how strong you are mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Don't start doubting yourself now. You have overcome bigger things than this! Keep in touch with me. Let me know if I can do anything.

[Paul Neuhaus]

~Paul~ I continue to pray for you. You have been there for me in some pretty rough times. I am here for you. ANYTIME! Hey if you need to talk or yell just give me a call. I know this must be a frustrating time for you. I also know how strong you are mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Don't start doubting yourself now. You have overcome bigger things than this! Keep in touch with me. Let me know if I can do anything.
Thank you, I appreciate it.

Honestly, as of right now, I think I'll just put it off until after the Pro-Am. That way, if they need to remove it, I'll be able to afford the time off from training.

[Mike Westerling]

..Sorry to hear they couldnt tell you what it was. I'll be praying it turns out to be nothing!
Stay strong bro!
-Mike

[Jay O'Neill]

I called my doc's office yesterday after they received the ultrasound images. The nurse told me my doc has no idea what it is. VERY frustrating for me. So, they're referring me to a surgeon to meet with me to try and figure out what it is. I haven't set that appointment yet, lots of other stuff going on right now. Thanks for asking, though.

Paul every U/S ...MRI... or CT is read by a radiologist. They are read and a written report i ssent withthe images... Most of us aren't trained to read U/S... have your doc get the report from the radiologist.

[patrick w.]

Paul every U/S ...MRI... or CT is read by a radiologist. They are read and a written report i ssent withthe images... Most of us aren't trained to read U/S... have your doc get the report from the radiologist.


yea, that is what I was going to say.

What you are describing sounds to me like a Lipoma (a fatty tissue deposit). But, they said in the ER that it isn't that. Where exactly is it on your abdomen? Does it hurt you at all? Is it completly round or is it odd shaped?

Hope everything works out well for you.

[Paul Neuhaus]

Ya know what? This is really weird. It's actually shrinking, and hopefully going away. I check it every day, and I noticed a few days ago that it's shrinking. Each day, it keeps getting smaller. Yeah, kind of weird, but I'm not complaining. Hopefully, it just goes away and I don't have to worry about it.

To answer a couple questions, it isn't sore at all, and I have been lifting very heavy with no discomfort at all.

[patrick w.]

Ya know what? This is really weird. It's actually shrinking, and hopefully going away. I check it every day, and I noticed a few days ago that it's shrinking. Each day, it keeps getting smaller. Yeah, kind of weird, but I'm not complaining. Hopefully, it just goes away and I don't have to worry about it.

To answer a couple questions, it isn't sore at all, and I have been lifting very heavy with no discomfort at all.


Lipoma's do push back in and then resurface from time to time. that could be what it is.

as long as it is going away that is a plus!!