Brief Answer: Detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Umbilical hernia repair does not need mesh insertion. Usually simple stitching is enough. If the hernia recurs, like at your case, than mesh insertion can be considered. So this is not a doctors mistake that you didnt have the mesh with the first surgery. This is very common. Now if its about your present condition, it seems that your hole in the abdominal wall is large as it was constantly widen through many years. In such case, when the hole is large, the risk that something will stuck there is low. And hernia stuck is what you should be afraid of. So in simple words, your hernia is large enough to let intestines and fatty tissues freely protrude and get back. You can check it by sticking two fingers in the hernia to see if its soft, painless and you can freely push it inside. If not, than probably the hole is small. If you have any doubts, please have an ultrasound of this area which can determine the size of hernia and if it has stuck or not. The best solution for you is a surgery. But I assume that you are unable to have it. I understand that. Playing with children (lifting) makes hernia worse indeed. The best you can do, is to have a hernia belt (like Umbilical hernia belt) and wear it when lifting. This should hold the hernia inside and should stop whole process. But still to fix it, surgery is the only solution. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.

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