<s>[INST] Hi, I have just noticed a hard small lump (half an inch by 3/4 of an inch) an 1.5 inches below and two inches to the left of my navel. It is hard, and I have not been able to press it back through the muscle wall. Are hernias general hard or soft? Thinking that it might be a Spigelian hernia. Have had it for about three weeks. Also, I have been told that hernia repairs can be very painful. Is a high pain level common with hernia fixes? [/INST] Hi....thanks for sharing your problem here in this forum...The location you are telling is associated with hernias mostly...hernias are mostly soft and they can move in and out if not obstructed or strangulated...spigelion hernia may be hard...hernia repair is not very much painful if done under general anesthesia...under local anesthesia its painful...i will advise you to see your surgeon so that he examin it and give you proper diagnosis and treatment....thanksDr ihsan </s>