Can my Repaired Umbilical Hernia and Diastasis Recti Cause Me Pain?

Your story is similar to many others that I have treated who have had umbilical hernis treated with a large plug and had no treatment for their diastasis. Your diastasis may actually be a true epigastric hernia. Removal of the mesh and autogenous repair is best.

I have had two patients that had their umbilical hernias repaired and NOT their rectus diastasis that had this type of pain. Since the rectus diastasis is really just thinned out and abnormal, it provides poor support for the hernia repair and the abdominal wall as a whole. You can try core strengthening (pilates like moves) which can help, never relax your abdominal musculature or hold yourself in a slouched position, and do not work out your abs via sit ups as this will make it worse. Consider repairing your rectus diastasis - 3 fingers is impressive. Expect a slow recovery and expect to need some physical therapy for core strengthening 6 weeks afterward for full improvement.