Pain and Smelly Discharge 3 Years After Several Surgeries

Shelly,
You should not have "smelly discharge" three years after surgery. The likelihood of of something "terribly wrong." is very low, since it has been three years and you are otherwise fine. However, there may be a low-grade injection or foreign body and retained suture at the base of your umbilicus which may be causing chronic irritation. You need to go see your surgeon and have a thorough examination to determine what is going on. Good Luck.
David Shafer, MD
Manhattan

Given the number of surgeries, it is likely that there are some permanent material left behind which may be causing your signs and symptoms. If mesh was used in repair of the hernia, that may also be the culprit. Consult with your general or plastic surgeon to evaluate the problem. Good luck.

Given all the surgeries in the area, I completly agree with the other surgeons comments.
Having had multiple surgeries in the area, you probably have permanent stitches layered over permanent stitches. Removal of these is usually straightforward and resolves the problem.
If your umbilical hernia was repaired with mesh, This could also be infected which may be slightly more complex.
You may want to try a short course of antibitics and antifungal agents. I tend to use bactroban followed by lotrimin. Neosporin or triple antibitocs are generally useless.
Topical cleansings with half strength hydrogen peroxide can be useful if performed twice a day.
If this lasts more than 3 weeks than it is not likely to improve without further evaluation.
Seek a surgeon who may advise a CT scan but don't proceed to surgery without consulting your other surgeons who may have recommendations or advice.