Katie... Yes, you can see a hernia if it is filled with intestines (or other
abdominal organs). It can protrude thru the skin and can be very painful.
If you tighten your abdominal muscles, it will cause it to protrude even
more. However, as I had stated in another email, you need to be checked if you
can see it. It may or may not be a hernia. There is several things that it
could be. Medically speaking, if you can see it, then the doctor should have
sent you for testing already. If it is very painful, then you need to be
seen right away. Some things shouldn't wait. But check with your doctor. Hope
this helps.