Terence, thank you for the information on inguinal hernias -- it was very
helpful.  I do have a question though...You said:

 > Mild hernias can disappear with lack of stress into the
 > region.  However, if
 > you intend to exercise, it will probably return.

Do you feel that the above holds true for both the direct and indirect
inguinal hernias that you described?  Thanks again for your help.

--  
Uucp: ...{gatech,ames,rutgers}!ncar!asuvax!stjhmc!129!26.0!Tim.Welsh