First of all, I went to Dr. Purcell because I thought the raised area in my left groin was vascular in nature. Having had vascular issues my entire life, I wanted to rule out another one before seeing a general surgeon. Dr. Purcell told me it was not vascular, but a hydocele. He said it wasn't a big deal unless it bothered me, which it did not. Here I am 4 years later with an infected incarcerated inguinal hernia. It started when my stationary bike dropped one night while excercising. No big deal, I got off and raised it, jumped back on and finished my miles. Withing about 30 minutes, I was in horrific pain lower left abdomen. To make a long story short: 4 ER visits, diverticulitis, hernia surgery, and a bowel blockage with four days "nothing by mouth." They said everything was inflamed: my uterus, small and large bowel and diaphragm. Untold amounts of vomiting and diarrhea. Now a gut that returns to d and v unless I eat certain foods. He should have told me to see a general surgeon. read more