Melissa Page Massage Therapy

03/08/2026

Bartholin/Canal of Nuck Misdirection

Is it a cyst, or is it an abdominal wall defect?

In women, femoral and canal of Nuck hernias can manifest as localized swelling or cyst-like discomfort in the l***a or groin. Because hernias in females are less routinely screened for than in males, these symptoms are often misattributed to Bartholin cysts or fluid collections. If treatment for a "cyst" isn't resolving the pain, look higher up at the abdominal wall.

02/08/2026

Groin Hernias: What are they, and was yours born with you?

Before we dive into dynamic imaging or nerve pain, let's establish the absolute basics: What actually is a groin hernia?

The Definition:
An abdominal hernia occurs when tissue or bowel pushes through a hole or weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall that normally holds it in place. A groin hernia happens right at the lower boundary of the abdominal wall, where your body meets your legs.

The Two Main Types:

Inguinal Hernia (Above the crease): Sits in the inguinal canal and accounts for ~75%–80% of all groin hernias.

Femoral Hernia (Below the crease): Pushes into the tight femoral canal. It is less common overall, but disproportionately affects women and carries a much higher risk of diagnostic delays and tissue pinching.

Was it Born With You? (The Congenital Connection):
Not all hernias are caused by sudden heavy lifting or injury. Many start as a pre-existing structural setup:

3% to 5% of full-term babies (and up to 30% of premature infants) are born with a congenital groin defect—a natural pathway (the processus vaginalis) that failed to close properly before birth.

Studies show that up to 20% of adults walk around with this unclosed congenital opening without knowing it.

Why it Matters:
A congenital hole can lie quiet for decades. But after years of continuous standing, physical labor, or occupational strain, tissue is eventually forced through that latent opening—creating an indirect inguinal hernia later in life.

If you've been living with unexplained groin, pelvic, or inner-leg pain, knowing that your abdominal wall may have had a weak spot since birth removes the self-blame—and shows why proper imaging is so vital when symptoms finally appear.

02/08/2026

The "Idiopathic" Trap

When doctors can’t find the answer, they call it 'idiopathic.

Idiopathic just means "we don't know where the pain is coming from." But "unknown" doesn't mean "unreal." When abdominal wall defects don't show up on standard static tests, patients are often told their pain is unexplained or gynecological. Over the next month, I’m sharing what I wish I knew years ago so you don't get stuck in the diagnostic loop.

01/08/2026

I’ve officially paused my practice. Here’s why...

As a massage therapist, my job is to listen to bodies—including my own. For years, I knew something in my right lower quadrant wasn't right. After years of misdirections and clear scans, I finally have an answer: bilateral indirect inguinal and bilateral femoral hernias. I’m stepping away from the table to wait for surgery, but while I wait, I'm using my voice. Follow along over the next 30 days as I break down why these hernias are so often missed.

29/07/2026

The next episode of B6 Toxicity and Me Diagnosis Stories is out

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6TDWXWKoHq4q1HJcLmsFQB

24/07/2026

22/07/2026

Below is a link to my Dear Diary: What the NUCK!!! Podcast. Last week I decided to document my life before and after surgery.

This whole hernia plot twist has been an unexpected, physically deteriorating and emotionally exhausting.

However, it has taught me a lot.

1. We don't know what we don't know.

2. GPs, though trying to care deeply, were taught anatomy on a 50 year old male.

3. As a result women's hernias don't exist. Fun Fact: our groin area is inside our body, so, our hernias usually hide deep within our anatomy. These are called occult hernias. You can't see them, your GP probably won't be able to palpate, in order to diagnose these elusive creatures you need a dynamic ultrasound or MRI.

4. Occult hernias may mimic muscular skeletal pain, irritable bowel, affect the nervous system.

5. When contents passes through these holes they can press on nerves, change gait to avoid pain, cause bowel obstructions.

6. The abdominal wall does not heal itself. It will need a surgical repair. Mesh of some description or some holes can get sewn up.

I'm hoping my saying support the structure, restore the function rings true.

Listen to Ep. 6: Dear Diary: What the NUCK!!! Occult Hernias by B6 Toxicity and Me | What The Nuck!!! on Audible.

Check out this great listen on Audible.com.au. Dear Diary: What the Nuck!!! is an unscripted video diary following life as it unfolds—one day, one challenge, one unexpected twist at a time.There are moments that are funny, frustrating, hopeful, and completely unbelievable. Sometimes the answers...

15/07/2026

As I have closed down my Massage Business for the moment as I prepare for bilateral indirect inguinal and femoral hernia repair surgery.

I would like to thank my clients, I carry every conversation in my heart and every massage in my hands. I am creating a Diary Podcast|video of my journey pre and post surgery. It will be on YouTube and Spotify. I'll share YouTube link and others in the comments.

As I am about to send a book proposal to Hay House I would love it if it resonates with you to like, share and subscribe. You never know who you may be helping. Hernias in women are underdiagnosed and under recognised.

https://youtu.be/nIzq3jWM_4E?si=X4SbhOVsw9D3QQFp

09/07/2026

Hey Everyone,

Last day of massaging tomorrow.

I will focus on finishing the proposal for, "What the Nuck!! Another Missed Diagnosis."

This is my proposal video

Video presentation submitted as part of my book proposal for What t...

02/07/2026

My B6 Toxicity Diagnosis Stories featuring the hernia plot twist.

Update on surgery, should be within 6 weeks. Bilateral occult indirect inguinal and femoral hernias.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4vC41TXwGtT8zub8fE2Qtg

B6 Toxicity and Me | What The Nuck!!! · Episode