My son had that same type of hernia fixed when he was about the same age. He had to have it fixed again about 5 years ago after some heavy lifting at his work. He's now 31 years old and just told me he's got to get it fixed again, and once more due to heavy lifting on the job. Trouble is, he's not working at present due to a layoff from his work. He never told them about the hernia when it happened.