Shoer, the "pocketing" caused by hernia's can and will lead to intestinal stasis. This is bits of stuff stuck in the areas that are protruding, it'll cause the swelling(inflamation) and blackness(necrosis) both of which continue to deteriorate your condition. The swelling can be a sign of infection(not always) and will change the flora of intestinal bacteria, this isn't good as you age. MD's are all different, with the VA running 1st in cost control. GO GET A DR THAT WILL MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE, sure there's gonna be some out of pocket expenses, but the alternative sucks. Also, you need to work on the things that caused it, coughing and weight control. As we age these muscles naturally "shrink" or "thin" from a variety of reasons, which you've probably already heard time and again. Walk, walk, walk its very beneficial.