Hello all,
I have had a Lap-Band since 2003. I had a slip in 2006 and a revision in 2007 (new band). I had some minor problems with my new band in 2007-2008 (esophageal spasms), but went on medication (nifedipine) for it and was fine, never had anymore problems. I haven't needed a fill since 2008 and have maintained my weight loss for the most part (gaining/losing 20lbs here and there).
Now for the reason I am writing: About 2 or so months ago, I started having some jaw pain. I originally attributed it to TMJ since I had it once before after a sinus surgery. As time went on, I started noticing the pain was originating from my lap band site up to my jaw and causing severe headaches. I was uninsured when this started so I did not go to the doctor. The pain slowly got worse and worse, I have put myself on liquids for the most part, and last Friday night I started having severe pain, pain I couldn't handle. I managed to finish working (I work night shift) then went to the ER. They did several X-rays and a barium swallow on me, as well as blood tests and everything came back fine. I saw my new lap-band doctor (I moved to Jacksonville from Tampa in 2008) on Monday, he took out what little fill I had. As soon as he messed with my band, I felt the pain and it hit me like a ton of bricks (the pain tends to come and go without rhyme or reason). He told me he thought my band was bruised and that it just needed a few days to heal. He told me to go on Clear Liquids that day and soft foods the next and graduate from there and to call him in a few days if I still had pain. I waited until Thursday to call all the while still having pain. He saw me Friday, put me on a smooth muscle relaxant (thinking it may be esophageal spasms again) and scheduled me for an endoscopy on Wednesday. The medication I am on is a sublingual tablet and should work almost immediately. I have been taking it regualrly (it's every six hours) since Friday night and I am still having the pain. He looked at my band and my pouch closely on flouro and he said he doesn't think it's erroded. I guess we will find out for sure on Wednesday. If it's not, then what?
Has ANYONE had issues like this? I'm starting to get worried that this is something I'm going to have to live with. I don't know if I can
I'm scared that it's my band pressing on my vagus nerve or something and the only cure will be to have my band removed. I am fine with having it removed but I don't know that my (very new) insurance will pay for it. If it won't then what? I dont have money up front to pay for a surgery.
Please someone, console me as I am so discouraged right now.
Nicole
