genome911

I would really appreciate any insight into a problem I am having, which may be urgent. I am almost 5 yrs post banding. I have awakened in the early morning hours (like 5 am) on 3 occasions in the past 6 months with reflux and severe coughing and wheezing spasms, followed a few hours later with high fever (104.3, 104.2, and night before last 103.4) along with hard shaking chills lasting for 3-4 hours, followed by total body aching, severe headache. There is tightness in my chest. Fever left in 24 hrs, and was only about 100 after the chills left and sweating started, although I stayed weak and lethargic for a couple of weeks after the first 2 times. Went to internist first 2 times- blood cultures and urine cultures were neg, and by the time I got there in the afternoon, fever was only 100. Had a chest X-Ray the first time which was normal. White blood cell count was high both times. This time, because it is a holiday (and that means a trip to the ER). I'm wondering if this isn't a band complication. Any experience or advice about what I should do? Thanks!

Thanks so much. Banding experience- banded almost 5 years, 215 at time of band, 144 low about a year and a half ago. Gained 20 lbs over past year and half since last fill= 164 now. No reflux prior to band and now have some days where I can eat anything without restriction and others when everything comes up (gently, not violently) with lots of mucus. I have some pain with eating right now and the reflux-fever-?aspiration, I presume. I have been sleeping with my head up about 45 degrees and still am awakened with coughing after reflux despite Prilosec. I'll call my bariatric surgeon tomorrow I think-- this does seem like a band problem, no? The internist didn't think of band issues when I got so sick like this before, & I just didn't think of going to the bariatric surgeon for a fever, headache, and cough! Prob a mistake- think at heart I didn't want a total unfill (my guy does this at the drop of a hat) and have been in a bit of denial about the seriousness of this.