Need some encouragement...

[maestrita 43]

Oh, I am filled oh, too, tight. I went in last Monday for the fill, and I thought I would be fine when I left. The next day, I felt very tight, but I thought it was the usual swelling that you get after a fill, and that I'd be fine. I am NOT fine. I have not slept in a week because of the reflux. I am waking up to choking on spit up, and I am miserable. I feel like I can't even function. I tried to call my provider, but she was gone for the holiday, and for the next day, and the answering service wouldn't even take a message or let me talk with the on-call person. She told me to go to ER if I needed help by Monday. Honestly, if it were the slightest bit more offensive, I would go to ER. I just can't afford to pay 1000.00 for an ER visit if it can be avoided. I am just trying to hang on until tomorrow when I can make the drive and get an unfill. Until then, I am so tired but I am afraid to go to sleep because it will just be hellish. My whole body hurts from sleeping sitting up, which just barely helps. I just feel like I can't make it through tomorrow.

[minimeme 1]

Have you gotten any relief from some of the OTC antiacids? Mylanta or the other pill that actually keeps your tummy from producting acid (forget the name)?

[illinoishusker 0]

WAs going to say try taking prilosec, zantac? or tums. Then sleep sitting up in a recliner or such? Good luck!

[HiMow 0]

maybe stick to slear liquids til you figure it out

[maestrita 43]

Thanks, Everyone. I don't think it is acid. I did in the beginning, but now I realize that it's saliva. I know, that's sick...sorry. I also tried not eating any food after 1pm, but that doesn't work either. I seem to be getting slimy just from laying down. There doesn't even need to be food in there. I ordered a sub for the second half of tomorrow, and I am either going to the fill lady, or I am going to the ER.

I talked to the on-call gal today, and she recommended that I go to a minor ER. When I called the minor ER, I couldn't even get past the receptionist. She didn't seem to even want to think about what it involved. She just told me no, no, no. It's irritating because it is a simple injection. If I had a Huber needle, I'd do it myself! I just can't see paying the 1000.00 to go to ER unless it is a true emergency. It's irritating that she wouldn't even ask if any of the professionals at the clinic could access a port. They do this day in, and day out for folks with ports for pain and med purposes.

OK. Sorry. I'm just irritable from the prolonged lack of sleep.:wub: I will try to post tomorrow, but I may end up just going to bed after I get this resolved. Thanks for your kind words.

Edited January 4, 2010 by maestrita

[kels764 0]

My doctor told me to start out my day with a hot beverage to help loosen the tightness of the band ...maybe you could try some hot chocolate or hot tea or something?

[Stevie1 0]

Sweety, not to state the obvious - but if you can't lay down without choking on your own saliva, well, that IS an emergency. Shame on the surgeon's office for not seeing you immediately. Get help as soon as you can. No one should have to go through this! Also don't start taking over the counter drugs and antacids. That could just contribute to your choking issue.

[maestrita 43]

It's not my surgeon. My surgeon lives in another state, and I might have been able to get in if I lived there. You know, it actually would cost the same for me to fly out there to be seen, but I didn't really consider that because it is such a simple procedure.

I would love to go to the ER, but we are talking about nearly one half of my monthly salary for one visit to ER. The cost of care is not supported within the free market economy in my state. You simply can't purchase medical care if you make anywhere near the median income in WA.

This is the reality you have to live with if you don't have insurance to cover what you need. I am just thankful that I now have, at least, basic medical insurance which will cover most other things. I remember when I used to have to make these decisions about when my husband should go see the cardiologist....

In any case, I made it through last night, and I am going to drive over the border to see someone today. Wish me luck.

[maestrita 43]

Lost time from work: $150.00

A total unfill after nine months of fills: $800.00

A year's worth of aftercare purchased all at once: $1500.00

A local surgeon who promises to have someone on-call 24 hrs per day, 365 days per year: Priceless

[mandyfsc 0]

Lost time from work: $150.00

A total unfill after nine months of fills: $800.00

A year's worth of aftercare purchased all at once: $1500.00

A local surgeon who promises to have someone on-call 24 hrs per day, 365 days per year: Priceless

Oh my goodness! Well I just read your whole thread and am glad to see a happy result. I'm worried I will have the same problem that you faced. I am having my surgery in Tijuana, MX Jan 15th and he gives fills/aftercare for free, but the cost to fly would be more than if I paid a local doctor. I am looking for an aftercare physician in my area that has unlimited fills/visits. How did you find yours? Thanks!

[maestrita 43]

There is a section on this site if you scroll down to find doctors. I wish you luck finding someone who'll be there for you. I never dreampt I'd be in the situation I was in today. Knowing what I know now, I would make sure that you find someone who is local, and who is available at all times. Hindsight is 20/20, but since yours is still ahead of you, I'd like to tell you some things I hadn't known. I'd never have trusted that I would just be OK, and if I really needed help, I could go to the ER. The minor ER here would NOT help me, and the ER would have charged me what it would have cost for a full year of aftercare by a surgeon. I now know, for certain, you can find yourself in a dangerous position if you can't get the help you need immediately. It would have been nice to know that no-one at my person's clinic could cover my provider when she was gone, or that, in fact, they couldn't even refer me to anyone for help. I q' you, find out who does the care in your town, and what relationship you have to have with them before you are banded. Good luck. Off to sleep now.... finally.

[stargate713 0]

These are very important issues to consider when paying out of pocket or having surgery in another country.Good long term follow up care could be the difference between sucess and disaster

[Ritamelvin 0]

OMG, I know your pain. I have the same thing. Since my last fill 2 weeks ago, I;ve started having the same. Plus so much is getting stuck!! I'm going to get some taken out too!

[maestrita 43]

I did have an arrangement for good follow-up care. She did have great recommendations and her experience was excellent, as well. I didn't know that I would need to look for these sort of unlikely scenarios, and I am sharing because I think it is good to know what to look for when you say "good" follow-up care. Honestly, I don't think she would have anticipated that something like this might happen, either. Now I understand that it is critical for those professionals who serve in rural areas to become affiliated with others who can cover them if they are not available.

For the record, I had my surgery by one of the most reputable surgeons in this country. I am certain that I'd have had excellent care in this event if I lived in that state. I'm sure I'd have been referred immediately.