Need advice ~ PLEASE ~

[BroncosGalAndrea 0]

I posted this in other forums hoping to be able to get as many people as possible to read and hopefully help....

So, about 2 months ago, I had a Tummy Tuck and hernia removal (which still seems to be causing problems, but that's a whole other issue).

Since then, over the past month, I've noticed that my band/port sticks out more than ever AND IT HURTS! I mean hurts all the time!

My insurance referral time has run out and my PCM is getting another referral for further visits, but that could probably take at least a week. This pain is making me crazy. I've been told I may need to have the band replaced with a smaller one OR that the pain could be caused by it having slipped. I cannot afford to go see the doctor until my referral comes through and my PCM can't really do anything.

Can anyone possibly steer me in the right direction? I have no idea what to do and this pain is really really, well, painful! Is a trip to the ER warranted?

Any advice would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Andrea

[elcee 3,341]

What is hurting is it your band or your port? If it is your port it may be that it is pressing on a nerve or something like that. If this is the case you will probably need to have it repositioned.

Generally we don't feel the actual band. If it is your band and if it has slipped this can sometimes be fixed by having a complete unfill for a couple of weeks. If it is a really bad slip then you may need surgery to reposition or replace it.

With a slip there are normally other symptoms such as inability to eat/keep food down, bad reflux etc.

So where exactly is the pain and do you have other symptoms.

If you are in a lot of pain then you are going to have to do something. The best thing to do first would be to call and discuss it with your surgeon.

[BroncosGalAndrea 0]

It's my port. You're right - i've never felt my band.

I will be calling them in the morning. It is really so painful, any movement really hurts. I'm aware of the pain all the time.

Thanks so much for your fast reply!

[elcee 3,341]

Glad it's your port - that's a lot less serious. The other thing that may have happened is that you may somehow have torn some of the stitches. Maybe you worked out harder or differently to usual.

I would take some painkillers, rest and call your surgeon as soon as you can.

Hope it gets better soon.

[BroncosGalAndrea 0]

Thanks, Elcee......I doubt it's stitches since I was banded in June of 08 and the Tummy Tuck was 2 months ago. I think it's just the port hitting on nerves - CONSTANTLY.....

The pain is right where the port is and there are no other symptoms.

I really appreciate your help. Thanks :thumbup:

Andrea