Help!

December 5, 2005

I have been banded for 2 years with minimal weight loss. I think this is due to some other health problems I've had. I ended up with a severe back problem and unable to exercise or walk and having to take NSAIDS. I tried to keep it to a minimum but I was unable to take any other type of pain medications. Also, have had problems with Hypothyroidism that was being treated with the wrong medication and now Metabolism disorder which I am now taking medication for. I had back surgery last summer and have been increasing my exercise - even started riding a bike and walking quite a bit but about 2 months ago I started having pain in my stomach right below my sternum. This is where my port is and I thought I had leaned against it so I thought it would go away. Here it is 2 months later and it is worse than it was. There are times when it hurts so bad I think I'm going to pass out. I have no idea what to think. I know I need to go to the Doctor but my work schedule just has not allowed it. Does anyone have any similar experience? Any ideas? I am going to try to get to the doctor this week but not sure if I can. (I broke my arm on Halloween and I still haven't made it to doctor- just wearing splint that I got at emergency room). Please help!

vlal

donali · December 5, 2005

Vlal -

YOU have to put yourself higher on your priority list. Honestly, you're still in a splint with a broken arm?!?!

Honey, drop everything right now and go get yourself taken care of - you are THAT important - really.

You HAVE to. Now GO!!!

the best me · December 5, 2005

I agree. The thing that always worries me about port pain, the kind you are describing 2 years out, not post-op stuff, is infection due to erosion. You have GOT to get to the doc. Chances are, all is well, but port pain like that is not good, and I can't believe you haven't followed up on your broken arm! Go, go go!! Let us know how everything goes, okay?

Anwyn · December 5, 2005

Port infection is the first thing that popped into my mind as well. Your health is more important than any job. Get thee to the doctor tomorrow!

CCBSTX · December 7, 2005

Keep your Doctor appts. You won't be working, if your body decides to quit! Take care of your arm and your band. See your surgeon and get your fills (if needed). You will feel better about yourself!

December 16, 2005

Thanks for your responses. Here is an update. I went to the doctor about my port site. He didn't seem to think there was any problem. He was more concerned about the lack of weight loss. While I am not happy with the lack of weight loss, I believe it is because of my other problems. He wants me to have the lap band converted to a Gastric Bypass. I am not ready to do that right now. Things at work are starting to get more manageable and I plan to take a few days off to take care of stuff but I don't want to spend that time recovering from another surgery. My hand is better. I haven't gone to the doctor for it yet - hope to go next week. Oh, and the pain at the port is still there so I plan on going back to my doctor about that again next week.

Thanks to all who responded.

Valoree

StephanieRaye · December 16, 2005

Valoree,

This doc was more concerned with your lack of weight loss? Get to another doctor! Did you even discuss the pain you're having? Is this the same doctor that banded you? I'd be seriously concerned that this doctor didn't pay much attention to your pain if I were you.