Worried A Lil' About My Port

[TheRealSouthernBelle 22]

I had surgery about 15 months ago and lost over 120 lbs. Now, of course, I can feel my port more, but it's not sticking up crazy (I still have a bit of fat in the mid section) or pulling or hurting me. I notice now it seems to be a bit above the port scar, so I'm thinking it has shifted a bit or maybe it's always been there, but I just couldn't feel it because of all the fat. Also, when I do ab workouts it's a bit sore in the port area. What would I need to ask for so that the doc can check this out? An x-ray, a barium swallow, etc.? I just don't want to look like a complete idiot when I go to the doc. At my last appt. in Nov., I expressed the same concerns and they did an upper GI (barium swallow), so I could see my tummy on the screen. The PA said everything was normal. I didn't even get a fill. Maybe I'm just stressing a little. I'm not used to feeling this hard lump.

[Cocoabean 430]

I would say my port is bothering me a bit. Let the doctor decide what tests need to be done. An upper GI doesn't show the port. I feel the doctor should determine what needs testing, he has the MD after his name, I don't.

[JJLaw08 4]

I believe mine has moved as well but I think it is normal when you lose weight. I called all freaked out and the nurse said it happens. Mine also pains me as well at times. It depends on what I'm doing.

[ladyfromirvine 22]

Interesting... when i went for my fill i was totally suprised to find my port was nearly 2 inches below my long incision. That's where it was originally placed and that's where it is..

[mandagay 93]

Ladyfromirvine,

How did ur fill go? How much did they give u?

[ladyfromirvine 22]

the procedure was uneventful.. I was very comfortable.. and it was done with barium and floroscopy. I had a chance to watch the liquids I was swallowing down. Found it very interesting. Doc put in 8cc on a 10 inch band with 3 cc dead space. not sure about the restriction yet as I am still on liquids. Will know Sunday when I eat my first solid food

[mandagay 93]

I had my fill today. He couldn't find it. I have like 6 needle stabs in my belly. I layed down then stood up then layed down again. I started to black out. I don't know why. It wasn't terribly painful so I don't know why. He said the first time is the worst. He used a sonar to find it and like 10 shots of ladicane. No fun. He promise the first time is always the worst. My hunny took a pic of where the needle was when he finally found it.

I too am on Clear Liquids for one day then back to normal. I didn't want to come on here and moan and scare everyone but sheesh it was not fun. On the plus side I have lost 26 lbs since surgery so yay hehe

[ladyfromirvine 22]

wow I'm sorry to hear that you had that sort of experience. I'm going to assume your doc doesn't use xray floroscopy. when i go on the table.. the doc put a device over my abdomen that lit up my port like a neon sign, all he had to do was one stick.. felt like a little pin prick and he was in.. in then withdrew the air and the bubble from the line, and then added the saline. too be honest, I felt absolutely nothing.. no pain, no pressure. I got to see the entire thing on the screen in front of me. He asked me to swallow first a little barium, then a bigger gulp. I could see the passage of the liquid from my throat to my stomach and I could actually watch the level of restriction based on the amount of saline he injected into the port. entire thing lasted 10 minutes tops and i was done. he asked me to drink a bottle of Water afterwards which was easy enough to do. I'll keep you posted of my progress with solids. I'm on full liquids until sunday. My stomach is making so much noise it sounds like the Anvil Chorus.. plus lots and lots of gas...glad I'm home ..could be a little embarassing

[mandagay 93]

Yeah nothing like that for me which is funny that u say that cause I told him I was gonna get a neon sign to light it up next time!

[shakey88 37]

I expressed concern with my pain bothering me when I was working out...the only response I got was we can move it if it really starts to bother you. Mine is also starting to stick out...I still have like 20 more pounds to go, so I hope it does not stick out too bad.