akurre12 86 Posted August 7, 2012 So I go for my first fill last week, and everything started off going really well. The doctor was super nice and I really liked her, she offered to numb the area but I decided to tough it out and not have it! Then she started, and she couldn't find the port. She was pushing down on the area, which I understand because she's trying to find it, but it didn't take long for that to start to really hurt because it's still sore from surgery apparently! Then she started sticking me with the needle, still couldn't find it. She was pushing rather hard with the needle too, it made me really nervous! So then I'm pretty sure tears started to form at that point and she offered to numb it again. So I had it number, and she finally got it, but it looked like she stabbed me 5 times with that needle before she found it. She did mention the first time is the hardest and then after that she'll mark in my record where it's located. Now it's still sore a week later, and there's a bruise there. Is this normal? it's not possible for her to jab the tubing with the needle while she was missing is it? Am I just being a baby about this? lol Also, she made me an appointment to come back in two weeks. From what I've been ready, 4 weeks is the normal amount of time. Has anyone only had two weeks between fills? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
readytogoforit 172 Posted August 7, 2012 my doc had me lay my chest on a pillow and arch my back, he could see it. never felt a thing! maybe you can help her out next time!! 1 judych reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scorrea 95 Posted August 7, 2012 I had a tad bit of discomfort with the first fill, but my doc too said the first is always the worst. I did not have any bruising or multiple sticks at all. I used no lidocaine or anything either. I am getting a second fill two weeks after the first b/c of no restriction. I am not sure how long other docs wait though. I hope you feel better soon! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
runnyf 8 Posted August 7, 2012 My MD always numbs the area, no question or option, just does. Has never had a problem finding my port. I have had a visit 2 weeks after a fill, and that isn't abnormal. Probably wants to make sure that things are going well since the fill. Don't expect to necessarily get another fill 2 weeks later. Especially if you are doing well. 1 judych reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
running_scared 125 Posted August 7, 2012 My first and second fills were like that, unfortunately. The last one was super easy though. As you lose weight, it will get easier, because the fat covering the abdominal muscles and port will shrink, and the port will be easier to find. 1 ready4change2 reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWgirl 574 Posted August 7, 2012 My first fill was a lot of poking too- my surgeon never removed the needle, but did move it around. She also kept hitting the side of the port and not the small center. Since then, she is spot on every time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SageTracey 608 Posted August 7, 2012 She sounds terribly inexperienced to me! The only time I have ever been poked more than once with the needle was my last fill, about my fourth, when my port had tilted slightly. Otherwise it's been a very simple painless process. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawismylife 41 Posted August 7, 2012 One time I used a different doc for a fill and he did poke and prod and I got a nasty bruise. I think it's a skill they need to develop. I think the tubing is too far inside to get damaged, but maybe others can chime in on that point. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mas79 15 Posted August 7, 2012 My doctor has me lie down on the table and then he feels to find the port and gives me my fill. I've had two fills and he was right on Target both times, one stick only. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWgirl 574 Posted August 7, 2012 One time I used a different doc for a fill and he did poke and prod and I got a nasty bruise. I think it's a skill they need to develop. I think the tubing is too far inside to get damaged, but maybe others can chime in on that point. Some have had their tubing punctured by Dr's. This is one reason I would never let another Dr other than my surgeon do anything with the band- if they ruin it, it's doubtful they will admit it and my Dr would know it wasn't her. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
running_scared 125 Posted August 7, 2012 Having the surgeon that put it in, do the fills, has the added benefit of them knowing where the port should be. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
prettysmart1913 48 Posted August 7, 2012 I have a friend who got her tubing punctured and they didn't figure it out for a year! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
judych 225 Posted August 8, 2012 I have a friend who got her tubing punctured and they didn't figure it out for a year! how did your friend get on?? what trouble did she have with a puncture ?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DerbySunflower 28 Posted August 13, 2012 Just had my first fill today. My surgeon did it, so he knew exactly where he'd put the port. He numbed me up, no questions asked and hit that port with the first injection... nothing to it. Wham, Bam, Thank you Mam! 1 clarks4willie reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lalaj 108 Posted August 13, 2012 My first fill was done by my surgeon, no problems, one poke and it was over. Sorry you went through that Share this post Link to post Share on other sites