Infection At Port Site

[Wisegirl1 7]

I had my band done 9/4, I was nauseous the 1st day and pain has somewhat gone away although I am red and swollen at the port site. I would estimate the area is about 3 inches vertical and 5 inches horizontal. Has anyone else had this problem? I do not have fever, chills nor drainage and really just hurts when I get in and out of bed. Please let me know if anyone has experienced this. Not sure if I should run to the emergency room or overreacting.

[Kinley7390 80]

I had my band done 9/4, I was nauseous the 1st day and pain has somewhat gone away although I am red and swollen at the port site. I would estimate the area is about 3 inches vertical and 5 inches horizontal. Has anyone else had this problem? I do not have fever, chills nor drainage and really just hurts when I get in and out of bed. Please let me know if anyone has experienced this. Not sure if I should run to the emergency room or overreacting.

Although everyone is different and it is hard to compare, I can tell you that my port site is the most sensitive part of my abdomen right now, and I am now almost two days post op. Very tender and sore to the touch with some skin discoloration, swelling and bruising over the area. My surgeon is aware of it and did not express any concern. I would guess that if you are fever free and are not having any unusual drainage that perhaps it will just take some time to get back to normal. I am not a doctor, but I am an R.N., and that would be my opinion based on what you've described. However, if you are going to worry about it, then it can't hurt to have it looked at since you are a few days post op and probably don't have a follow up scheduled for a couple of weeks? Trust your gut (no pun intended) and do what you will feel most comfortable doing. If you just need a doctor to put your mind at ease, then there's no shame in that. Please keep us posted!

[Wisegirl1 7]

I ended up going to the ER because the area of redness became larger and swollen. Good thing I did because I caught a bacteria infection (cellulitis) at the port site but under the skin. Dr stated there is an abcess forming but is in the early stage and possibly can be healed with antibiotics. Needless to say i am in the hospital taking in antibiotics and will be monitored for 24 hrs. I don't want to feel this was a big mistake so I hope it heals quick with just the antibiotics and not having to do another surgery.

[Kinley7390 80]

I ended up going to the ER because the area of redness became larger and swollen. Good thing I did because I caught a bacteria infection (cellulitis) at the port site but under the skin. Dr stated there is an abcess forming but is in the early stage and possibly can be healed with antibiotics. Needless to say i am in the hospital taking in antibiotics and will be monitored for 24 hrs. I don't want to feel this was a big mistake so I hope it heals quick with just the antibiotics and not having to do another surgery.

Oh no! Keeping fingers crossed that the antibiotics clear this up for you! You did the right thing listening to your body. When symptoms worsen instead of improve, it's time to get the doctor involved. Congrats on staying on top of things. Hang in there. We are all pulling for you! Please keep us posted. Sending healing thoughts your way!

[Kinley7390 80]

I ended up going to the ER because the area of redness became larger and swollen. Good thing I did because I caught a bacteria infection (cellulitis) at the port site but under the skin. Dr stated there is an abcess forming but is in the early stage and possibly can be healed with antibiotics. Needless to say i am in the hospital taking in antibiotics and will be monitored for 24 hrs. I don't want to feel this was a big mistake so I hope it heals quick with just the antibiotics and not having to do another surgery.

How are you feeling? Did the antibiotics do the trick?

[Chase29440 1]

I was banded on August 31 and I had the exact same problem. About 3 days post op I noticed my port site incision was red around the steristrip and hot to the touch. I did not have any fever or feel bad, I just did not like the looks of it. I immediately called my surgeons office and had him paged bc it was Labor Day. He called me back and called me a prescription of liquid cephalexin. I was on this for 7 days four times a day. My infection cleared up and in just a few short days but i have finished taken all the medication. Hope all goes well.

[Wisegirl1 7]

I was released from the hospital yesterday and was prescribed an additional 7 days of antibiotics (levaquil) and I have a follow up appt with my Dr. On Wednesday. I did notice the redness has stopped spreading and the swollen area has gone done. Although I did catch a cold Saturday night while being in the hospital so I'm also dealing with that. I'm hoping the antibiotics will do the trick. Thanks for asking!

[Kinley7390 80]

Wow, you guys are troopers! Sounds like both of you handled your setbacks very well. Hopefully your posts will be helpful to others if someone else is concerned about redness and/or the potential for infection. It's great that you were so observant and "in tune" with your bodies that you were able to act quickly. I'm glad you are both feeling better. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing from here on out! Good luck!