swollen site left of port, where tube is. Normal?

[mileend 12]

I'm hoping the group wisdom can reassure me here....

I have a site to the left of my port that started today being super, super swollen. I had surgery on March 4th, so this is about a month later, and I have not had this issue previously. It is raised like a hard lump and around it is tender. I have had complications with the incision over my port (it opened when they took out the staples) and am very nervous, so I saw a member of my surgical team today. The surgeon was not worried about the swelling at all and thought it was an inflammatory response just to the tube from the silicon ring to the port. The surgeon examined my incision which is slowly healing and felt it was still infection-free, which is good news. I have an apt to see him again in three weeks.

For reference my port is at the bottom of my sternum, about 1/3 of the way down from my bra line to my belly button.

I am kind of freaking out about this, it hurts and is so swollen! The surgeon told me not to worry but I am very worried. An ideas? Can anyone help me feel better? Or do you want to tell me you had something similar and it was a disaster, ha ha? (ok not really ha ha...)

Part of the freaking is that I am supposed to travel to the USA (I am in Canada) this Saturday for two weeks, and I really don't want to have a problem while away from home...

Thanks!

[cheryl2586 3,053]

I think you should listen to your doctor. He may be wrong or right but none of us should answer this question for you. We could give you a very wrong answer and it would not be right to advise you medically.

[line-dancer 810]

use your heating pad and if it is not better in the am csll the doctor again

[mrsto 2,925]

If there is so much swelling, ice may be better than heat. I was told to use both.

[balbuquerque 85]

An ice pack for swelling

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[mileend 12]

Saw my nurse for wound care today, she felt confident it was infected & sent me to emergency for IV antibiotics. Receiving some now & more in the am. Should see a surgeon from my team in the am.

I'm pissed and annoyed. Surgeon said yesterday lump was just "inflammation" which sounded insane to me, I've done lots of research on gastric bands and "inflammation" of the tube is something I have never heard of except with an infection. Nurse & ER doc today both said clearly infected. So what gives?

Plus I am supposed to go on vacation to Florida starting Saturday! Clearly that is not going to happen. It was my first trip to Disney with my kids (2 and 5) and I am devastated. It just sucks so bad.

[mrsto 2,925]

I understand how you feel. I would be totally pissed, and it's disconcerting that your surgeon brushed it off as nothing.

Is there more than one surgeon in the group you mention?

[scratchibali 17]

The port is stitched into the abdomenal muscle wall. Lumps / scar tissue is normal. Especially since you had an issue with rhe incision. Listen to your doctor, get a second opinion at emerg. I had surgery on march 13 and i have some bumps around my site also.

[mileend 12]

The port is stitched into the abdomenal muscle wall. Lumps / scar tissue is normal. Especially since you had an issue with rhe incision. Listen to your doctor, get a second opinion at emerg. I had surgery on march 13 and i have some bumps around my site also.

the bump is not at the port site but starts about 2" away and is about 4" wide now... so it's bigger than just how the port is stitched in

[TaraKaye 44]

the bump is not at the port site but starts about 2" away and is about 4" wide now... so it's bigger than just how the port is stitched in

This definitely doesn't sound right. Is it at an incision site? I was given the best advice from my friend who is also a nurse she told me you know your body and if it doesn't feel right don't stop till you have answers.

[scratchibali 17]

the bump is not at the port site but starts about 2" away and is about 4" wide now... so it's bigger than just how the port is stitched in

I would probably get it checked asap. Better to be safe.

[mileend 12]

Yup so now it's a confirmed infection and I am having my port and a part of the tube removed tomorrow. They will try to preserve the ring but it depends on what they find when the open me up.

It's so incredibly frustrating but I hope now it will resolve and I will finally feel better!

[Lose100 178]

Keep us posted

[balbuquerque 85]

Hope everything goes well, I'm sorry you have to go through this. Get better soon.

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[TaraKaye 44]

Yup so now it's a confirmed infection and I am having my port and a part of the tube removed tomorrow. They will try to preserve the ring but it depends on what they find when the open me up.

It's so incredibly frustrating but I hope now it will resolve and I will finally feel better!

You will be in my thoughts and prayers, please keep us posted.