Port Problems...worried.

[ThomasLeroy 21]

I had my band done a little over a year ago on 7/3/2012, last October I developed a lump over my port, which turned into a weeping sore. Well short story is I had developed MRSA and had to have my now infected port removed. I had a new port put in this May and now, I've developed another open wound over my new port. This one doesn't look infected but won't heal and my doctor is worried about it. I am afraid if this little hole won't heal the doctor is going to have to remove my band. Anyone else had a problem like this?

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

Holy cow, that is scary! I am so sorry you have to go through this- especially twice!

One infection happens, but two? It makes me wonder what the heck is going on. When you get your fills, it's by someone that knows what they're doing right? Clean new syringe in the package and person doing it using clean new gloves? Fresh, unused vial of saline? It's just that if it were me, I'd be questioning how I keep getting port infections and poorly sterilized fills seem like the most logical place to start.

Is your immune system compromised in any way? Or meds that might compromise it?

[Leena 108]

I would question what they're using to clean skin with when operating and filling you? Is it something like scrub care or hibiclense that have germ killing properties for up to 24 hours after used? Or are they using something not as strong. The same would go for fills. I know alcohol swabs are used in fills, but some drs use stronger germ killing agents. You might want to ask about these.

Are you seeing a wound specialist now. I know in my area they have wound care centers- mostly used by diabetics and others having problems healing. I had a friend with cancer with a wound specialist as she was getting vacuumed shut after a surgery. She also had type 1 diabetes so it was really hard on her body and took constant vigilance of keeping everything clean. To the extent that she had to get rid of her small dogs and cats. And had someone come in to declutter her house and deep clean it.

[line-dancer 810]

hope you are medication. I ger MRSA everytime I have a cut that doesnt heal my doctor said we all have it in our system but once weget a flare up like you did I should go in for the test and get on meds right away. Sometime you have to be on then for weeks..Maybe you doctor should have started youn on them when he replaced the port.

[lisacaron 5,075]

Wow that sounds scary. My father in law has a similar issue with open wounds that don't seem to heal well. He has to see a wound care specialist after any invasive procedure.

I would wonder if you could see a wound care specialist to help you to get that wound to heal and not become infected?

Best of luck to you, I hope it all heals well for you.

[NaNa 878]

I had my band done a little over a year ago on 7/3/2012, last October I developed a lump over my port, which turned into a weeping sore. Well short story is I had developed MRSA and had to have my now infected port removed. I had a new port put in this May and now, I've developed another open wound over my new port. This one doesn't look infected but won't heal and my doctor is worried about it. I am afraid if this little hole won't heal the doctor is going to have to remove my band. Anyone else had a problem like this?

Sadly, I have not seen very good outcomes with repeated port infections. Some have to get the port removed, and get on heavy antibiotics for a while, sometimes 6 months or more to try to get rid of all infection, and in most cases does not work out long term.

Also you did not mention if you were diabetic or not, but, on Allergan website, diabetics tend to have a hard time with the band, than others, since they are more prone to infections.

Infection can spread up the tubing to the band and cause band migration (erosion), if I were you, I'd be looking into eventually removing the band, and possibly looking for alternatives for weight loss.

I am wishing you the best.

[ThomasLeroy 21]

They are always very clean when the do my fills, the clean the area, open packages and syringes, I see them do it right in front of me. I'm not diabetic which is good, not taking any meds to compromise my immune system. They took a culture the other day and gave me a scipt for Bactrim so I am taking that. I'm keeping the dressing changed and using saline wash. Doing eveything in my power to get this sucker to heal. I don't want to lose my band, I have come a long way, 90 lbs. I don't want to gain it back, frankly I'm sacred as hell.

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

They are always very clean when the do my fills' date=' the clean the area, open packages and syringes, I see them do it right in front of me. I'm not diabetic which is good, not taking any meds to compromise my immune system. They took a culture the other day and gave me a scipt for Bactrim so I am taking that. I'm keeping the dressing changed and using saline wash. Doing eveything in my power to get this sucker to heal. I don't want to lose my band, I have come a long way, 90 lbs. I don't want to gain it back, frankly I'm sacred as hell.[/quote']

I don't blame you, I've be scared or of mind too.

I'll definitely keep you in my prayers.