HELP!! The needle got stuck while attempting 1st fill!!

Peds Nurse · September 26, 2007

I went today for my 1st fill of 1.0cc. Everything seemed fine at first, but the MD kept trying to access the port and moving the needle around. This part wasn't too bad, but it was when the needle got STUCK that she shit hit the fan. OMG!! I'm pretty tough, but this was comparable to childbirth. :omg: The MD had me arch my back and try to lift like I was doing a sit up while the RN was holding my hand and pushing on my stomach for counter pressure. I just never imagined something like this happening. Obviously after about 5 minutes - which seemed like forever, he finally pulled the needle out, it was bent a pretty good bit. This MD has an impecable reputation and great skills, I just don't know how this happened. I will go back next week and he will attempt it again under Fluro - a live X-Ray. He said this would also show if the port had flipped or if it was damaged in the fill attempt. PLEASE let me know if any of you have had or heard of this happening!!! Not to mention I am very HUNGRY:hungry:.

bitteroldhag · September 30, 2007

My nurse practitioner must have poked me about 20 times on one fill. She kept sticking my stomach muscles and that hurt. Finally, I suggested I get an xray so she could find the stupid port. I did, to the tune of $800,but it worked. Now, after losing 40 pounds I can feel the port really easily though it has moved. I just hope it hasn't flipped over. Good luck with the fluoro.

tizen33 · September 30, 2007

wow- now I'm a little freaked out when it comes time for getting a fill. How freaky. Hope there wasn't any damage and that it doesn't happen again!!

Peds Nurse · October 2, 2007

Just a quick update. I went today under Fluro to have my 1.0cc fill. After about another 20 minutes or so of feeling around and looking and rolling from side to side, my band was finally filled. Apparently it has rotated a bit...not flipped, but not flat either. My MD said we'd watch it and it may have to be replaced later:cry.