Sore Port

[hagerteresa 3]

Okay, I know most of you know I was in a car accident last week. I don't know if this problem is related but it is driving me nuts. For about 2 days after the accident my port area really was very tender and sore. I don't think the seatbelt rubbed or pulled on it in the accident and thought maybe I had just slept on it wrong. Sometimes that happens. That pain has gone away but now I have a needle like pain in the same area anytime I bend over or lean. I thought it was initially coming from a scar further down because there was a little bump on it and a needle size sore on it but now I am pretty sure it really is coming more from the port region itself. My job takes LOTS of bending over so it has really bugged me. I don't want to pay for an appt with the fill/ aftercare doctor without getting a fill but don't know if this is something I should go to my primary with either. I will have an appt next week with my primary so maybe I'll bring it up then. I haven't mentioned this to the doctors I've seen before (for the accident related injuries) because I wasn't sure that it is accident related. What do you all think and what should I do. I don't see any redness in the area, no heat, nothing. Just sharp little needle type pains. Thanks, Teresa

[New Hope 37]

Teresa, is your port located where your seatbelt crosses your tummy? Hope you get to feeling better and stop hurting!

[Vera 7]

I will have an appt next week with my primary so maybe I'll bring it up then. I haven't mentioned this to the doctors I've seen before (for the accident related injuries) because I wasn't sure that it is accident related. What do you all think and what should I do. I don't see any redness in the area, no heat, nothing.

You should report it, that's my opinion!

Yes there's that chance it got banged hard durning impact. You don't see redness that's a good sign.

On the other hand...

I think it's stress. Your a bundle of nerves.

Looking for the new car, brain compiling data. Insurance stuff..

If you've lost some weight lately, you feel the port more often.

I'd still report it with the attending insurance physican, at least get it on record.

[La_madam 20]

Teresa I get the same thing from time to timeit happens more often since I have lost more wieght, not so much in the beginning.. my port is fine. I have spoken to Dr. Ortiz aboutnthis and under the flouro my port looks perfect but I did go to him and have him check it out for piece of mind..maybe you should do that same thing, atleast have an X-ray?

[Mita 2]

Teresa,

You should really report anything that is cause for concern from the accident. The seat belt might have rubbed against it on impact and you did not notice but you should bring it up to your PCP and the Dr's you are seeing for the accident just to be on the safe side.

[Theresa Marie 0]

Terese, I am sorry you are having this pain. You got some good advise above; I am a newbie to this port thing so I don't know. I just wanted you to know I am thinking about you and hoping everything is working out okay with you and finding a new vehicle, etc. Those are such stressful things and then during the holidays on top of it. I am hoping that this pain will pass quickly. I bet with the stress your band is tighter and maybe that would affect this pain too? I have not a clue except I know I want the best for you -- a little poem for you. Smile!!!!!

[Rebeccalee 2]

Teresa, it could be that the seatbelt pulled on the area around your port and tore out one of the stitches. Probably nothing to do about it, but I'd charge a band doctor appointment to the insurance company and get a fill at the same time. Make sure you report it to the insurance, though, just in case.

[hagerteresa 3]

Okay... I know this has taken awhile but I finally got my port checked out by the band doctor today. It got rotated one direction 3 degrees and rotated another direction 15 degrees. Nothing too serious and doctor isn't even considering port revision surgery but it will make fills more difficult. Doctor says he'll only use flouro at this point. That is fine by me and hopefully my medical insurance will pick up the extra cost, at least they said they would a few weeks ago if it is submitted worded correctly (without the word obesity attached to it). The doctor decided to do a small fill today too. He was able to pull out .8 cc from the initial 1 cc he had origonally gave me and he added .4 cc to that totalling 1.2 cc's. I haven't tested it too much and stuck with liquids and Soups at this point but wanted to update everyone on the port situation. Thanks, Teresa

[Banded14yr 2]

Teresa,

I'm glad you went to see your fill doc. Hopefully the pains you have been experiencing will subside. I like the fact that he will use flouro in the future, it will give him a look at your band to make sure that everything looks O.K.

Be sure to take it easy for a few days and keep us updated on how you're doing

Tricia

[New Hope 37]

Teresa, does the dr. think the car wreck caused your port to move? Can't the guy that hit you be held responsible for your medical expenses (including a revision if needed)?

[Vera 7]

submitted worded correctly

Glad you had it checked out and got a fill on top of it.

As far as insurance go's, It's all how they word the report.

[hagerteresa 3]

Thanks everybody,

It's probable that the accident caused the port movement but the doctor thought it would be hard to prove. My PIP portion of my auto insurance is paying all my medical bills at this time and agreed to let me go to the band specialist. I am glad he'll use flouro everytime too, that first uncooperative blind fill in his office was a nightmare. My port area really doesn't hurt anymore and hasn't for awhile but I have felt a difference in the port area. I used to never be able to lay on my stomach for long and since the accident I can for much longer periods. My port was already tipped upright so when it moved it actually tipped back and to the side a little more. I am still getting therapy for my neck too. I was prescribed 8 sessions of massage therapy (NICE) and am still taking vicodin and flexeril. I had stopped the pills altogether a couple of weeks ago and had a massive flare up (couldn't move my head much) for several days. At the same time I had injured my eye for 3 days and got a bad cold (caused huge increase in restriction too). That was a terrible week. LOL... It is much better this week. I am also still getting really bad headaches once or twice a week. They go away fairly easily if I catch them early but if I accidently wait they get hard to get rid of. Anyway, I can't wait till all this accident crap ends. I finally settled on my car last week and got exactly what I wanted. What a relief that was!!! I'm still waiting on the darned check though. Anyway thanks for all the support, Teresa

[New Hope 37]

Teresa, please hold off on settling with the health portion of your insurance. Hopefully, you're not going to have any long-term side effects from this wreck. You need to know that your medical expenses will be covered regardless. Perhaps you should have an MRI to check why you're having headaches and still having the neck pains. Those are very expensive if you have to pay that out of pocket. Please look out for yourself, because the insurance company is only worried about how cheap they can get out of this. I hope you get better very, very soon. (((Hugs)))

[hagerteresa 3]

Hi Marie,

I am waiting on the medical parts. I want to be pain free for at least a few months before I sign off on anything. My company has treated me really good now but the other company stank. They haven't even made any offers on my medical and I had to settle the value of my car thru my own company. I was able to get double what the other company was offering. They offered $2300, I wanted $4300 and was able to get $4391 thru my own company after my deductable. I'm STILL waiting for the check to get here though. They had to pay the last $1600 on my old car off and that has already been taken care of. I hope metlife treats their own customers better than they treat victims hit by their drivers. I have never dealt with such a rude insulting person as their total loss guy. Anyway Marie, yes I am waiting on the medical parts. I have been to the doctor umpteen times over this and will go back as long as I need to. Best wishes, Teresa

[Iluvharleys 15]

Good for you Teresa! You need to make sure you have no complications at all before you sign on that dotted line!