One port, two ports, three ports, four....

DeLarla · February 4, 2005

I can sum up an update on my most recent surgery with one word:

O U C H

leatha_g · February 4, 2005

It makes sense to me that an ulcer INSIDE the stomach wall could weaken the stomach tissue enough to possibly aid any erosion from the band, however, the band is OUTSIDE of the stomach. I don't think any pills will lead to any real erosion of the band itself because they will never touch it.

True band erosion comes from the outside in, where the band erodes into the outer walls of the stomach, much like a wire or rope invading the bark of a tree after having been there for awhile.

I would definitely think it would be a good precaution to minimize the amount of irritants to the lining of the stomach either way.

Penni60 · February 4, 2005

Erosion can happen a couple different ways. One is how leatha mentioned by the band eroding into the stomach wall from the outside in. Another is from where the stomach lining gets irritated and forms an ulcer then continues to erode from the inside out exposing the band. This can be seen on an endoscopy as a white patch in the stomach lining.

The misconception is that the band itself actually erodes and breaksdown. That does NOT happen. The band is simply exposed to stomach acids only after the stomach wall is compromised by an ulcer or other stomach irritants.

Hope this has clarified things.

DeLarla · February 4, 2005

Leatha, that makes sense. But what if the ulcer inside my stomach got so big that it made a hole to the outside? Or is that what Penni said? Heck, I'm on pain meds. What do I know?

Another wound update... Bloody Mary (that's what I call my gross friend) just did my daily unpacking of the wound. When she re-packed it, this time she had to cut an inch off the gauze, which means the wound is closing and doesn't need as much packing.

Had to leave work early cuz my belly is so sore. The wound feels fine, but all the lower bruising has me walking hunched over, ergo, OUCH.

Vickums · February 5, 2005

Lisa, I think that's what Penni was saying, that erosion can happen from the outside in, or from the inside out, which is caused by ulceration.

I'm so sorry you're in so much pain, honey. Here's hoping that Dr. Billy fixed you up good so you've seen the worst of it. And yay for less packing material. I've done my share of wound packing (unlike some here, I hate it but it's a necessary evil) and it's always a good sign when you need less gauze. So yay for Bloody Mary's excellent packing skills.

Penni60 · February 5, 2005

Lisa: I feel so sorry that you are having such pain from this last surgery. But at least the packing is less. Um,... for all us gross people WHERE IS A PIC??? Get Mary to take one then send it to me and I will post it so you don't gotta see it. LOLOL!!!!

I love you guys so much that I am taking time out from my weekend with John to post here. ISn't that true love?? OOPS!! Should be true love to JOhn HMMM!!!!

We are in San Simeon on the oceanside. Lovely!!

DeLarla · February 5, 2005

This time I remembered the camera, but I forgot to take it out of my purse till the wound was packed. But here's Bloody Mary throrougly enjoying the grossness of my disgusting wound. This is a horrible pic of her though - right outta bed with no makeup and a new poodle-perm. She's my darling cutie pie.

This is her bent-over my belly, just finishing up the packing.

DeLarla · February 5, 2005

This is the best I can do for now - here's the wound all packed up. I'll try to remember to take a picture today.

Iluvharleys · February 5, 2005

It's looking really good, no redness or anything. I think it's going to heal up good this time.

DeLarla · February 5, 2005

All I can do is dream about the day that "underwear" doesn't include bra, panties and bandage. Mary just did my Saturday change and cut off even more excess bandage. She thinks it looks really good. Thanks, Betty!