Port flipped

beckiet · December 5, 2007

Okay....I'm beginning to think I upset a leprechaun sometime along. First the regular infection, then a large bout with MRSA staph infection 4 months out at the main incision site...now I go in today for my first fill since September...couldn't have one because of the MRSA.....and the fluro showed that my port had completely flipped!

My port had been angled before for the last two fills. It looked fine at first on fluro...I thought, "great! my zumba has really helped to get it in place" until Judy had trouble. She thought it was scar tissue until she tapped the needle and you could hear metal.

So, now I have to have another procedure to fix the port. Since I'm more than 3 months out, they have to go through the entire insurance approval process again. Mind you, I switch insurances on Jan. 1 to a provider that doesn't cover this doctor and all would be out of pocket expenses.

Plus, I'm taking over billing for my employer when a co-worker goes on medical leave on Dec. 12th for a month...would be nice to have this done before then, but I know my insurance better.

Please, pray for me and happy thoughts my way....

wombat712 · December 5, 2007

awwee - I'm so sad to hear that you are running into another hurdle. You must have the patience of Job at this point with all the trials you have been having. You are most definitely in my prayers!!

wombat

beckiet · December 5, 2007

Thanks, Wombat, I appreciate the prayers. It definitely has been a long journey, but at least I am losing and I'm hoping that if my insurance approves before 1/1 and I get it done before 1/1 that it doesn't happen again. I've been looking online to find out what causes the flipping...and I haven't found much. I've searched this site and that's helped.

FarmerE · December 6, 2007

That sucks m'dear. I've tried looking too as far as causes for the port to flip and I haven't really seen much except for exercising right after surgery. Did your doc suture your's in place? I asked mine at one point because I thought it had moved from when I run on the treadmill. (I'm always afraid I'm going to fall off so I run against the bar - which is right where my port is.) He told me it was held is place with four different sutures and that it would be almost impossible for me to move it without some effort.

Let us know what you find out on causes. Good luck to you though!

beckiet · December 6, 2007

Thanks, FarmerE. The surgeon who looked at the fluro yesterday for second says they use four stitches around theirs as well. I am hoping to hear some news today or tomorrow. Will keep everyone posted to what I find out.

Suzzzie. · December 9, 2007

Beckie!!! I HATE this for you! I think it makes me worry more when something goes wrong with you cause we had the same surgeon on the same day... I keep thinking 'that could be me..' You definitly got a raw deal with the infections and now the flipped port. I'll pray that you get approved quickly and that everything goes well... this time WITHOUT infection!!!

Sades · December 9, 2007

Sorry to hear about your dilemma Beckie. I don't have any idea why this could have happened. I hope it all gets sorted for you, without too much cost. As you say, at least you are still losing.

insubordination · December 9, 2007

How frustrating! You have me worried as on the last two fills, the doc said that my port had rotated a lot but he could still reach it under flouro. My insurance doesn't kick in until mid June 09 so if I need anything before then, tough.

I seriously hope this works out for you. Keep us posted.

beckiet · December 10, 2007

Suzzzie, I know what you mean! I keep looking at your posts and you are doing so well and I think, "that's my band-twin". You are doing wonderful! I don't think it's anything Dr. Ellison or the center have done, just the luck of the draw. I tried to be very careful after surgery and not lift the kids, but I know I wasn't perfect on that, so I'm sure that didn't help.

Sades, thanks for the well wishes. I did get some good news on Friday...I've been approved (a call from my care coordinator with my insurance) and then my surgeon's office called and good news...I've met my Out Of Pocket for the year!!!

Insubordination, each person's different. My docs thought my sideways positioning was normal for me. I asked them what I could do to help get it back to the right way of facing and they suggested exercising. When I went in Wednesday I took one look and thought "I did it!"...until we discovered the tink of metal.

I will keep you all posted. I hope to hear more today.