Burning under my skin

BEBBLY · November 4, 2003

Hi everyone,

I have a question about PBs.

Two days ago I went out to eat with my family. Three spoons into my dinner and the pain started. I stopped eating (obviously) and thought that it would pass. Well it didn't and for the first time I PB'd 2X.

Later that night I tried some Soup, again 3 spoons later and another PB.

Question is: Since then my port has been sore and burning under my skin a little (although it seems to be getting better with time). Should I be concerned? Did I rip anything? Has my band slipped?

My doctor is in Mexico so I can't just drop by and visit, so I thought I would the expertise of this group before I panic.

Any input would be appreciate it.

P.S. I have been able to eat and drink and keep it down since then.

Thanks,

Mary:(

donali · November 4, 2003

Hi Mary -

Since you've said the port pain seems to be getting better, and you've had no further problems keeping foods down, this is my guess - because the port is attached to the tubing, which is attached to the band, you pb's would have made your stomach move up and down, hence the band would move with it, in turn affecting the tubing and then the port.

I know that when I'm full, my port tends to ache a little bit, and my only logical explanation for that is that the pressure of my full stoma pushes back against the restriction of the band, which forces saline towards the port and the tubing tries to straighten (like a garden hose when the Water is turned on full). I realize this could only be a tiny bit of movement, but that may be all it takes to tweak those nerves around the port.

Again, this is just my theory. As long as you are getting better and keeping food down, I would not worry.

Alexandra · November 5, 2003

Hi Mary,

I agree with Donali. A slipped or damaged band or port would likely make itself felt to you in no uncertain terms. PBing can upset things, though, and I felt residual pain even hours after a bad episode.

Take it slow and do pay attention to how things feel going down. I think if you're doing better and the discomfort has lessened, you didn't do anything serious.