I had a doctor's appointment this morning and actually made the appointment to see him because, since surgery, I have a constant pain in my left upper arm depending on how I'm positioned. It's much worse when I'm lying down and it's gotten worse with each fill.

After doing a lot of research on the internet, I've discovered that it's something called 'phrenic nerve pain' and most likely is related to some portion of the band system rubbing against my diaphragm. With each fill it probably pulled something more taught, causing increased rubbing on the diaphragm.

I told my surgeon about this last time (through his assistant) so he would have time to check on it as they'd never heard of this problem. Apparently he has, but it's not something he's ever run across.

My problem is that he has limited suggestions. I can get the fill removed :wink: so that the pain is minimal, but this isn't a reasonable solution since without the fill, it's like I'm not banded. If I want to get rid of the pain completely, I can have the band removed. Or I can take pain meds to deal with it.

I don't like any of these solutions but this if these are my only choices, I'll put up with the pain for as long as I can and lose as much as I can, have the band taken out and *hope* I will, by that time, have learned new food habits and can keep it off on my own.

I'm praying there are other options so if anyone out there has heard of this and can help, please please, I'd like to hear it.

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I, too, had this pain in the beginning and it was AWFUL. I talked to my doctor's office about it and they didn't have much to say. Weeks later, when I was really unhappy about it, I called again and my doctor's nurse said that it was probably phrenic nerve irritation - but suggested that their patients never really experienced this. She didn't have any solutions to offer other than Tylenol.

I did a bunch of research on it as I was freaked out that the pain might be a permanent situation for me, but with time it went away. From my research, it seems that some people have it go away after a number of months. Band shortening seems to have worked for some folks as well. And then there were a few folks who still had the pain a year or more out from their surgery.

I believe that with the weightloss the pain will go away also. I'm quite relieved to hear this! My pain in more in the left side of my neck. And it isn't there all the time. I notice it more after a "stuck" epidsode.

Just wanted to say so sorry...hopefully there is something that will help you...keep us all informed.

It sees alot of us have different problems...I guess when they put something inside that is not suppose to be there...stuff happens.

Again so sorry you are going thru this.

Elfie, I had the phrenic nerve pain for months. It could have been worse for me because of many things. I had H.hernia repair and have had fibro for years. I would tell you not to get an unfill. You have been working toward your sweet spot and it is worth your effort. All I can tell you is that the pain does stop and the pressure on the nerve does stop with just the right amount of weightloss. I found that the equate brand menthol pain patches from walmart saved me and my sleep at this stage. Just put one on your arm or shoulder in the evening and leave it on all night. They are only $3.98 and well worth the trip to walmart.

I am new to this forum and I am really getting alot of good information. I was wondering if you could tell me how long the phrenic nerve pain lasted? I noticed you said in your post you had it for months. Thanks.

At this point I don't remember because the pain has gone away. I think it was 3 months, but that is much longer than most people talk about. I might just be a freak of nature.

Elfie,

Did you try the pain patches? I sure hope they helped you. They really worked great for me.

Not yet. I should've gotten them Thursday but I was too tired to drive into town (30 minutes) after my sleepless night. I meant to go Friday but we had a winter storm. Caught me unawares. That's what happens when you don't watch tv, I guess.

At any rate, my husband and I are doing our weekly trip into town today and they are at the top of my list. I hope they work as well for me as they did you!

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Have any of you with the pain had the hiatal hernia repair? Sometimes I think that is what is giving me the problem.

I felt something in the front and wondered if that was the hernia repair and the doctor said no that was in the back.

Phrenic nerve trauma is, from what I understand, pretty commonly associated with hiatal hernia repair. It is also associated with laparoscopic surgery, in general; the introduction of CO2 into the abdominal cavity can be irritating--and persistent.

Some surgeons reduce this by removing all CO2 at the end of the procedure. Others (few) heat and humidify the CO2 so its (much colder than body) temperature does not damage tissues. A few do gasless laparoscopy.

Elfie, I think it's a good idea to investigate the placement of your tubing and port, but would also keep in mind that you might be one of the unlucky few for whom this pain persists longer than is most common. From what I've read, it seems that for some, it really can be a nagging problem. But, too, it seems as though it does tend to resolve eventually.

I'm sorry you're in such pain! Nerve pain is really very miserable. Will your doctor help you with pain management until it resolves?

ETA: I just read that you've been prescribed patches--that's wonderful. Adequate pain relief is so, so important!