Need some support on issue in Vancouver ! Infected port!! No doctor!!

[Devotedlillly 1]

I was banded 12 years ago by dr Leung in surrey, bc. When I was banded, I was lucky to have my surgery covered by bc medical . about 6 months later, they stopped all funding.

I have had three port revisions.

I currently have an infected port. I called dr.leung, but his phone is not in service ...hmmm..

I was told dr. Amson assisted in my original surgery. I called his office, and they agreed to see me.

Yesterday he told me my port needed to be removed ASAP and I needed to be on antibiotics and then my port replaced. He could not do it or me.

He suggested dr woodhesd or another dr.

I called both today, and was told they would not fix it for me, however if I wanted to pay $7000 I could wait 6 to 8 weeks and they would remove it.

I suggested by that point I would be dead, but thank you for the offer of taking my money..what???

I have an oozing infection, a medical issue, that needs to be dealt with..and I am being looked at as a dollar sign.

Anyway, beyond that...I need some suggestions , and I need them fast! I don't want to loose my band. I have no doctor in charge of me now, and nobody will take me....help!!!!!

I need help before the infection reaches my stomach!!!!

Suggestions????

Maybe I should go to Mexico???

[elcee 3,343]

How about you go straight to emergency, preferably an ER at a hospital that has a good bariatric department. Surely then they will have to do something.

[elcee 3,343]

PS. At this point losing your band should be the last of your worries. Ensuring that you do not have a life threatening complication is far more important.

[Devotedlillly 1]

Unfortunately the band is done in private clinics here only. ER departments just look at you and tell you to go the DR the put it in. My Dr has retired. That is the problem. No one will take me.

[Bos123 221]

If you go to emerge they have to treat you even if they just take it out. Then if they won't redo it get it done in Mexico. They are great there and here in ab you can get reimbursed for about 70% of the costs for put of country surgeries..

[line-dancer 810]

are they at least giving you meds to take care of the infection? removing it is a separate issue I would think. good luck

[blinks 1]

Call Dr. Nam Nguyen at West Coast Bariatric Surgery in Richmond.

He is my surgeon and one if the initial questions I asked him was what happens when there is a problem. He advised me that he is the surgeon in BC that does all lapband repairs and that when there is a problem it is covered under MSP.

[Devotedlillly 1]

I am on antibiotics right now.

I did call Dr Nguyen , he was one of the doctors Dr Amson referred me to. The person on the phone said it would be at least 6 weeks to see him, this was after she said he was not taking any new patients though...

On Monday I will return to my dr and see if he can refer me to him again...that is good news...

I wonder if it is covered because he initially banded u?

At least this gives me some hope.

In the meantime, I am getting sicker. The discharge is getting more and more each day

And the pain is increasing

Thank you for some hope.

On monday I will have to make a plan

[Spaness2012 609]

I would walk into an ER and demand they see you. At the very least...they have to address the infection with heavy duty antibiotics.

Good luck!

[MadamBroom 20]

If you go to emerge they have to treat you even if they just take it out. Then if they won't redo it get it done in Mexico. They are great there and here in ab you can get reimbursed for about 70% of the costs for put of country surgeries..

Hi

Alberta will only cover some of the costs. Of the $15,000 I paid Dr. Colburne I rec'd approx $1,800 back from Alberta Health Services.

[Bos123 221]

Hi

Alberta will only cover some of the costs. Of the 15' date='000 I paid Dr. Colburne I rec'd approx 1,800 back from Alberta Health Services.[/quote']

Wow I got the plication, paid 6500 and got 2700 back... Maybe you could appeal? I received my rebate early this year, when did you get yours? Maybe they changed some of the requirements? Then you can claim your travel on your taxes.

[edmontongirl 2]

Wow I got the plication' date=' paid 6500 and got 2700 back... Maybe you could appeal? I received my rebate early this year, when did you get yours? Maybe they changed some of the requirements? Then you can claim your travel on your taxes.[/quote']

Where did you have the plication done? Are you happy with it? How has your journey been?

I'm still trying to decide what the best option is for me

[Bos123 221]

Where did you have the plication done? Are you happy with it? How has your journey been?

I'm still trying to decide what the best option is for me

I am super happy! I am 5'7, hw was 218, sw was 202, cw 156... A bit of a slow loser but I haven't been this small in ages. I live in a rural area so lb "upkeep" made me nervous... The sleeve was too scary... So plication it was. Wouldn't change a thing, no complications and I feel satisfied with a portion I what I used to be able to eat. It's unreal. Years of yo yoing and I am so grateful for this tool. I had it done in tj with dr Ortiz.