My wound is still open and leaking. I just got back from having a Cat Scan, so I'll take the films to the appointment I have with a local surgeon on 10/21. I had to drink a bottle of Cheetah before the scan - this milky digusting stuff that tastes like (RATED XXX)... well, never mind what it tastes like, but I had to gag down a 15 ounce bottle that's flavored with coconut as if that would cover the taste.

This whole time I thought there was a hard cyst under the incision, and I've been waiting for it to break down and dissolve. I even massage it to help it along. But DUH, that's my tube! I always assumed the tube was part of the port, so all this time I thought they removed the tube when they removed the port. So the hard lump is tube.

I wonder if I should cancel my local surgeon's appointment and just take the films to Mexico to save time and expense. Since this incision is apparently not healed, maybe Dr. Kuri would consider putting a new port in low in my belly. There's no way on earth he'll ever put a port in this place that refuses to heal. Then again, a new port is gonna be another $2,000, which I don't have. So I'm not sure what to do.

Lisa - Hopefully they can finally find out what the problem is. It would be great if it could be healed up and you could get a new port. If that tubing is sticking out, maybe it is keeping it from healing too. Keep on top of it lady, let's get you healed up!

Hi Lisa,

You need to do whatever it takes to get that thing healed. Its ridiculous that it has taken so long. As far as the pool thing, I had no idea I was supposed to stay out of the Water so as soon as my plane landed home from my surgery trip, I was in my hottub. I do heal pretty easily and never had a problem from that but I hadn't even thought about the perils from using the tub either. Keep the chin up and hopefully it all gets figured out. Are there immune booster things? Teresa

I'm glad you're starting the process of getting that hole plugged. Glad you have a tube, too.

Immune boosters? You mean like sleeping & lowering stress? Now that's funny. I had my first anxiety attack at 17. Sometimes I remind myself to slow down, other times Chris reminds me, and sometimes my friends remind me. But lately, my anxiety is through the roof. But it never lasts long, and I feel a nice calm period coming on. I took Monday off and spent the whole day riding my motorcycle all over, just thinking and enjoying the day. I don't do that enough... making a mental note to do more of nothing and less of something.

Lisa, my friend, I am glad that you are addressing this wound. You really do need to resolve this problem. It sounds like the tubing may be causing the problem, whatever it is, needs to get fixed. I have to say that I agree with Penni and Michelle about having Dr. Billy take care of you. ( just my 2 cents!) I know it is more expensive, but he is here and available for you, should you need him. Dr. Kuri is certainly good hearted, but he hasn't fixed your problem, nor is he available for you to consult. You've got a stubborn situation here, it needs more than sporatic attention. I don't mean to be lecturing you, but I am truly concerned about your health. As always, wishing for you all the good things you deserve. Denise

Trust me, I'd be at Dr. Billy's office next week, but I'm all out of credit cards. I'm seeing a local surgeon in 8 days. If it doesn't go well, I'll see who is going to Mexico and maybe share gas and/or hotel. I'm fed up, so I'll be on the ball till it's resolved!

Lisa, not to scare you but to encourage you to follow through on this... I don't know if our lap band is in our perotineal cavity or not. But w/a dialysis catheter, you have to continually be aware of infections that can lead to peritonitis (can be fatal). My husband ended up in the ER w/ a "mild" case of it (that had him doubling over in severe pain.) I don't ever want to see a severe case after that scare! For the 18 months he was on dialysis, he was never allowed to swim or bathe (just shower). I had to change the bed sheets very, very often. An open draining wound and continual antibiotics is not a good thing. Infection could travel down your tube. Please get this checked out.

Thanks Marie. I guess I needed to start this thread to take the wound more seriously. No more swimming till it's healed. I'm keeping it clean and using antibiotic cream provided by my doctor in Mexico. The area is not hot or red or inflamed. As a matter of fact, it hasn't bothered me at all till I posted this, and now it's sore and giving me the willies. I'm going to call the surgeon and see if they can squeeze me in earlier.

Lisa: I am going to call Dr. Billy's office to set up an appointment for you. The money is not an issue at this point. So stop letting that stop you from getting it taken care of or I will come there and kick your ass. Get down here and I will drive you to his office.

I will call you later tonight to discuss the details. Or call me at home NOW!

Lulu, go read your e-mail!

Lulu, go read your e-mail!

I will as soon as it comes through. NOTHING YET!!