HELP!! I have sudden pain in my port area

alicia · September 3, 2003

I am 6 weeks post op and this morning I am experiencing sharp pain (almost like a pinch) in my port area. It occurs when I move a certain way and when I touch it.

Any thoughts or similar experieince?

I see my doctor this afternoon, but I am so worried. I am imaging the worst case scenario.... I need some support....

Alexandra · September 3, 2003

Hey Alicia--the good news is that you're going to see your doctor this afternoon. You don't have to wait and worry and wonder for the space of a weekend or worse! So you'll know what's what in short order.

It's probably nothing, a pinched nerve at most, but even if it is the worst-case scenario (which is what?) it's not likely to be difficult to fix. I know someone who had a disconnected port early on and he had it repaired and was on his way.

Good luck this afternoon, and don't forget to let us know what your doctor says!

bunkie68 · September 3, 2003

Alicia, I don't have any advice, as I've only been banded a week. Hope everything is OK - update us after your appointment!

Originally posted by Alexandra
but even if it is the worst-case scenario (which is what?) it's not likely to be difficult to fix. I know someone who had a disconnected port early on and he had it repaired and was on his way.

Alexandra, that brings up something I've been wondering - what exactly did they have to do to fix that person's disconnected port? (My apologies, Alicia, for hijacking your thread - I know this is completely off topic! :rolleyes: ) Is it surgery again, complete with general anesthesia, or something less than that? Thanks!

alicia · September 3, 2003

no problem, bunkie68, I wondered the same thing. :rolleyes:

Thank you Alexandra and bunkie68 for your well wishes.... I guess I overracted, but when you hurt for no reason, there is a tendency to overreact. I just got a call from the doctor's assistant who said that sometimes people get a pain like mine; it is a normal occurence. It has something to do with the muscle. She wasn't exact but did apologize for telling me earlier that the pain wasn't normal (that's what made me think it was a worst case scenario!).

She said that I could continue with my activities and said if I still wanted to come in this afternoon I could but there really wasn't a reason. Since my fill is with on Monday, I'll wait.

Thanks again for your thoughts! I was scared! :cry

Alexandra · September 3, 2003

So glad to hear it's nothing, Alicia! And now you've educated all of us other recent bandsters who would have worried had we had the same pain. Thank you!

Lisa, as I recall my acquaintance did have to have an additional surgery, but I don't know how elaborate it was. I'll see if I can dig up his story and post the details here.

FoxyJeun · September 3, 2003

Hi Alicia,

I had the same pain this morning.I guess I had slept in a wrong position and when I woke up and got out of bed I felt a sharp pain and then it was gone.And all I could think was ...hope the thing didn't flipover.I phoned my doc too and he reassured me that this was highly unlike to have happened.He actually said something about a nerve too.

Hope the fill goes smoothly.And let us know how things went.

Greetings from Holland.

lisae · September 3, 2003

Most ports can be repaired and even replaced under a local anesthetic in the doctor's office or a day surgery place.

mezazea · September 3, 2003

Just out of curiousity, where are your ports placed? Mine is tethered just under my breast bone. I was under the impression that this was now the standard as there is less chance for slippage, flipping etc.

alicia · September 4, 2003

My port is supposedly just under the left rib cage, at least that's where my largest scar is and that's where they put the port in, says the docs assistant. The doc says I can't feel the port until I get smaller or lay on my back and press really hard... after the pain I had today? no thanks!! (Thanks again for ya'lls concern!)

Alexandra · September 4, 2003

My port also seems to be under my rib cage to the left side. I can't feel it either, which is fiiiine with me.

FoxyJeun · September 4, 2003

Originally posted by alicia
My port is supposedly just under the left rib cage, at least that's where my largest scar is and that's where they put the port in, says the docs assistant. The doc says I can't feel the port until I get smaller or lay on my back and press really hard... after the pain I had today? no thanks!! (Thanks again for ya'lls concern!)

Mine is in the same place.

I can feel it slightly when I stand/sit but when I lay on my back It actually sticks out a bit.Even my husband has felt it.Kinda weird.

ChubbleBubble · September 22, 2003

I too have a really bad, sharp pain in my port area. I was really scared until I read some of the posts. My port has always hurt at some time or another (since surgery) but yesterday it started hurting really bad. (I'm 6 weeks post op). I go into the Dr.'s office today (my PCP) and I will have her check it out to see what she thinks but I've been so worried. I can eat normally (I haven't had a fill yet--waiting on my PCP to get ready as she will start doing fills SOMETIME?!) and I have no restriction what so ever. I did lose 13 lbs but I feel like I have gained it all back. I'm really discouraged. :sick Oh. well... wish me luck!

alicia · September 22, 2003

Good luck with the Dr's visit.

As far as the pain, I've only experienced it one other time (a very sharp stab). And the doctor told me it was because I was losing weight and the port was moving a little and tugging at the sutures. The pain will be less as it heals.