I don't see much mention of any pain or discomfort with having fills. I am curious how they find the port, and if the needle hurts when they put it in. Also, how do they know they injected into the port and not your belly...especially if they are not using a flouroscope.

Thanks for your input.

Mary :thumbup:

In my case, it has been almost pain-free--just a pinprick sensation. I believe this is the norm, from what I've read. I've had two fills so far. My doctor doesn't use fluoroscopy. Here's what happens:

I lie on my back and elevate my head. This causes my stomach muscles to tighten and push the port upwards against the skin. It's hard and circular, and he locates it by visual inspection and by palpation (feeling for it). Next, he inserts the needle toward the bottom of the port. That way, if the needle slips against an edge, it slips into the port rather than upward and into the tubing. It doesn't really hurt at all--just a pinprick. I sit up, drink water to determine how fast it's going through the stoma, and then he injects the saline while I'm still in a sitting position.

The weirdest (not painful--just weird) sensation is when the needle comes out. There's a slight feeling of suction as it comes out of the the port.

The whole thing only takes a few minutes.

Hope this helps!

they can feel the port than they numb the area and go in with the needle

In the band there is blue saline so once they find the port and they think they are in they will withdraw the fluid to make sure it is blue than they inject more blue fluid

My doc uses a similar technique -- lie on your back on the table and lift your legs to contract your stomach muscles. The port is pretty easy to find. My surgery center does not use colored saline, but that's an interesting solution!

I imagine the difficulty only comes in if the port is tilted or under a very deep layer of fat. I've heard of fill docs who miss the port but it's never happened to me - mine is pretty close to the surface and super easy to find.

They make sure they hit your port by removing solution - if solution comes back into the syringe they know they are in the right spot. (then they put that back in and add some more) My port is really easy to find - so they can just feel it for a second and bam - stick it in. Not all ports are that easy though. Honestly, the stick doesn't hurt at all and my doctor doesn't numb me first or anything. It is sooo much easier than I expected. I'm kind of a big chicken.

You guys are great! Your detailed descritptions were so clear. I am much less anxious now. Thak you so much!

Mary:smile2:

I wish mine were that easy - every fill I get is worse. Yesterday I had my 7th fill and the worst. The Dr. just couldn't find the center of the port. I am sure mine must be tilted. I had 3 shots of novacane?? and It took LOTS of probing and 3 times before he got it. Right, normally it doesn't hurt ---just a pressure, but the last 2 times it has been painful! I finally do feel restriction now so hope I won't need another fill for awhile!

I have 2.5cc in a 4 cc band. I am loosing real slow and of course we all know that it has nothing to do with me and what I am eating and drinking ---but I am not gaining and it is slow but sure!

No It did bot hurt at all-And they use a ultrsound where I go so they can see what they are doing.