Saturday evening, I started to feel pain deep underneath the general area of my port incision. When I bend or turn too far to that side, it is a very sharp and very intense pain that leaves me holding my side and taking some deep breaths. I have had no pain for a couple of weeks now, until this. It is not constant, and today its not as severe as Sat., but still hurts when I move wrong. I called my surgeon's partner Saturday night (my dr is on vacation) and he said it was nothing. Said I probably pulled a stitch or tore the muscle its stitched too and to relax...it happens. Well, today I called my bariatric nurse and she said I should go in and get checked out to be safe. So I called the surgeon's office and they transferred me to his MA (I don't even know what that stands for). I am waiting for a call back. I am thinking about ripped stitches, flipping ports, major things that would require revisional surgery. But the surgeon seemed unconcerned. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully the MA will call me soon. Thanks.

Edited April 28, 200818 yr by TxChelsey

MA means medical assistant which is a nurse. I agree, get it checked and ease your mind. I don't care if the doc said its nothing. Its your body and I think you should go, but, don't see the doc that doc if you can help it.

Hi,

I think I can help you with this one:

A "nurse" is legal description, indicating licensure as either an LPN "Licensed Practical Nurse", (LVN in California); or a Registered Nurse. It also would include Advanced Practice nurses such as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Clinical Nurse Specialists, etc. A Medical Assistant is not a nurse. It is illegal to represent oneself as a "nurse", unless you are so licensed.

I did assume MA was some sort of medical assistant. I just figured that was a general term and was unsure of the exact function this person served or their credentials. I know they do not specialize in expedient return phone calls. Thanks for the info. However, the pain is of far greater concern than the abbreviation.

Edited April 28, 200818 yr by TxChelsey

What did they say about your pain?? I am wondering cause I have something similar....

Thanks!

Yes, please do update what they say... I get the same thing also.