Hi all,

Well as you know I have been a perfect healer from day 1. Then today happened. I am getting the worst cramps in my side next to my port. If feels as if my port wants to "pop out" of my tummy! I didn't do anything difficult, all I did was go to Sam's Club to get some groceries (wasn't lifting anything heavy and didn't even push the cart!)

It feels very similar to a runners cramp. Ya know that cramp you get in your side after about 1 mile of walking fast or running???

And it seems to be better if I lean on a pillow on the port side and kind of "hold it all in". Am I wierd?

I have only gotten this feeling before after eating but today it was hella worse and I hadn't just eaten nor was I hungry.

It has no subsided but my port is a bit sore to the touch. could I be rejecting the port? I am sooooooo freaking out!!

Anyone have a clue?????

Jeeze Jenna! No idea what's going on. Have you called your DR? This sounds down right weird!

Jenna

I got that all the time in the beginning. Occassionally I still do and I am 1 year post op. When I asked Dr. Ortiz & Dr. Martinez about it , they told me it was normal, and that sometimes gas gets trapped around the port area around the tubing. Not to worry, you are normal. Over the last year of being banded I have heard this same thing from many many bandsters. But to make you feel better, you know you can call Dr. Martinez anytime on his cell phone and he will ease your mind so you are not freaking out

Your not alone with this.. I had it up untill 1 week or so ago.. I did what you did layed on my side on a pillow and it helped.. It did go away, I'm hoping the same will hapen for you.. Oh yeah, when I first started eating solids I would get that feeling also.. I later have found out that it's one of the "signs" that you have had enough food.. but even that dosn't happen as much, and it dosn't scare me anymore.. Hang in there!!!

okay, i feel better.

even though my doctors gave me their cell numbers I still feel funny about just calling them to ask a question. i guess i just feel wierd because i know they are busy people. i also know they wouldn't have given out the numbers if they didn't think that people would actually call, it is just strange to get my surgeon on the line with just one call ha ha. I thought I would bring it up to Martinez at my fill time on May 7th.

I am glad I am not alone and it is common. I was starting to think I was having port rejection or hypertension or something awful. It comes and goes now. More so after I eat, but most recently just an uncomfortable cramp in the left side (no where near the stomach and the band but near the port). Laying on a pillow and putting "pressure" on it certainly helps. I can live with it as long as I know it is a temporary pain. Its more bothersome at work with my belt on but I have to pay the bills.

Thanks Michelle Vines and Tara!!

Jenna, I know one of our members mentioned using a "binder." maybe search on that?

does that help?? I am willing to try whatever. Where do I get one? I will try searching for it. Plus, hee hee hee I am all for anything that makes my stomach look all flat!

Hey Princess, Donali and one other person mentioned a binder in my drama thread OMG I didn't die when I got back. I couldn't have imagined putting on a binder at that point, but I'm beginning to see how that might be comfy.

I haven't had the pain you are describing...wonder if it is associated with bowels? You know, I think the colon fills up the left side of your body (port side?) then over the top of your tummy, so if you are "full of crap"??? dunno, just an idea.

Anyway, research those two gals and maybe find out where they got these things? Hope that helps.

I have been experiencing this kind of cramping almost since I got home from my surgery. I seems to go away when I walk. I don't think it has to do with the bowels because I have not had a problem going to the bathroom. Has your pain passed or are you still experiencing it? How long did it last if not?

I used a binder that my husband had used for a back problem. It has velcro and is about 6 inches wide. It felt sooooo good. I even slept with it the first week. It seemed to hold everything in and I noticed that when I wore it, it seemed to take the swelling out of my stomach.

nah, it is gone, only after i eat is a slight cramping. I do wear a tight skin type undershirt at work now and it does seems to help.