What would a fractured port or a tubing issue feel like?

Karen R.
on 2/27/15 7:29 am - Amelia, OH
Revision on 09/10/15

After having a "coughing spell" the area around my port is very sore. I have to use my hand and splint the area if I need to cough. Thoughts?

Kate -True Brit
on 2/27/15 5:07 pm - UK

Fractured tubing etc would cause a loss of saline and so loss of all restriction.

if in doubt, always ask your doctor but soreness after a coughing fit sounds like you have pulled something and so that shouid settle after a couple of days.

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

Karen R.
on 2/27/15 9:53 pm, edited 2/27/15 11:21 pm - Amelia, OH
Revision on 09/10/15

Thank you for your thoughts. My situation is complicated. I had my band put in 2010; about a year after that, I received a letter from the clinic stating that my surgeon was no longer seeing weight loss patients. I was doing ok, so I did nothing.

About 17 months ago I started having issues with my gall bladder, pain and lots of vomiting. I tried to wait to see my PCP, as it was the holidays, but I ended up in the hospital and a day later they took out that pesky gall bladder. I thought after surgery life would return to normal, not so. The vomiting continued. I went back to the ED and was told nothing was wrong other than a little dehydration. So they gave me fluids, a prescription for vomiting and sent me on my way. So I though, ok I am just being a hypochondriac.

During the next ten months I tried to suck it up. The vomiting continued, so much so I ended up giving myself a ventral hernia. A few weeks ago I ended up in my PCP’s office for a regular appointment. I told her what was going on and showed her my hernia. She said she was concerned about my band and referred me to a surgeon. It took me a few weeks to get an appointment (the appt is 3/9/15) so I am just careful. Besides all this vomiting, I have these coughing spells in the evening when I sit down to watch TV; one of those spells is what has led me to this very painful port. I know I need to see the surgeon, but I am concerned he will say there is nothing wrong and send me on my way making me feel like a wimp. 

Kate -True Brit
on 2/27/15 10:22 pm - UK

This may not be what you want to hear but this may well be caused by your band. If you are vomiting regularly it is too tight and coughing can be caused by reflux, another sign of being too tight. The longer this goes on the more damage may be caused. You are right to see a specialist surgeon. 

One band complication which was not known, or at any rate not mentioned, when I was banded in 2006, is the tendency in some cases for scar tissue to build up, do tightening the band. 

Do not let the surgeon tell you nothing is wrong. It clearly is. Let us know how you get on. My digestion meanwhile is to stick to soft foods, avoid anything which might increase reflux, like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods. 

Highest 290, Banded - 248   Lowest 139 (too thin!). Comfort zone 155-165.

Happily banded since May 2006.  Regain of 28lbs 2013-14.  ALL GONE!

But some has returned! Up to 175, argh! Off we go again,

   

Karen R.
on 2/27/15 11:21 pm - Amelia, OH
Revision on 09/10/15

Thanks, I am being very careful as to what I eat. I cannot eat any meat or eggs, I will vomit right now if I try. I have put on weight because I am constantly snacking to keep the nausea at bay. Thanks for all your input it gives me confidence to talk to the surgeon. 

annie0039
on 2/28/15 12:38 am

Karen, a medication known as Phenergan along with other anti nausea meds  can be used for nausea, that is an option.

With Nausea you might also have Gastritis, a Known band complication.

The most likely test should be an  EGD , But a lot of tests done on band are inconclusive :(

Unfortunately things that you've mentioned DO occur with bands. :( The night  time coughing can/does lead to aspiration pneumonia. bE CAREFUL.

A band complication. I'm not sure why you asked about the Tubing ?  As Kate stated a simple Flush Fill can be done to see if their is a leak. ( Saline is removed and then replaced.) to make sure what ever had been charted as being placed in the band IS still present.

 If your experiencing unexplained pain depending on the location that could be from a disconnected tubing?

I've never heard of a fractured Port but have hear plenty about port infections, and those can/do mean a band erosion.

 I'm supplying a link to band complications but it's only a partial list.

I do hope you find answers SOON!! and If 1 Bariatirc surgeon doesn't listen GET A NEW ONE PLEASE!!

Too many band patients have been ignored and suffered serious complications.

 GOOD LUCK

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen R.
on 2/28/15 6:11 am - Amelia, OH
Revision on 09/10/15

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all your thoughts; it's nice to know I am not the only one to have these problems.

annie0039
on 3/1/15 5:01 am

My Apologies I was on the road and forgot to provide the link to complications

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038361/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen R.
on 3/1/15 7:57 am - Amelia, OH
Revision on 09/10/15

No worries, thanks again!

Hislady
on 3/1/15 8:38 am - Vancouver, WA

Did you tell the new surgeon what is going on because this is very serious! You could very easily have a slipped band or erosion not to mention the aspiration pneumonia from the acid at night. My band damaged me so badly that even a year after removal I have acid 24/7 and still trying to figure out how to stop that! The longer this goes on the worse the long term damage is going to be so if you can get in even a few days sooner I would go for it. I pray he is knowledgable enough about the band that he gets you in to remove it right away because it will no doubt have to come out. Best wishes to you!

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