Post Band removal - still in ton of pain

Hi all

Quick recap,  I had my (slipped) band removed in an emergency surgery on 7/12.  When the operation took place the surgeon found the band had adhered itself to part of my liver.  They had to dissect it out which was an operation that lasted just over 4 hours.  He removed ONLY the band, left in the port and tubing.  When I asked him why he left it in, he said in case I wanted the band back at a later day it would be much easier to just reconnect the tube/port if already in place.  

I've had nothing but pain since surgery.  Not surgical pain, just pain.  It's everywhere in my abdomen.  I followed up with surgeon, and with GI, PCP and GYN.  No one can agree where the pain is coming from.  I've been on 2 antibiotics and have had a total of 3 ct scans, one ultrasound, and 2 upper GI series.  Nothing can be seen on these tests that is wrong.  

I have requested that the port and tubing be removed.  Number one, my insurance will not cover it to be replaced.  I have since changed insurance companies from when I first had the band put in (Dec 2007), and WLS is not covered.  They covered the removal of the band because it was an emergency. I now am waiting to hear if they will cover the remaining pieces to come out.  

I was just in the ER again today with this excruciating lower right quadrant pain that I was convinced was either my appendix or an ovary.  Neither.  The ER doc said they can't tell me what it is but that it could possibly be referred pain from port/tube, more scar tissue, endometriosis (I've had in the past), or GI related.  I don't know what to do at this point.  I am at a loss of words.  I cannot walk upright, I cannot bend, I cannot twist, I cannot do ANYthing w/out this awful pain.  

Is it possible that the left behind port/tube could be causing ALL of this pain in my abdomen, including LRQ pain?  I cannot tell you in words how frustrated and depressed I am since surgery.  Nothing is feeling right and I have never had so much pain in my entire life, not even child birth.  I don't know what to do...

Any similar experiences?  My surgeon doesn't feel it's related - so I'm a little nervous the second surgery to remove the rest of the pieces wont' be covered...

Wow, sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. I wish I had an answer for you, just wanted to express my sympathy. Hope you feel better soon!

OMG, what a nightmare!  I, also, am just writing to support and sympathize.  Hopefully, a vet can offer something.  Please keep us informed.  You are going through he**.

 To be honest, I dont think it would be likely that the remaining port and tube would be causing this pain....unless you were having the same pain BEFORE surgery...

I hope they can figure out what it is and make it better!!!   :(

Im so sorry for you. Theres nothing worst than pain after surgery and then the fear of why its there and what we don't know. I will be keeping you in my prayers that all improves very quickly for you and that your insides heal fast. When they operate all those tools move everything around and the soarness takes time to heal inside. Take whatever pain meds they offer you and I hope you recover fast so you can enjoy your life.

Good heavens...that sounds horrible!  I am sooo sorry you are suffering like this.  Whats the colon issue...I'm not going to spell it correctly but maybe someone else can jump in and help...diverticulitis?  My MIL has a near rupture of her colon due to diverticulitis and she described excruciating LRQ pain.

The only thing I've had close to what you describe is an appendicitis.  Are they 100% sure that's not it?

Whatever it is, I'm hoping for your speedy recovery.  Please keep us all posted.

I have spent so MUCH time on all the boards (just because) and I feel that YES your leftover Lap Band parts could indeed be causing your pain.  Here is a failed LapBand Group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/failed_lap_bands/#my_groups _main:0 many of them attribute weird pain and discomfort to their band and after having ALL removed many symptoms left.  I would ask your question there...

HI Seg,

After my band removal, I had lingering pain. It was mostly from the adhesions, apparently. Do you think this could be part of your problem? I still have adhesions that cause my left side colon to make a very sharp V and it causes excruciating pain at times. I wonder if this isn't what you're experiencing?

I relate... I was the same way... couldn't stand upright or walk or anything. It was horrific. BUT it did subside with time.  Please don't suffer alone. Make sure your doctor is very aware of what's going on with you and if you feel it's not being taken seriously, please find another doctor.

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I pray it stops soon and you'll feel better.

~Nicci

sending you a hug and lots of prayers

So sorry you are going thru this.  When my tubing came unhooked, I had that kind of pain and thought I had appendicitis.  Later, I had someone on the board who went thru something similar and the tubing was touching things inside making the horrible pain.  They surely didn't leave the tubing in did they??