Question:
Port sight infection
I had a very successful lapband surgery, laproscopically, on 8/18/08 - 1 month later I had severe pain at my port. I had a localized infection that my surgeon trated with antbiotic and cutting me open to drain the area. Two weeks later, still tremendous pain and the surgeon had to open me even more to drain the area. It is now 2 weeks again, I still have an open cut and the pain is back. All of this has prevented my first fill and I just want to move on. Has anyone else experienced this type of complication and what did the doctor do? I think I need a new plan of attack. — JonS (posted on October 25, 2008)
October 25, 2008
I have known several people that have had port infections. Some of them
cleared with a course of antibiotics, some of them didn't. One friend has
had to have her port replaced 3 times- 2 during her weight loss phase and 1
(a neonatal port- tiny) during her tummy tuck once she reached goal. The
other person has had her port replaced once.
I don't know anyone with an infection at the port site at the time of
surgery.
Has your surgeon cultured the drainage to see exactly what bacteria is
growing and if you are on the right antibiotic? As far as a plan of attack
goes, that is going to have to be done by a physican. Perhaps a second
opinion? Not sure what to tell you other than hang in there and congrats
on your WLS. Try not to get down.
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
October 25, 2008
Your doctor should try to find out what kind of germ is at the origine of
your infection, with a culture. It's the only way to be sure that you are
receiving the right antibiotic. If he doesn't do that, change of doc! Good
luck and don't worry...
— ghis31
October 25, 2008
Your doctor should try to find out what kind of germ is at the origine of
your infection, with a culture. It's the only way to be sure that you are
receiving the right antibiotic. If he doesn't do that, change of doc! Good
luck and don't worry...
— ghis31
October 25, 2008
Jon, So sorry this has happened to you! I agree with the other posts. Hang
in there - I hope all is better soon!! I also had a Lap Band in Sept. Am
finding the routine a bit confusing - but nothing like your experience.
Take care, Barbara W.
— oakroom
October 25, 2008
I came in here to post pretty much the same as everyone else has
said...have them do tests to find out what kind of infection it is.
Totally unrelated to WLS, a friend of mine years ago had foot surgery that
got infected...and it took the drs a year to find out that the reason the
infection wouldn't go away and she was not healing, even after they
inserted a 'wick' (like a candle wick) complete through her foot to help
w/drainage - was because it was a staff infection that she got in the
hospital. Get it checked just to make sure...and if your dr won't check
what kind of infection - find a dr who will. Good luck.
— Hollywog
October 26, 2008
I THINK I WOULD GET A 2ND OPINION....WHY ISNT THE DR ABLE TO RESOLVE THE
ISSUE? THIS WOULD BOTHER ME, CLEARLY THE INFECTION HAS NEVER LEFT YOUR
BODY. GOOD LUCK...DONT GIVE UP. SOMETIMES THERE ARE SMALL HURDLES WE MUST
LEAP OVER DURING THE COURSE OF OUR NEW LIVES!
— Linda R.
October 26, 2008
Hey Jon... I am fighting an infection with my incision as well... I haven't
had to go back into surgery for it. My surgeon has prescibed some
antibiotics, and discussed the possibility of my diabetes hindering the
healing process? I still was able to have my first fill. I hope everything
goes well..
— reggi_67
October 26, 2008
Jon,
Congrats! And definitely find out what is causing the infection and what
type, is it viral, bacterial, fungal? You need the right medication to
cure the infection; if it doesn't clear go to the hospital and have another
doctor look at you. I agree with the posts; is your doc the problem? I
had this surgery a decade ago; I am about to do revision. But above all
else DON'T WAIT! Infections can become life threatening very fast
especially from open wounds. Not trying to scare you; you need to act on
this as soon as possible. Vinnigirl, retired RN
— vinnigirl
October 28, 2008
I am 3 months post RNY surgery. I also had infection at my port that
required minor surgery in the Dr's office. One week later I was put back
into the hospital for infection at the port sight again except when they
opened me up, they noticed my infection had spread to my lower body. Then I
had a second surgery the next day to have that removed.
My plight has not been an easy one but you must return to your doctor and
ask for either stronger penicillian or an open surgery to scrape the
infection. Good Luck.
— Dawn L.
October 28, 2008
Ooops, I didn't mean at my port site. I meant at the camera site for my
operation. Sorry!
— Dawn L.
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