My belly button and my port don't get along. It's time to realize that they have irreconcilable differences, and they need to part. The latest was yet another infection, and this one was particular bad, worse yet actually. It came on very quickly and seemed difficult to fight off. I was put on antibiotics and it took quite some time for them to knock back the infection. Dr. Ache decided that even though the issues have always centralized with the port area, that we needed to make sure the band itself was not the cause. Apparently one possibility is that if the band has eroded into my stomach, that some stomach acid may escape and travel down the tubing that leads to the port causing the frequent infections. Honestly, I never felt that to be a real possibility as my stomach area has always felt really good and recently when we saw it under fluoro it looked well positioned, but it's always smart to eliminate the possibility. I had also been experiencing some GERD, so we scheduled an EGD.
An EGD is a test where they put a tube down your throat with a camera on the end to check out the inside of your stomach. I will say that it sounds worse than it is. They do this under sedation, and Dr. Ache was very gentle as she made sure she did it herself, especially with the band concerns. Normally for this type of procedure, they would deflate the band to make sure passage of the tube would be easier. In this case, since my band is too difficult to access, especially with the infection in the area, Dr. Ache made sure they had a pediatric tube on hand if needed to get by the band. Everything went very smooth and Dr. Ache said the band looked really good. The stomach did seem a bit irritated, but that seemed to be from popping ibuprofen like candy due to the fever accompanying my infections. She prescribed some medication and I need to avoid ibuprofen for a while. As for my port/belly button area, Dr Ache would discuss it with Dr. Jessee as soon as she gets back in the office.
After I successfully fought off my latest infection, I was scheduled to come in and discuss my treatment plan. Both Dr. Jessee and Dr. Ache came in to explain everything to me. I will say, they really took the time and were very patient with all of my questions. They have been incredible surgeons and care givers through all of the hurdles I've faced with my port. I could see where other doctors may have abandoned me after some of the issues, especially since their services have been all free of charge. They have an incredible work ethic and really care about their patients. If anyone is considering bariatric surgery, I would give them my full recommendation. I'm sure my issues are an isolated case; and just a matter of my belly button picking a fight with my port. Thank you so much to the wonderful folks at Suncoast Bariatrics, especially Dr. Ache and Dr Jessee for this great gift and for all the excellent care that I've received.
My next step is surgery. Dr. Jessee will go in and remove my port; time for the war to end. The plan is to relocate it to the right side of my abdomen away from my belly button and the current area of the infections. Depending on how things look when she gets in there, will determine whether she can do this all in one surgery. If the infected area looks too bad, she may need to delay the placement of the new port to a second surgery. She has spoken to Palms of Pasadena and they are on board and willing to facilitate and cover another surgery as well. My only out of pocket expense will be for the anesthesiologist. Thank you so much to Susan Kay and the team there at Palms of Pasadena for being so generous. My surgery was scheduled for April 21st.
God bless!
