Yesterday I had a nice lunch and last night I sat down to dinner and couldn't eat more than 1/3 of an artichoke and some wine. Nothing else at all.
This morning I couldn't finish my tea, although by lunchtime my band had opened up enough for me to get some protein.
Tonight at dinner: Nothing.
Now, my band has been fine for the last couple of weeks. I did notice it was tighter when I was in humid Florida last month, maybe because I retain water and it makes the band tighter? Don't know, really. But this leads me to my dilemma: I leave at dawn Tuesday to take my son on a big Disney trip. I'm starting to get really nervous that I'll get there and not be able to get liquids down because it's so hot and humid in Orlando.
I called my practice today, and my surgeon is not on call this weekend. I'm going to call Monday morning and beg them to take me for a 0.1 cc unfill. I'm worried my surgeon will think I'm doing this because I'm going on vacation (although, really, who goes to Disney for the food??) and give me a hard time.
If I can't get in Monday or if he won't do the unfill, I'm not sure what to do. I did a halfhearted search for doctors in Orlando, just in case, but didn't find anything.
I'm thinking about trying to get a syringe and needle and, if things get bad, just have my mom try to do it. She's a nurse, so she knows her way around needles. She could probably figure it out, right?
What do you think? I'm kind of freaked out about this. We're only going for four days and I don't want to ruin my little boy's big trip.
Don't have anyone stick a regular needle in your port. It takes a special needle. Try some bandsters in Orlando area from blogs. They can recommend a surgeon if things get tight. I hope you loosen up!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Camille, for the needle tip. Obviously having my mom do it would be the nuclear option, and I fully plan to do everything I can so I won't end up in that position.
ReplyDeleteFrom what my mom says it is not that humid in Florida right now. But I think you should find someone to do the unfill on Monday. I can't imagine that your surgeon won't do it. If he can't do maybe another local practice can. I know of one near me so e mail me if you want the name. I have the opposite problem- had a fill on Thursday and still don't feel much restriction.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely try to get in for an unfill...not only the humidity, and the traveling...but you're worrying about it,and stress leads to more tightness. Why chance it?
ReplyDeleteDeep breaths!!!
ReplyDeleteOK, first: I agree with Camille-- do not have your mom try to do any unfill. You could puncture tubing or something.
Second: Let's just imagine the worst case-- you can't get an unfill before you go. (I hope you can.)
Here are things that tighten your band:
Stress
Flying/ change in altitude
Time of the month/ hormones
other stuff that is variable person to person-- for you:
Humidity
TIme of day
All of the above said: we all have our little 'band tricks" right?
Bring your bag of tricks with you and USE them:
Do warm liquids sooth and open your band?
Well, then only start out with those-- be mindful that you could be very tight.
Be very careful of solids or anything that can get stuck, maybe just stick to mushies/ crumblies the whole trip so that you won't irritate yourself?
Also: WINE and other adult beverages usually are soothing.
Most important: don't freak out. You can have a nice trip even if you don't get the unfill. Seems like your band is being 'mercurial'-- so I wouldn't assume the worst. Rather: I'd just go into your trip like you just HAD a fill (thin liquids/ mushies.)
Hope this helps you...
Fingers crossed for you to get into your doc. Being too tight is just miserable.
ReplyDeleteI'm in the same position right now, I don't know what happened, but I'm definitely tight. Like the last two nights in a row, I've thrown up water when I drank too fast. This happened to me once before and it loosened up on it's own. I don't know why there is so much of a change from moment to moment with the band, but it is very unpredictable. I agree not to let any one try the unfil who is not a Dr. with the right kind of needle. And, Dinnerland gives some good advice. Try for an unfil, and just tell your Doc you need one, that you can't get enough water in, they'll do it...it's your body!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry Kristin, this is so frustrating. The changes from moment to moment with the band. I think you've received wonderful advice, I just wanted to say I understand why you are freaked out and I would be too. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteIf you're worried about your doctor's reaction to going to Disney World... lie to him. Tell him you're going on a trip for work, or to care for a sick relative and you're really worried about the effect the flight and possibly humidity will have on your suddenly tight band. Take the "vacation" part out of the equation!
ReplyDeleteGood luck!!
I would ask your surgeon for an unfill but I wouldn't mention the trip at all. Just talk about being unable to keep your tea down and that should do it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the DR today and I hope he gives you an unfill!
ReplyDelete