Wednesday, March 2, 2011

How do you Spell Relief? U-N-F-I-L-L

Got my band in a tight spot again. And again I had an unfill but not without a lot of drama and driving.

Since coming back from Mexico, I have had many days of eating, then not eating, then getting stuck, and then BAM! Blocked!

Monday morning I was able to drink and ate some oatbran. By lunch I had only managed a few sips of water and it wasn't going down well. I called my Doc here in Ottawa and they told me he was stranded in Newark because of weather. They weren't sure if he would be back on Tuesday and even if so he was double booked. I was on a training course and finally left early only to suffer for most of the evening.

Tuesday morning I was thrilled when I could drink a full glass of water, a cup of coffee and a small glass of OJ. Then the heartburn started. So I called the clinic where I had my surgery done and booked an appointment for 3:00 that afternoon. I hoped in the car and drove 400 km (240 mi) for an unfill.

Yes, we do what we have to do. I spit and vomited into two ziploc baggies along the highway. One stop for gas and it was clear sailing. I still had to wait almost 45 minutes to get in to see the nurse but then blessed relief. 0.5 cc out, leaving me with a measly 3.9 cc in my 10 cc band.

I stayed the night with my BFF (she was thrilled that I just popped in). I was to stay on clear fluids for 48 hours but sugar just makes me feel worse. I was able to down lots of water, Gatorade and some iced tea. I know the band is still swollen so will stick to fluids til tomorrow. I just finished a watered down bowl of Cream of Broccoli soup and loved the saltiness after all that sugar.

The nurse confirmed that flying can affect the band tightness. Sometimes air gets mixed in with the liquid and it shifts with the changes in altitude. I had problems after my trip last October to Chicago and San Franciso but it settled down. I wasn't so lucky this time. Next time I fly I have already decided I want an unfill. Just to be sure. It is also one of the reasons I am considering driving to Chicago, September 30th to October 2nd.

Yes Chickies, I'm going to Chicago. I'll post more about all the decisions that had to be made to free up the weekend. Next time.

17 comments:

Theresa said...

Wow Sandi, glad you got the unfill, hope you feel better soon!

Alison said...

Sounds awful, glad that you got your unfill.

~Sandi @ This one time at 'band' camp... said...

Hope you start to feel better soon!

Marie said...

It's amazing how much flying can affect the band isn't it? Definitely getting a fill before vacation not a good idea!!

Amanda Kiska said...

How miserable! I'm glad you're okay now.

Nella said...

Happy to hear you are feeling better!
I was pretty tight when I got to PV but I was also pre-period so dont know what it was...

Jen said...

These fickle bands of ours. Anyway, I'm glad you have some relief. Thank goodness for the ziplock, eh?

YEsssss!!! I'm SO GLAD you are coming back to Chicago.

Linda said...

Hope the unfill helps. It's so hard to know what sets off the band, but it's silly to keep fighting it - you did the right thing.

Barbara said...

First.. so glad you feel better (that is the most important) BUT Good Lord.. I didnt want to read about how the band reacts to flying.. I am doomed!!!

Robin said...

Glad you got some relief! And oh-so-glad that (knock wood) flying doesn't seem to affect my band (cause that wouldn't work well with having to fly for a fill). And also very, very glad you're coming to Chicago....ROOMIE!

Bonnie said...

Glad you could get your unfill so quickly and so glad YOU ARE GOING TO CHICAGO! YIPPEE!!

Sam said...

I have only flown once since I was banded, and I have not had any trouble. I can only hope that continues. I am glad you have relief and don't worry about the number in your band. You are doing a great job!!!

Jen from Oregon said...

glad you've gotten some relief.

Rhonda said...

Glad you got some relief! And excited to see you in Chicago! :)

Joey said...

Awww...my poor iMom! Glad you are doing better. I can relate 100%! Except for the drive Sheesh!!

Jacquie said...

I am glad you didnt wait and went in for the unfill! Glad you are feeling better and I CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU IN CHICAGO!

Steph said...

I'm jus now catching up on blogs, but I am glad to hear you got the relief you needed with the unfill. I've been sick for the last week and with my TOM two weeks ago, I have beenway tighter than ususal myself. I'm glad you're comign to Chicago and can't wait to see you again!

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