Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the shape of the septum of the nose. The goal of this procedure is to correct defects or deformities of the septum. The nasal septum is the separation between the two nostrils. In adults, the septum is composed partly of cartilage and partly of bone. Septal deviations are either congenital (present from birth) or develop as a result of an injury. Most people with deviated septa do not develop symptoms. It is typically only the most severely deformed septa that produce significant symptoms and require surgical intervention. However, many septoplasties are performed during rhinoplasty procedures, which are most often performed for cosmetic purposes.
Septoplasty is performed to correct a crooked (deviated) or dislocated septum, often as part of plastic surgery of the nose (rhinoplasty). The nasal septum has three functions: to support the nose, to regulate air flow, and to support the mucous membranes (mucosa) of the nose. Septoplasty is done to correct the shape of the nose caused by a deformed septum or correct deregulated airflow caused by a deviated septum. Septoplasty is often needed when the patient is having an operation to reduce the size of the nose (reductive rhinoplasty), because this operation usually reduces the amount of breathing space in the nose.
During surgery, the patient's own cartilage that has been removed can be reused to provide support for the nose if needed. External septum supports are not usually needed. Splints may be needed occasionally to support cartilage when extensive cutting has been done. External splints can be used to support the cartilage for the first few days of healing. Tefla gauze is inserted in the nostril to support the flaps and cartilage and to absorb any bleeding or mucus.
About one-third of the population may have some degree of nasal obstruction. Among those with nasal obstruction, about one-fourth have deviated septa.
The primary conditions that may suggest a need for septoplasty include:
Septal deformities can cause nasal airway obstruction. Such airway obstruction can lead to mouth breathing, chronic nasal infections, or obstructive sleep apnea. Septal spurs can produce headaches when these growths lead to increased pressure on the nasal septum. Polypectomy, ethmoidectomy, tumor removal , and turbinate surgical procedures often include septoplasty. Individuals who have used significant quantities of cocaine over a long period of time often require septoplasty because of alterations in the nasal passage structures.
Septal deviation is usually diagnosed by direct observation of the nasal passages. In addition, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the entire nasal passage is often performed. This scan allows the physician to fully assess the structures and functioning of the area. Additional tests that evaluate the movement of air through the nasal passages may also be performed.
Before performing a septoplasty, the surgeon will evaluate the difference in airflow between the two nostrils. In children, this assessment can be done very simply by asking the child to breathe out slowly on a small mirror held in front of the nose.
As with any other operation under general anesthesia, patients are evaluated for any physical conditions that might complicate surgery and for any medications that might affect blood clotting time. If a general anesthetic is used, then the patient is advised not to drink or eat after midnight the night before the surgery. In many cases, septoplasty can be performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Conditions that might preclude a patient from receiving a septoplasty include excessive cocaine abuse, Wegener's granulomatosis, malignant lymphomas, and an excessively large septal perforation.
Patients who receive septoplasty are usually sent home from the hospital later the same day or in the morning after the surgery. All dressings inside the nose are usually removed before the patient leaves. Aftercare includes a list of detailed instructions for the patient that focus on preventing trauma to the nose.
The head needs to be elevated while resting during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. Patients will have to breathe through the mouth while the nasal packing is still in place. A small amount of bloody discharge is normal but excessive bleeding should be reported to the physician immediately. Antibiotics are usually not prescribed unless the packing is left in place more than 24 hours. Most patients do not suffer significant amounts of pain, but those who do have severe pain are sometimes given narcotic pain relievers. Patients are often advised to place an ice pack on the nose to enhance comfort during the recovery period. Patients who have splint placement usually return seven to 10 days after the surgery for examination and splint removal.
The risks from septoplasty are similar to those from other operations on the face: postoperative pain with some bleeding, swelling, bruising, or discoloration. A few patients may have allergic reactions to the anesthetics. The operation in itself, however, is relatively low-risk in that it does not involve major blood vessels or vital organs. Infection is unlikely if proper surgical technique is observed. One of the extremely rare but serious complications of septoplasty is cerebrospinal fluid leak. This complication can be treated with proper nasal packing, bed rest, and antibiotic use. Follow-up surgery may be necessary if the nasal obstruction relapses.
Normal results include improved breathing and airflow through the nostrils, and an acceptable outward shape of the nose. Most patients have significant improvements in symptoms following surgery.
Significant morbidity associated with septoplasty is rare and is outlined in the Risks section above. Mortality is extremely rare and associated with the risks involving anesthesia. This procedure can be performed using local anesthesia on an outpatient basis or under general anesthesia during a short hospital stay. General anesthesia is associated with a greater mortality rate, but this risk is minimal.
In cases of sinusitis or allergic rhinitis, nasal airway breathing can be improved by using such nasal sprays, as phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine). Patients with a history of chronic uncontrolled nasal bleeding should receive conservative therapy that includes nasal packing to identify the source of the bleeding before surgery is contemplated. Those who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea have a variety of conservative alternatives before surgery is seriously considered. These alternatives include weight loss, changes in sleep posture, and the use of appliances during sleep that enlarge the upper airway.
Muth, Annemarie S., and Karen Bellenir, eds. Surgery Source-book. New York: Omnigraphics, 2002.
Schwartz, Seymour I., ed. Principles of Surgery. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1999.
"Septal deviation and perforation." In The Merck Manual, edited by Keryn A. G. Lane. West Point, PA: Merck & Co., 1999.
"Septoplasty." MEDLINEplus Medical Encyclopedia [cited July 7, 2003]. http://www.nlm.nih.gov .
Mark Mitchell
Septoplasty is performed by a medical doctor (M.D.) who has received additional training in surgery. Typically, septoplasty is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, a specialist called an otolaryngologist, or a head and neck surgeon. The procedure can be performed in a hospital or in a specialized surgical clinic.
I have broken my nose more than 10 times, which my surgeon/doctor has seen. None of these times has it been set or had anything done about it. This has resulted in an extremely deviated septum, an inability for me to breathe through my nose, and colds and flus being extended for months due to inability to expel mucus, and permanent severe sinusitus etc.
It is also crooked in that it sits more to one side than another, and also is crooked not straight in the bridge. It is much larger than it should be and I am very self-conscious about it. Unfortunately, although I had hoped when I finally had this surgery completed (I was told I had to wait until I was 15) that he could fix up my nose a bit while he was at it, my surgeon has informed me that (although he is the best surgeon in this field in the country as testified by many doctors I know), he does occasionally break and re-straighten roughly, but only for non-precision work and would not recommend it for me... mainly because I'm a girl. He informed me when I discussed it with him that there are other doctors and surgeons in the country who do do both at the same time and he would be happy to refer me, or that he could do it and I could have the cosmetic side of it completed separately by another surgeon. He also told me though, that unfortunately, he does not think that it will be easy to find a good surgeon in Australia willing to basically give a 15 year old a 'nose job', despite my genuine reason for needing it - all the breakages.
I'm still hoping, pointlessly, that it will look a little better, but in reality, it will probably just look scarred, and even bigger.
A good friend of mine (male,20) had surgery for a deviated septum a couple of weeks ago and told me that he has a little pain, but that he was amazed... he not only had no bruises or scars, his physical appearance is completely normal, which is great.
However, as well as the deviated septum surgery, my many scans have shown what my surgeon believes to be a cyst or growth of some kind in that part above your nose connecting to your lungs..
This has to be removed too so I'm wondering how I'm going to recover from my surgery. He had to have a splint put in his nose, which I do not know if I will need. Again unfortunately I am having this surgery right at the start of my holidays, a real pain because it will limit any fun or socialisation i can have for the duration.
Good luck,
Deb, MSN, RN
I agree excellent sight ... I wish my surgeon would have told me more also!
Oh! well as long I can breath better and quite using my c-pap machine??
I am nervous about the procedure, but after he photoshopped my before-after nose,I'm excited to get it done. I have had a deviated septum as long as I can remember, i'm 23. I'm expecting lots of pain, and lots of bruising, but I hope I will be able to recover in a weeks time to go back to work.
I will finalize the results once its done!
So far so good.
Im day 3 post op with lots of swelling, pain and congestion. Pulled the stoppers yesterday but didnt help at all. Will remove splinters next week. My doctors prescribed flucloxacilin when I called and told them about throbbing pain over sinuses/nose. Tawana - I dont think its good to take Ibuprofen since its an "NSAID" and may/will make you bleed more easily. Use paracetamol/tylenol instead (+/- codein if you want some extra kick). I dont even want to think about still being stuffed after the splinters are out.. Hope I dont have an abcess or something worse..
Buehler? Buehler?
(Day 1) Surgery. General Anaesthetic - surgery took roughly 60-70 minutes. Woke up to alot of pain. Phelgm stained blood in the throat which I coughed up and was very painful. Rolled back into the room to rest. Managed to eat two small triangle sandwiches and few odd sips of cold-iced water. This hurt due to tubing in the throat for breathing. Slept overnight as packs inside nose.
(Day 2) Woke up and asked to take two paracetamol. Less than 20 minutes was told that the packs had to be removed and it would really hurt. This hurt like hell! Streamed alot of tears. Never felt such pain. Was not allowed to move for 30 minutes. I was then allowed to be sent home after 4 hours.
Home - still very sleepy. So sleepy actually that I noticed I could just about open my mouth or even still swallow. So sore. Managed to stay up until late night and slept. Remember to put a towel on your pillow! Alot of blood! Nearly forgot! Don't use an electric toothbrush. The vibrations hurt! The pain...
(Day 3) Alot of blood on face. Cleaned up and continued to take penicillin and paracetamol. Mouth could open much wider. Still bleeding.
(Day 4) Still some bleeding. Good job the football is on.
One question, I was not told to rinse with saline as the doc gave me an antibotic cream to use, but can anyone give any advice on the rinsing please.
Thanks sure everything will be ok in the end and it will be worth it.
Now at week 4. Still feel like I have a bad head cold. Drainage and headaches diminishing but still there. Expected bloody mucus to be done by now, but not yet.
Some things that helped me:
- ice across the bridge of the nose helped the headaches and reduced bleeding.
- started nasal saline spray day after surgery
- was prescribed antibiotics and pain killers. I didn't think I needed the pain killers but was glad to have them for the first week.
- started sinus irrigation after week 1. Gave me lots of relieve and very effective and loosening up that really thick nasty mucus and getting it out.
Where I am at now:
- still some numbness at front teeth and front of nose
- still lots of congestion, but can breathe easier now
- continue to use saline spray and sinus irrigation
One thing I was surprised about was how fatigued I was for several weeks after the procedure. Also, if I exercised too much, I would get a bad head ache, feeling of plugged sinus. Expect to take it slow for a while.
Just an update. I am 17 days post ops now and have no pain and have started to breath through my nose in the last couple of days although it is still blocked a bit.
Thanks for your advice and Janell, get it done and expect to feel bad for a couple of weeks but things get easier after that, reading some peoples post they feel better quicker so who knows.
Do any one of you know similar situation? i don't want to agitated him during this time that's why i asked from the experienced people.
Monday was a very easy day actually. My wife kept telling me that I woud be sleeping the whole day but I was wide awake. I did bleed constantly and was made to sit on the couch. The worst day was the day after surgery as it felt like I had the worst headcold yet couldn't do anything about it. I do have nasal splints but no padding. I called my doctor to find out if there was anything to do with the congestion and he said it would get easier. It is now Friday and it has indeed gotten better. Once you learn to breath out of your mouth, it isn't that bad. I am only waking up once during the night, but have not taken any pain med. It isn't because I am tough but except the congestion, I have had no pain.
I cannot wait until Tuesday and counting down like it my date with my wife. Splints removed and hopefully I can softly blow my nose and clean it out. I have been told no rinses, etc...
If anyone is looking to get this done, I would suggest it. My breathing was awful, to the point where I had a hard time reading my daughter a book because I was short of breath. I guess that is what happens when you can't breath out of either nostril. I just hope this time is the last time.
What actually scares you? I had no complications from the surgery and the worst part is feeling like I have a bad cold, even though I can do nothing about it. If you go in there knowing you ill be fine, then you should be ok. Don't psych yourself out of it because in the end, it could increase your chances of breathing better
To update on my previous posting, it is two weeks since my surgery and all the external bruising has gone. I didn't have splints, but I had stitches in the base of my nose. These were removed last week (which was like pulling out three giant nose hairs). The internal disolveable stiches are now coming loose, which is irritating and tickles the inside of my nose. Things are still a bit swollen inside, but I can partially breath through my nose. I am now mostly off the painkillers. I have been told all the swelling will take up to six weeks to go so am still hoping to make more progress. I am looking forward to the final result.
(I also did neck liposuction so it should fit my face the new nose. Sine my nose was collapsing to one side.
The first two days was horrible literaly i needed to be in pearle recovery center under nurse care with demerol shots every 4 hours.
They gave me some percodan to recover and the pain subsided literally the next day so like 3 days of pain.
I had packing for 2 days and the splints removed after 5 days no pain.
The nose is swolen a week later and looks like a potato nose but its going down and looks amazing its equal and just im ecstatic.
For some reason after a week I had major insomnia and literally slept an hour in 2 days, possible from anasthesia.
The clotting is annoying since my habit for years is to remove it but I wash it out with saline and need to refrain from touching anything since the tissue is so delicate.
I will keep you updated but I should be good in two weeks
I look great and feel great.
minimal pain ( i am on painkillers)
breathing through my nose is very limited so im mainly breathing through my mouth.
Splits come out in about 3 days so im just counting down to that.
its not that bad of a surgery its just quite uncomfortable for the first few days.
stick it out and i msure it will b worth it!
I have my septoplasty booked for the end of November. Worrying so much about it, but I have battled with sinus complications my whole life and it has aggravated my asthma. I have never been able to breathe out of my nose properly. It has made a lot of things very difficult, and I'm sick at least every month. My ENT has said that this surgery will change my life.
What I'm most worried about is how much time I would have to take off work? I work at a magazine and so it's a very deadline oriented job. How long were all of you guys off work for?
Today there is an occasional drop of blood but nothing to be concerned about. Still no pain and not much in the line of swelling or bruising. There is a LOT of discomfort behind my lower lip down to the gum line. There are cuts from my teeth. I think this happened when they inserted a breathing tube in me. As soon as tooth paste hit them my eyes watered up from the pain. After a very FAST washing out with water I was okay.
Besides the comments from my friends (jokes) I feel real good!
My nose is sore to the touch which is fine because I can breathe better. Sometimes after rinsing it clogs up again but that is normal. I was told not to blow my nose but I have a few times; not forcefully though. I just close one side and breathe out normally, then do the other side. This seems to have done the trick. I have a very mild headache (almost not even a headache) and some stuffiness.
My biggest issue is with the soreness of my upper front teeth and the numbness/soreness of the roof of my mouth right behind those teeth. Damn it's annoying!!! I hate it. I'm dealing with it though. I have stents in my nose which will come out on Nov. 8th. Anyone know how long this soreness lasts. It's driving me up a wall!!
Overall I'm extremely happy with everything. For anyone debating on having it, do it! It is well worth it.!!
Biggest issue is sleeping at night. Quite scary. Have to sleep upright. No such thing as a good nights sleep.
Did have pretty bad headaches though. Took panadeine forte for it. Helped a bit. Got bad constipation and, as soon as that was sorted out, headaches stopped instantly. (So, didn't need painkillers for the operation - just for the headaches)
I will try and remember to come back in a month or so an give an update - as that's what I came here looking for - assurance. I figure that's a good thing though, as people don't bother coming back to update if there's been no problems post-op. So, fingers crossed.
My question is that I was told that I wouldn't look any different after the surgery, but I have a bump on the left side of my nose and the front of my nose on the top is definitely bigger. Is it normal to have this kind of swelling or is something wrong? I don't mean to be vain, but I was told that all swelling would be internal so I am surprised to see my nose looking like this. Any advice/thoughts would be appreciated.
Best,
Sherri
I was sent home with anti-viral drugs and enough Tylenol 3's to K.O. a rhino. The anti-viral drugs I took as directed until I had finished them 5 days later and blissfully, the pain meds I didn't need at all. No pain, just a dull ache in my front left tooth similar to what Fred had mentioned above.
Last night though (5 days after surgery day), while sitting at the computer, I leaned forward a bit too far in the wrong direction and suddenly it seemed that Niagara Falls was relocated to the inside of my skull. I was bleeding more than I had originally noticed immediately after the surgery. It had started streaming out my left nostril and going down my throat and in my mouth. Not a lovely experience, by any means. Of course, it being a Saturday, I couldn't call my doctor, so I shoved some gauze up my nostril to catch the blood going out front and the best solution I could come up with to stop the bleeding was to tilt my head back at a 45 degree angle. After intermittent bouts of hocking up pretty significant amounts of fresh blood and trying to chill out as much as possible, the bleeding slowed to a trickle and eventually stopped.
I phoned TeleHealth (a 24-hour number provided to residents of Ontario) about 3 hours into the bleeding. By that time, I had figured out the best angle for my head and the bleeding had pretty much stopped completely. The nurse I spoke to mentioned that if the bleeding continued and if I couldn't help but swallow it, it would be best to go to emergency at the hospital to see if they could help. Fortunately, it never got to that point.
So, just a heads up - head tilted back worked for my bleeding, in case anyone else runs into that down the road after surgery. All things considered, I think things went pretty well and once I get my splints removed next week, I'm looking forward to some long overdue nose-breathing.
And if there is anything that i should prepare myself for? And what to expect??
Thankyou!
Things are sore but not too bad right now. However, I might not suggest doing both at the same time since it was extremely hard to breathe and keep your mouth from getting completely dry. I could sometimes breathe out my nose but this was hit and miss depending on the amount of blockage. I have not cleaned out the nose with anything, just clean on the base when things come out. Will see what the doctor says today after he takes the splints out.
I have splints in my nose until Friday. One of the follow up activities is to flush the nose out with saline solution, ie. NeilMed has a terrific product for doing so. I should have started doing this with my sinus infections. It feels funny/uncomfortable when you use it, but it helps a lot. I am doing it once every 2 hours during the day. Even with the splints in and the remaining stuffiness I can breathe better than before the surgery.
I will be back to work tomorrow.
It seemed to take forever. The nurses were very encouraging saying that I was doing really well during the removal! Although probably a panacea comment, it still helped no less! I also asked to see the packing to which the nurse asked me if I had a strong stomach...no problem there. Honestly though, I was shocked to see that each packing must have been approx. 40cm long! How'd they get all that up there? Wow! Instant relief when they'd removed the packing though!
Had a full breakfast at 7am. Eggs, bacon, cereal, toast, fruit, yoghurt and apple juice. Ate it all!
Was discharged about 10.45am and I went straight home (driven by my wife). I was given antibiotics to take twice a day, panadeine forte if the panadol didn't work, and a spray bottle of saline solution to irrigate 3 times a day. Still wasn't in any pain, except for a little discomfort in my nostrils. Although I was tired, I still couldn't sleep. It's now 8.40pm the day after surgery and I'm going to try sleeping in about an hour (after I watch Sons of Anarchy - great show BTW!).
I have been getting bloody/mucous discharge from both nostrils, plus some running into the back of my throat which I‘ve been spitting out (not comfortable doing it, but it needs to be done). Have been using the gauze intermittently but the tape to hold it on is too sticky and it feels like its pulling the top layer of my skin off when I remove it. Very uncomfortable to say the least. So, I've been wiping with a tissue. I can breathe a little through my nose but I'd say that it's too early to tell. My nostrils are hurting a little. I want to blow my nose but I can’t.
Importantly, my surgeon said he was very happy with the operation and that all went well. I don't expect any complications. He said I could go back to work in 10 days and that's also when I could blow my nose hard too. I'm booked to go to Thailand on Jan 4th so I hope to be sufficiently recovered by then. With summer here, he said I could go swimming in seawater immediately but to wait a couple weeks to swim in a chlorinated pool. I go back for a checkup in late January.
Will report back as I progress.
I'm 39 and had a septoplasty and turbinate reduction (both nostrils) last night at approximately 5pm (in Melbourne Australia). I believe the surgery took approximately 60 minutes.
I was very impressed with the operating theatre at Cabrini Brighton - it was all state of the art equipment, bright and very well organised and presented. Have been in a few operating theatres and this by far was the nicest. The hospital in general was also very modern and nice.
Before the operation, I was asked to take two panadol and a medication to lower blood pressure, While the anaesthetist said I had excellent (low) blood pressure, he told me it was better to operate when the patient had artificially induced lower blood pressure (reduces the extent of bleeding), plus it helped lowed patient anxiety prior to the operation.
The anaesthetist, ENT and the entire operating room staff were exceptionally friendly and made me feel very comfortable and at ease with the surgery. Answered all my questions.
I came to in the recovery room. The nurses were surprised that I was responsive quite quickly. I wasn't in any pain (no doubt they gave me pain medication intravenously), and they then wheeled me into my room after what seemed about 30 mins. The surgeon has packed my nose and they'd taped gauze under my nose as well (no splints) and that did feel strange. I had an internal septoplasty so they thankfully didn't have to cut across the base of my nose. All stitches were internal.
I went back to sleep and must have woken around 9pm. I remember that I had a severe horrible taste in my mouth and realised it must gave been from the anaesthetic they'd soaked the nasal packing in. It really tasted like drinking Dettol straight out the bottle. The nurse gave me a drink of water which while it helped with my thirst, it didn't really help with the bad taste! A mint didn't either. Made it worse in fact, so don't take a mint. I strongly, strongly recommend that you take some butterscotch lollies with you - although I didn't have any, it would have been perfect!
I hadn't eaten since 8.30am and was very hungry. I was given a sandwich cut into 4 which I quickly ate. The apple juice they gave me was fantastic. What was the best though was when I asked if they had ice cream, and they brought me a small cup of vanilla ice cream. The gentleman in the room with me who also had the same procedure also had ice cream and was so thankful that I'd suggested it. What a relief the ice cream was!
The nurses woke us up at 12am and 3.30am to take our temperature, change the gauze and check blood pressure, plus change saline drips when needed. Still had the bad taste in my mouth which made it a little difficult to sleep, but the nurse gave us more ice cream each time we were awake! Again, hurrah for the ice cream - it was a savior!
At 6am, we were woken and the nurse then put ice pillows behind our necks and on our throats, plus given two panadol and some anti-nausea medicine. 30 minutes later, the nurse removed the packing. I can't say that this experience particularly hurt, but it was odd feeling, uncomfortable and made my eyes water a lot.
I have been gently blowing my nose since Wednesday and that really helps (mostly just lightly-blood stained mucous now). Have been very tired and crappy-feeling. On Wednesday I slept from 2pm - 8.30pm. Today I felt really cranky and short tempered. At night I've been taking the prescribed Panadeine Forte but I don't like the way it makes me feel (like it's messing with my head). Back to 2 x Panadol every 4 hours and that helps. Breathing has improved, but it still feels like I have a heavy head cold.
My wife was a little disillusioned when she told me that I was still snoring. Well duh, it's only been 5 days since surgery honey...it's gonna take some time for me to recover!
My ENT said to use the saline spray as often as needed up to 8 times a day. They gave me a couple bottles to take home and I had one with me at all times! I sarted using it the day after surgery. I also found that cold compresses applied gently to my nose helped with the pain. I had two and I was constantly rotating them. Hopefully your holiday wasn't too miserable!
Any ideas on how to get rid of them?
I am 28 yrs old and in 3 weeks i am going to get my tonsils removed and fixed my deviated septum, as part of my research i find most people talking on how bad their recovery is from one or the other, I was wondering, How bad has it been for any of you you had both operations done the same day? How were you able to take your meds? How did you eat enough that your stomach was not upset with the drugs? Is the pain so bad you cant think??? I am looking at it in a positive way but man Am I nervous and jumpy about it? How you control the bleeding adding the bleeding from your throat with the nose?
I had septo-rhinopsty nearly 2 weeks ago. I was in hospital for 24 hours, took a few hours to recover from anaethetic, felt a bit nausious but was fine.
Had my packs taken out the morning after which has been the most uncomfortable bit so far slightly painful and uncomforatble but not too bad.
Had runny stick stuff from nostils for about 9 days best thing for this i kept cleaning it out with hot water and flannel everytime it woke me up.
Was really tired for first few days and couldn't do much or eat much, couldn't fit anything larger than a small spoon in my mouth and my roof of mouth and two front teeth were numb went after 8 or so days.
Had stitches out after 7 days slightly nipped but wasn't painful, scar was noticeable but used bio oil and cant hardly see it any more.
Had swelling after day 4/5 and my face was huge but used ice packs and it went down after a couple of days, didn't really get much bruising.
Running has stopped now and just a bit of crusted mucus but not bad. All the bad stuff has gone and breathin feels better.
Getting splint and inside plastic splints taken off in over a day and looking forward to it. Just really itchy with th cast on more than anything now.
Thats all i can say about my experience and what help. Its horrible having to sleep upright and on back but best for swelling and breathing.
Good luck with all your procedures and hope this info has helped.
HOPE FOR GOOD REPLY
I previously had a rhinoplasty a year and a half ago, I still could not breathe through my right nostril. I went to an ENT and he not only recommended a septoplasty but also a tonsillectomy. He told me that he would also remove my adenoids and make my turbinates smaller so that I could breathe much better. Well the day of the surgery everything went fine, painless iv and I felt drunk within 10 seconds. The anesthesiologist walked me to the operating room and I laughed just at the thought of not being able to walk or speak clearly. I was asked my name and birth date and was instantly gone. Next thing I know is I can hear voices and I do realize that the surgery is over, whoa. For some strange reason I was kinda moaning and crying ow quietly repeatedly. My eyes were tearing, they asked me If I wanted some pain medication, yes, I pleaded. I think it was an exaggeration to be crying, I was probably just confused. They gave me spoonfuls of popsicle and in about 40 minutes I went home.
Okay make sure you have a humidifier at all times, keeping the throat moist will lessen the pain and prevent any bleeding. Take your pain medication every 4-6 hours at the onset of pain. Keep your head elevated and chew crushed ice. Remember to eat soft foods for the next 2 weeks, anything abrasive can cause bleeding and send you to the emergency room. My throat bleed on the fourth night and I was able to stop it by applying an ice pack and chewing more ice. Make sure you have someone responsible to help you for the first 5 days.
Foods I recommend: popsicles, gelatin, baby food, mashed potatoes, ice cream (after 7 days), and pudding. Avoid hot food and acidic food.
I had my splints removed on day 6, the discomfort is very subtle and mild. I have a tendency to freak out and cry, so today my ENT removed one stitch in each nostril, that part was completely painless but the next was not. Next, the splints were removed, it really is not painful unless you think about it being painful. I go back in two weeks for another revision. I feel really great now that the splints are out, because I can immediately breath through my nose (though it is still very swollen inside). You can begin cleaning the nose the day after your surgery using a cotton swab and neosporin. I asked my doctor about using hydrogen peroxide and he told me not to. You can also use a saline spray but only up to 4 times a day is recommended. Do not blow your nose until the splints are removed and do this very gently. Also, do not blow your nose hard for a few weeks, a medium blow after 2 weeks won't hurt you.
The tonsils will appear white for some time until the scabs fall off, that hasn't happened with me yet. The uvula will be really swollen right after the surgery but will go down in week. Remember that no matter the discomfort and pain these surgeries are worth it!
I'm afraid my septum will not heal properly if taken out too soon.
Does anyone know the length of time splints should remain in your nose after surgery?
horrific headaches around the eyes and sinus, without the sinus's being affected for years and it all started after a bad punch to the nose in middle-school. I have been given different things for my headaches even chiropractic care, all of which do nothing for my insane migraines. When I get them I just want to die, the pain is so bad that my body shakes and I vomit. So I wanted to see if anyone had this surgery to correct there headaches and if it worked? Thank you.
I had sinus surgery (FESS) and septoplasty on the 17th Feb (10 days ago)
Today I am feeling horrible, I can breathe through my nose but it feels like its always running, I have a headache and my nose is aching. Every night since the surgery I have woken up to mucus-y blood at the back of my throat (gross I know). I slept elevated on my lounge for about 4 nights after surgery and then I couldn't take it anymore,... I had to get proper sleep in my bed!
I have been doing regular irrigations with the saline solution, and after a couple of days of no blood, today I got a big hard clot out of my nose, (sorry.. graphic and gross). Today I feel like I have a head cold. I am certainly glad I can breathe through my nose though, I think the first couple of days of not being able to breathe through your nose has to be the worst, although the pain wasn't as bad as it is now on the 10th day. I had finished my antibiotics on the 6th day so I'm not sure if I should really be getting a repeat.
not to sound vain, but has anyone who's had the operation noticed any difference to the appearence of their nose in any way? (obviously after the swelling has gone)
thanks in advance
I would say the worst thing, is that you can't breathe through your nose and your mouth gets dry and sore, so i literally could not sleep for 3 days due to my throat hurting so bad. I found that having a humidifier in your room helps alot, also, placing a moist towel over your mouth while breathing through it helps. I ate jello for the first 3 days because it relieved the soreness of my throat, drinking extremely cold water was also painful, so i just drank water that was slightly cold, and gatorade. I was told to drink a lot of water to get rid of the blood in my throat ( there was always always alot of blood there, sooo annoying)
Now on day 20, i can breathe mostly, but my right nostril still gets plugged and gives me headaches. I've been excercising lately and have found that i am extremelyyy tired and my nose gets even more plugged.
My main concern now is that my teeth/gums are hurting (all of them), when i bend my head down or up, not when i am standing normally. Has this happened to anyone?
Other than that the surgery went great! and i can notice the difference in how much air i can get through my nose (when it isnt plugged) amazing, feels great. Goodluck to anyone that is getting this done. Hope my suggestions help.
please advise urgently thankyou.
Jacqueline osborn
I didn't experience and pain. Just a bit of discomfort. I had a total of two drops of blood the night of the surgery.
The one thing I would recommend is that patients use Sinus Rinse (bottle) aggressively as soon as possible after the surgery (my doc gave me the okay two days afterward). It took 2-3 days to remove all of the crusts but it has helped immeasurably. I am breathing well through both nostrils (and have been for a couple of days).
My doc wants me to leave the splints in as long as possible (over a moth) but has left it up to me. I was on board with leaving them in for a month even yesterday but they are becoming uncomfortable and are inhibiting my breathing somewhat. I'll probably have them taken out sometime next week. At that point I do believe I'll be finished with my doc.
If you are in suburban Detroit I would highly recommend Dr. Jan Akervall in Farmington Hills. He operates at both Beaumount Hospital and St Joe's (Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor). He is very competent and makes a point of keeping abreast of state of the art procedures. I feel lucky after hearing so many horror stories from others.
With respect to the surgery, it's really no big deal. You check into the hospital, change into a gown, they start an IV, push some sedative medications, and I don't even remember getting wheeled into the operating room. My next memory is waking up in a recovery room feeling hungover, sleepy, generally crappy. After an hour or two, I was able to sit up, sip ginger ale, and take some oral Percocet. No real pain or discomfort from the nose at this time. Note: I had no packing, just two hollow splints that allowed some airflow through the nose.
The first few days of recovery were tough. I had 10/10 throbbing headaches for the first two days that were only relieved with Percocet and an ice bag over my head. I also had to rinse my nose out with saline solution every hour. The headaches stopped on the second day and I really haven't needed the Percocet since then. Curiously, the nose itself never hurt all that much. Bleeding was also an issue - I had to change my gauze pad every 45 minutes or so for the first few hours post-op, but this slowed down considerably but the end of day #1 and stopped completely on day #2. I was afraid of screwing up the septum by sleeping sideways, so I did my best sleeping sitting up. Got maybe 2 hours of sleep a night this way - not fun.
Days 3-5 have been a lot better - not a whole lot of pain, headaches are gone, no bleeding or runny nose. I've just had this thick mucus that blocks up my splints and prevents my from getting any airflow. I've been mouthbreathing, but this isn't such a big deal to me. My doctor recommended I use hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip and gently rub the inside of the nose up to the splint. The hydrogen peroxide gets the mucus to "firm up" and stick to the Q-tip so big gobs of it can easily be pulled out (gross right?). It helps but I can still feel a lot of congestion (mucus) above the splint deep in the nose that I obviously can't get to. It sucks not being able to blow my nose but I've gotten used to it. Did I mention my doctor wants me to use saline spray each hour while awake? He basically said you can't use too much of it.
Anyways, I get the splints taken out tomorrow and I'm hoping it helps with the congestion a lot. Will keep you guys posted. All-in-all, if I'm able to breathe fully through both nostrils, I think the discomfort of post-op will have been well worth it.
Now it's day two, have been having problem sleeping. My nose is blocked and quite badly on the right hand side which was fine before the surgery. Will need to check with ENT regarding this, as a few mentioned above about the same blockage on the good side after Septoplasty. Also have anxiety from not being able to breathe through my nose, but standing or sitting up right is better than laying down.
As far as pain and bleeding nose, I experience just a slight discomfort yesterday, though I took the Panadeine anyway. The Dr also gave me antibiotics for 10 days and a antibiotic cream to put on my nostril, to prevent infection. Bleeding nose was major yesterday after the Ops, and it has subsided significantly on day 2, mixed with clear mucus. I find soaking the drips with the cotton tips help to prevent crusting.
Have an appointment on Friday with the ENT, hopefully he will remove the splints then and look forward to being able to breathe better.
I was concerned and cannot sleep tonight due to the congestion on my nose, but it seems to be common which is comforting.
Thanks for sharing the stories and will update Friday if the splints are removed then.
Oh dear Sadeep, that nurse should be held accountable, the nasal splints should stay in the nose from 5-7 days. Don't blow your nose to much because that just causes more inflammation that blocks the nostrils. Try sleeping on your left side so that the swelling in your right side of your nose can go down.
Joannie when I had a rhinoplasty I began to experience headaches and once the sensitivity of my nose was gone the headaches were gone, except I do suffer from a different type of headache now, tsk tsk. My recommendation is for your son to keep his head elevated and not bend the head down.
I recommend anyone to read my other posts from December and January to get a bit more info about the surgeries.
Plz guide me what to do next? i am confused is her major ear structure are damaged?
Awaiting for the reply
I get the damn nose splints out tomorrow and hope it resolves the face pain and migraine, I won't ever do this again.
WHAT CAN DO.I REALLY NEED HELP.CAUSE IT SABOTAGE MY STUDIES AS WELL AS MY JOB.
My nose has been bleeding non stop since and I'm abit groggy today.
Can't eat much n drinking with a straw. Apart from that it seems ok!
I had my last painkillers on 26th sept 9pm , havnt taken any this morning ..it's now 10am.
I can feel abit of dull pain . I really hope it's worth it cos it's horrible sleeping with ur mouth open !!
Nice reading everyone else's experience! Xx
I feel like how I did before but worse!
My right side that was blocked still feels blocked!
When I look up my nose I see the left side open
Can breathe thru it a little but right side closed up n see it's blocked by
Cartilage which I'm hoping is swelling.
Been 13 days since had op. Can anyone help.
Thanx
if is it thn tel me nose look better or bad??
Hi had septoplasty a month ago n my problem side is fine
But now I can't seem to breathe thru left side!
I can still see stitches in my nose too!
I think it's bollocks that in the uk u don't even get
A follow up!
I was told the surgery went fine n that's it.
I'm well annoyed
Infections. To top it off I got a dog and everything just got worse. I had horrible mucus to the point where I could fill an entire cup with thick disgusting mucus (it came up so constantly I got tired of getting up two mintues to spit it out). Fineally after I hurt my back and got xrays n found out I had a torn disk In my spine I decided to go to an ear nose and throat dr too to find out what the heck is the true problem. Now before this a year ago I found Out Im allergic to dOgs dust mold and pollen which all happen to be directly in my house so I did the allergy shots which certainly toned down the mucus and I relieved. But my net dr suggested either more shots or surgery. I immediately said surgery! I understand the procedure won't cure my allergies especially because I'm not going to give away my dog. But I am truly hoping that if I continue to reduce the allergen exposure (Allergy blocker pillow cases n sheets dusting n vacuuming every couple days--gets tiring). But I'm hoping with all these things I will stop with the embarrassing hawking n horrible headaches and sore throats!! For a 21 year old girl (getting this 4 days after my birthday) I think I have a high pain tolerance so I was confident and ready for this surgery n definantly ready for this change but I think I may have psyched myself out by reading everyone's stories :( I also have very high anxiety n OCD so I kno I only took my confidence away by reading but I couldn't stop. I'm just really hoping it is not horrible because I hate blood, I already have a horrible time sleeping, and I just feel like my anxiety level is going to shoot thru the roof and idk what I can do to feel some.. Relief? By the way I was wondering did anyone experience any problems with contacts/glasses? I hate wearing my contacts but I feel like my glasses are going to hurt. Well I feel a lil better telling my story and by reading everyone else's experiances! Hope everyone is breathing well :)
on November 30th. I had no packing, as my doctor does not believe in it, only stints. The nose was bleeding pretty strong for the rest of the day, but slowed down at night. I really never had sore throat after the surgery, which i was told is due to movement of the breathing tube during the surgery. Next day, i barely had any bleeding, but totally stuffed up. My doctor warned me about all this - that it is going to feel like a very bad case of sinus for at least a week. He encouraged me to do nasal irrigations to reduce crust formation. I didn't really have pain concerns, but I am still taking Percocet. The reason is that about 4 days after surgery I started having tension-like pain in my two top front teeth. It must be from the breathing tube, I read here that someone else had a similar experience. The worst were the first 3 nights, you have to sleep propped up to prevent post--nasal drip. Also, if your nose is still bleeding, you don't want the blood to ho down your throat and into the stomach as this will cause you to throw up and make things even more uncomfortable. The nurse told me all this before the surgery. The nights were miserable because You can't breathe thru the nose, and the mouth dries up what seems like every 15 min causing you to wake to drink water, very miserable experience. Right now I feel remotely that I am getting some air thru one of my nostrils, but I can't call it breathing yet. I want to mention that no one should expect being able to get back to work in 2-3 days. Having general anesthesia takes a lot out of you, count on being out for a week. I had surgery on Wednesday, and was able to do some work from home on Monday, but I wouldn't be able to drag myself to the office! I have stints taken out tomorrow, wednesday, my doctor said I would immediately feel better, so I am planning on going back to work on Thursday, 8 days after surgery. I will try to post an update in a few days.
I tried not to use the pain meds and was actually getting to where I didn't need them, then I went to the Dr. for post op "cleaning." I walked in there with probably a 2 on the pain scale and when the anesthesia wore off I was upwards of 10. It was weird, I remember coming out of surgery and if felt like I had the most incredible breathing experience. It was like I'd never breathed so deep before. Kind of like maybe there were blowing air up my nose, but they weren't. Then just after my "cleaning" I felt the same thing and then BAM the most intense pain. I've been on pain pills pretty much round the clock since last Thursday (it's Sunday, Christmas Day now).
I am doing NeliMed Sinus Rinse Bottle vs. the Netipot and it stings a little bit and my eyes water. And I am blowing my nose constantly.
My pain always presented behind my eyes and on my cheek bone area and it's still hurting there. I hope I didn't go through this for nothing. Does the pain go away? Maybe I've just been doing too much with Christmas and all, but my gosh I wasn't expecting this. I can't imagine the pain associated with traditional FESS.
Please tell me that the pain behind my eyes will get better!
I had a Septoplaty done on the 8 of December, 2011 and I still have a very stuffy nose is this normal? How long before I can breathe ok from both nostrils? Thank you.
And can breathe!! Nose still slightly sore when I touch it,
Still wash it out as dried blood is still a problem!
On thursday (2-feb-2012)septoplasty was done, Yesterday onwards Dental pain is comming, some times headache also. PLease suggest me.
thank you
nrao
I have trouble sleeping sitting up due to my snoring vibrating the nose and hurting it, and also due to the mouth closing automatically and I gasp which wakes me up. If your teeth get cold from constant mouthbreathing, just coat them in vaseline. My nose is still completely plugged 7 days post op but I am waiting patiently.
My advice is to ignore all the whiners online, my whole week has been painless. Vaseline helps with the lip dryness and tooth pain from mouthbreathing. I have been unable to chew or talk due to pain but again sitting around feels totally fine. Make sure to take your antibiotics.
For the first 4/5 days I kept the nostrils clean and re-gauzed to catch the oozing, and after 2 weeks, I have started to play my trumpet again, albeit gently!
My breathing has improved but my partner is noticing my snoring as Im still sleeping on my back , as side sleeping not recommended while its all healing.
Go for it!
I found this support group/message board when researching again information on sinus surgery. To make a long story short, I am 34 years old. On February 17, 2010, I had my first FESS. The surgeon also had to do more, like work on the turbinates, but I was too out of it to remember anything that he did- LOL. This time, he did the work on both sides.
Jump forward to January of 2012. I had just gotten married, and we thought that I had caught a cold in the Virgin Islands at our destination wedding. However, the "common cold" does not last more than eight weeks. So I went back to the ENT, who prescribed a round of medicine to try to fix what he thought was sinusitis. Unfortunately, I have severe corn and gluten allergies, all of which were in these medicines, so they could not be taken. He went ahead and did a CT scan of my sinuses and told me that he honestly expected them to be clear and have the problem with my constant coughing me something like bronchitis that was associated with my lungs. To his amazement, the left side of my sinuses are more clogged than they were before the first surgery. Ugh! He has no explanation for this and said that in all of his years of practice, he has only had to redue to surgery a couple of times. That is my life story. If there is a 1 in a 1000 chance of something happening, I will be that person.
Needless to say, I am frustrated! I feel like an old woman, because I cannot breath and make it up the stairs without getting short of breath. My workout sessions with the trainer have gone from a solid 30 minutes to, if we are lucky, 20 minutes when the breaks to breath are added into the time. My husband and I have yet to spend a full night together, without be going out to the couch, because my coughing and snoring wake him up; this is no way to live a newlywed life together!
The last time I had the surgery, I had to spend the night, due to the blood clotting disorders that I have and the need to monitor them. To be honest, this is wonderful, because the nurses help change the disgusting dressing, and I can sleep since there is a constant IV of drugs. However, then I missed two weeks of work, and recovery seemed to take FOREVER! The doctor assures me that I will be fine, but I leave for a 19 day tour of Europe six weeks and two days after the surgery. So the question becomes, how long have most of you spent for recovering from this surgery? Since only half as much work is being done, maybe the recovery will take half as much time? Or, is this being too optimistic?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I have a splint up my nose as the septum was pushed as far right as it could go.
I have not been told to do any cleans of any sort and my nose is very blocked. I do go see the specialist in 4 days to get the splint removed. I'm sure that could not hurt as much as having the packing removed, that did not go well for me at all!
I find sleeping the hardest part, do tired, but can't sleep!
and when I feel up to it I will post about my experience because like it or not : ) these post have been helpful.
It's @6hrs. post-op & home, drinking cup of coffee, beleive it or not hot/warm coffee feels good on my throat. So, as far the actual surgery experience all good, obviously didn't feel a thing. Recovery, very well, no nausea etc. Only bad part had to wait a bit for ice and/or cold drink, throat really rough feeling. Asked for more morophine in recovery stage 1 and then later in phase 2 did get a percocet right before leaving & prescribt for later & antibiotic.
NO PACKING - so releived about this, only stints. Surprisingly, no running bleeding, only some bloody drainage cough up & a little dried cakey from nose. I guess/assume I will see more once I start flushing, not really sure when doc said to start but I'm waiting until tomorrow.
So, as for at this exact moment, did take another pain med.a few bit ago, so feeling okay, still, how I can best describe is like stuffy nose, little pressure, jaw sore. Very little swelling, no bruising. I can definetly say I can already tell a HUGE difference in my left side breathing, finally feel like I'm getting a full breath in through that side.
All for now, I will try to follow-up in a day or two and let you know how it's going. Hope this helps because I know many/most of these post did help me, just to get an idea of what possibly to expect. Biggest thing for me is the NO PACKING, so relieved.
I am from the UK and had septoplasty on Thursday evening (today is Sunday) as it was bent towards my right nostril. SO far things are OK, the surgery went fine, I was booked in via the NHS at a private hospital at 1630 and went for the op around 1800. It lasted around 60 minutes (including recovery room time) and was wheeled back to the room to see my wife. I felt fairly awake considering and of course bunged up due to having two tampon style packages up my nose, one in each nostril. Under my nose I had a gauss pack that held in place with two straps that sit behind your ears which catches the blood dripping from your nose. Yes having the packing up your nose is uncomfortable and I have to admit I didn't sleep that well that evening, but I expected that I suppose. They kept me dosed up on Co-dine and Paracetamol.
The next morning I was woken up by the nurse (felt like I had just got to sleep) and she gave me more pain relief. An hour later, around 0700, she came back in the room and removed the packing from my nose. It wasn't nice, but wasn't really sore either. You wont be thanking the nurse that's all I shall say! I ate fine, though it hurt to open my mouth a lot. I came home a couple of hours later. Found I have stitches up my nose (wasn't told about this) and on reading this forum have found that I wasn't given any aftercare products like you guys in the States seem to get (such as creams and nasal washes).
I have a follow up appointment for 3 months time. I don't have any splints in.
Slept sat upright again on night 2 and my nose cleared slightly up my good side (left). Knocked my nose on night 3 with the duvet whilst in bed and the centre of my nose hurts, surely I cant have done much damage to it just by knocking it slightly?! needless to say, I panicked and was up at the mirror with a torch up my nose to see what I had done. As it happened, possibly coincidence, my good side went blocked and added to the panic that I had gone and bent my septum in to my good side thus blocking it. I just panic about everything, always thinking the worst!! however that night, both side cleared a little and inadvertently must have been breathing through my nose in the night, woke with it feeling sore and dried out! What the hell do I use to moisten it with?? I tried Vaseline and it stang :(
Have been trying to clear some of the scabs away from my nose, using warm water and cotton wool buds (little plastic sticks with cotton wool on the end) and the entrance is better that it was. Occasionally getting a glimpse of what it will be like to breath through my right side again though, sometime even being able to taste and smell through both nostrils. Only time will tell.
Still getting a dull pain in my nose, so going to keep up the pain relief. Why be in pain if you don't have to be!
As for those of you complaining of sore gums/teeth, sometime the nerve that feeds the top gums and teeth can be damaged or bruised by the op as it runs along the centre of your nose close to the site of the op, I'm sure things will have settled in most cases.
My septum is still pretty sore on Day 4 really. Can see its pretty swollen inside my nose and can see snot up there too, what I'd give to blow it. It hurts when I scratch the end of my nose, I can feel it putting pressure on the inside of my nose around the septum, I take it that's normal?
On the whole I found this forum helpful, hope everyone is breathing a little easier.
I'm day 19 post op (deviated septum). I don't have problems with smell, so I can't comment but..
I also can't breathe as I'd like through my nose, particularly if lying down - have to try to sleep with mouth wide open, which results in sore dry mouth & throat & hardly any sleep
I'm hoping I'm a slow healer - after the op (which was quite painless) - my nose bled non stop for 21 hours
I also have a growth in my nose - noticed it straight away, was like a rounded big lump of new nose/skin - horrible! But take heart, after 2 weeks it started to reduce in size (it's currently just a scab connected to a whole load of other sore scabs on the inner surface of my left nostrel). Maybe yours will disappear by itself too.
My nose is very sore/stinging - Maybe it's because it's dry? I use a sea-salt spray 4 times a day but I sniff a lot & once a day at least, I blow my nose to get obstructing lumps of god knows what out in the hope that it will help me to breathe! Maybe I'm drying it out!
My main concern is not being able to breathe through my nose at night yet (the main reason I had the surgery in the first place!)
I've read on a different site that it can take up to 8 weeks for some people be able to breathe fully, so I'm hoping that I'm just a slow healer & the surgery has worked. In the meantime not being able to sleep means not being able to work full time & as I'm self employed, it means no pay!
Has anyone else found it takes weeks before they can breathe properly?
I won't spend my time (or yours complaining) so I'll get right to it.
I'm writing 12 days after my surgery and here have been some highlights:
1. I have ZERO sense of smell; for a point of reference on what I mean EXACTLY, I sprayed my deodorant directly in front of my face and couldn't smell anything. Nada
2. I had to go in to Emergency on Day 9 because my headaches were so intense
3. I cannot breathe remotely properly out of either nostril (again this is day 12)
4. I (wish I was exaggerating) have just noticed a 'growth' that is rather large growing over the scar tissue from where the procedure took place.
Not a happy camper by any stretch of the imagination. I have obvious concerns that I will NOT regain my sense of smell and that by my (unprofessional) opinion, I'll likely have to go back under the knife quite soon to remove the growth. This growth has actually blocked the nasal passage completely and I can't breathe out of my left nostril at all. The right passage is congested so there is no breathing through my nose at all (e.g. the entire purpose of this procedure to begin with).
Interestingly I have not read about anyone else above experiencing a post-op growth which is freaking me out a little bit, although I did see something online elsewhere about someone else saying it happened to them.
Can anyone shed some light on the 'growth' thing? Also, what are my odds of regaining my sense of smell back? I do recall in the last 12 days tasting some garlic in something I ate, although faint...any feedback is appreciated and welcome. Thx
I'm one week post op, and have only just taken the time to look at this website - very helpful.
I've experienced the aching teeth/jaw and discomfort of headaches, and quite frankly, am disappointed about how long it's taking to get over it. However, the fatigue is the thing that's bothering me. I just don't have any energy.
The "growth" described by Matt may be a scab, as I have just removed one when i did my twice daily nasal wash (which I'd forgotten to do yesterday). As much as I don't enjoy the wash, I think they get you to do it for a reason, and I now feel a little better.
I'm not sure about the stitches thought - I don't think the doctor mentioned them to me, and I don't know if they just dissolve or if I have to have them removed. Any thoughts, anyone?
as I did not get any headaches at all.The only pain relief I asked for, was 2 panadienes for the trip home as my wife was driving.The only down side was the stuffing up my nose,which made it awkward to breathe through my nose.The surgeon removed the padding the next morning.Still no pain.Back home now and expect my energy levels to return to normal in the next few days.On the up side was the mushroom risotto on a bed of mashed pumpkin,yoghurt,fruit salad.
I had the septoplasty surgery a week past Monday, procedure went well and I was discharged from hospital same day. Experienced some leakage from my nose for a few days afterwards along with the aching jaw and teeth. I was taking over the counter painkillers regularly for the first week to take the edge off the dull pain I was experiencing. Nose was packed with the disolving foam, which started to flush away using the saline solution after three days, not that pleasant an experience but it was a relief to know it was clearing.
Both nostrils are now clear and I have definitely noticed an improvement in breathing through my nose.
For those who are about to have the surgery, please do not panic, I am not the bravest of people but my experience was not the worst.
I'm now 24 days post surgery and am still feeling unusually tired. On top of that, one side of my jaw is so sore I have trouble biting on that side of my mouth - not good when I'm served a lovely steak for dinner.
However, the headaches have subsided and the nose generally feels clear and easy to breathe through (although still not quite right).
Having my four week follow up consult in two days and hoping that within a week or so I'll be back to normal.
Good luck to those who are about to have the surgery - be prepared for a 2-3 week recovery period (I had thought it would be around one week and was caught out a bit).
The nasal flushes are a little uncomfortable but can already feel some benefits after just 3 days. I just wish i had had the surgery years ago, as i am feeling the benefits of clear nasal passages already. Good luck to anyone about to undergo the surgery.
Post Op Day 1: I awoke feeling awful with a feeling of the worst nose cold and feeling of pressure, nose continued to stream and drip clear/guey/blood filled fluid, I had to make sure I kept on top of my meds which consisted of 1 x 400mg Ibuprofen and 2x Co-dydrymal every five hours, again the night was intolerable and managed around three hours sleep due to being uncomfortable a very sore throat and dripping from the nose.
Post Op Day 2: This morning I actually felt perkier for around five hours and then BAM I dropped again, nose streaming, mainly clear today but streaming none the less, you could not really go out like this, I have been very carefully cleaning the inside tip of the nose with a tissue, CAREFULLY, the cut inside the nose is yet to start healing.
Post Op Day Three: Today was the first day out of bed for a few hours as the meds seemed to be working to a point, nose is still swollen and still running like the clappers, still clear but with regular blood deposits, after seven hours up I had to retreat to the bedroom again feeling pretty awful and a early night was had.
Post Op Day Four: After getting up to address my nose four times during the night I made it till about 2.30am when I finally had to give in and get up, feeling awful, guessing the meds stopped working. Today has been up and down with a very very sensitive nose, even to the lightest tap, I think the inside at times is wanting to crust up around the incision but my nose is running still with pinky coloured goo from my nose, my skin all around my nose is now very raw and I have a cold sore starting, feeling pretty run down now, thank god I have another 9 days off from work.
Every night I hate going to bed knowing its going to be another night of sorting my nose out and getting poor sleep, I think it is improving but know it may get more painful yet.
I will keep updating here, so watch this space, this is not an op to be taken lightly, its in your face literally so there is no getting away from it .
Simon
I forgot to mention I have a numb patch on the roof of my mouth just behind the two front teeth, this is a complication the doctors mentioned as the nerves are connected, I am hoping this is not permanent, its not the end of the world but you notice it from time to time, when drinking or brushing teeth more so, also I have had no sense of smell until today, my nose on the right nostril from time to time is clearing through to a point, not enough to breath but just occasionally to allow very very very gentle blowing out to clear onto a tissue, its pretty horrid what comes out but I have noticed a foul smell every so often appearing, nope it is not nice but it has given me some hope that I have not lost total smell which is a worry to me. This is on the side of the nose that was NOT cut open for operation.
To clarify I have had both Turbinate Reduction and Septoplasty.
I will continue to post up on here
Simon
The swelling of the nose is dropping down but with this the smell got worse to the point my girlfriend could smell it and said it smelly like a morgue, pretty disgusting, with this I used the shower head to rinse out both my nostrils, this seemed to help, 24 hrs later the smell started to return along with a foul taste in the mouth, so I rinsed again. I have since done some googling and sourced a saline solution that is designed with this op in mind and is to be squirted up into the nose to keep things clean. A shame I was given NO help from the hospital in regards to any after care.
Simon
Simon
Still for two hours or so today I was able to breath fairly well through both nostrils not perfect but it was great it showed itself as this is what the whole thing is about.
I am generally off medication now but still take the odd one to hold off any soreness.
The nose has stopped running all the time, this came about as the congestion started to clear.
Both nostrils are to a point clear, I can inhale through both up to about 80% there is some congestion high up in the nose, exhaling is a little more difficult still.
The nose has become dry now somewhat but I am using a saline spray to keep on top of this, first thing in the morning the nose is now crusty and dry and again the spray helps most of this.
I am taking this all in my stride as a change is as good as anything and I feel as though my nose is going through healing stages it needs to.
These last few days have been a big relief after last week.
The cut in one nostril where they did the Septoplasty is still only held in place by the stitches, if I wiggle my nose you can still see the cut and the skin still separated from each other, I guess the healing side of this will be a while before it starts to tighten and pull together and knit.
I'll Keep these updates going so folks know what to expect as regards to this part of the healing stage..
Simon
Not to much change in the last two days, exhaling through my nose is still difficult but the airways have stayed fairly clear with inhaling, not perfect, congested but breathable.
The last few mornings are woken with a very crusty nose and I have to use the saline spray to moisten them up and clear out gently. Pain medication is now down to a minimum for when I feel really gritty but the pain is gone just uncomfortable at times.
I expect the congestion too last some time as the healing continues.
Simon
Debbie
Six weeks in now and I can breathe clearly again. Occasionally I get that dodgy smell slightly so I just rinse the nose out with warm water, sorry this is gross but it is usually a collection of blood and snot far up in the nose, this is the repairing going on.
My nose is no longer the be all of everything.
Still a little numb at the bottom of nose but it is wearing off now.
I can close my mouth watch telly and breathe through my nose alone, great.
Good luck everyone, I hope my posts have been of some insight.
does it help with hearing
can you go back to work two days after
Have two small children and feel I will not be able to cope with all the pain and discomfort this will bring. Thank you to everyone for writing and being honest with your experiences. My consultant told me it wouldn't hurt!!!
I'm scheduled for Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction next month. My doctor does surgeries on Wednesdays and has recommeneded that I will be out of work for the remainder of the first week in addition to the entire next week. So, 8 working days off, including the day of surgery. I hope that helps a little - sorry to not be the voice of experience.
This website is helping me to understand the recovery, as well as freaking me out a bit.
Wishing you all the best,
Julia
1. Are splints usually placed inside nose for this long period ? I had blood coming out of nose for 1 week after op.
2. Also, I dont touch and feel my nose and dont know if septum is completely in center. should I expect both airways completely equal ? with septum in exact center ? My left nostril was almost blocked before op, and I still cant breath the same as I can from right, so what to expect ?
Julia and devin
You should take about 10 to 14 days off after Septoplasty. I had septoplasty and I took 3 weeks off as I could, but I think I could resume normal office routine two weeks after septo, but no hectic routine for first four or five weeks because nose gets stuffed after 5 to 7 hours and one has to do the irrigation and cleansing.
Should I have noticed a marked difference yet? because I haven't really noticed yet.
I had my septoplasty and turbinate reduction three weeks ago yesterday (on Oct 23). I didn't have any set-backs like you did, apart from not having my two-week check-up until a couple of days ago (almost 3 weeks post-op) where the doc suctioned out a bunch of gunk including parts of the dissolvable sponges they had put in during surgery which i didn't even know about until the other day. Last night I started the sinus rinses (previously I'd just been doing saline spray) and got a bunch of extra gunk out. Today is the best I've felt since surgery. The first day that I noticed a marked improvement in how I felt was on the 10th day post-op. It sounds like your bad reaction really has set you back and I am sorry to hear that.
I read all I could about this surgery before I went through with it, paying special attention to people's experiences, yet somehow in the back of my mind I didn't think it would be so bad for me. Funny, huh? My experience has been pretty much in line with others', except for those people who seemed to have an easy time with it.
I don't know if this helps at all, but thought I would share. Sometimes it's just nice to know you're not alone when recovering from something like this.
Wishing you (and everyone else!) all the best,
Julia
Additional note: I had my splints removed 6 days post-op. The doctor assured me prior to surgery that this wouldn't hurt, but it really did hurt. It was a relief in a way too, as once the extra pain started subsiding a couple of hours later, I realized that I actually did have some pressure. The splints were digging into my tear ducts which is what was causing my eyes to tear. My husband went with me to this appointment and was amazed at the size of the splints. He wondered out loud how they had even got them in there in the first place!
Would occur daily for about a month until finally I would get it carterized. When that stopped working the doctor suggestsuggested a septo. After the surgery my gums and teeth hurt like and my nose burned. I got some pain meds and antibiotics and it was ok for a while until a couple hours ago. My nose is extremely blocked, swallowing hurts and I almost choked while eating a soup. 12 hrs after my surgery and my nose burns, it is swollen, my gums and teeth hurt, and difficulty swallowing. Sleeping is out of the question. The only silver lining is that I get my packing removed this Friday morning. I just have to suck it up for a bit longer and hopefully everything comes out ok! :/
I hope you still read this message board. I am 3 weeks post op and I had the same type of surgery as you. Lately, I have been feeling the symptoms you described above... like excessive yawning, short of breath, throat dryness, etc. But still...my nose breathing has considerably improved. Like you, I am a very anxious and panicky person. I was wondering if you ever found the root of that problem and want to know how you are feeling now? Will this pass? Were they panic attacks due to surgery?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
-Cece
Must admit I do heal quickly and not one for lying around or days off work so sooner I am back to work the better. Sympathise with those who are in pain though nothing worse.
The worse part for me at the moment is the congealed blood with runny nose. So for all those going in for it it does not always turn out with pain etc.
Once again, I want to thank all of you for sharing your experiences. Comparing and constrasting post-op stories has helped me keep my sanity.
My pallet is still a tiny bit numb and I still don't have any appetite at all (am drinking green smoothies to get nutrition) but rest assured I'll be having turkey and all the fixins tomorrow on Thanksgiving. So what am I thankful for? I thankful that this procedure is behind me and I look forward to a sinus headache-free future.
Best of luck to everyone!!
No pain at all (haven't taken the oxycodone since the night of the surgery). Just this incredibly stuffed nose like the worst head cold I have ever had, but can't do anything about it.
I go see the surgeon next Tuesday for the stitches and whatever else he has to do. Glad to get Angela's feedback on it being painless, given some of the earlier comments.
Any chance that the stuffiness will subside a little before I see the surgeon and have it cleaned up?
On May 2nd I will see my surgeon who will monitor my situation. I cannot believe how smoothly everything went, considering my age almost close to four-score. The first surgeon, overseas, advised me against the septoplasty, claiming that she would not perform it on patients past the age of 65. However, here my physician as well as the surgeon treated my case as an ordinary case. I am very grateful to the surgeon and his team who performed such a task with so much ease!
The other item is the mass amount of dried blood in combination with the nose stents made nose breathing very difficult. I wont lie to you it actually created some anxiety for me and I am not the type to be anxious about anything until this morning. That is why I am up to find an outlet to get my mind off the misery of the moment.
As a post script, I have had an elevated PSA for my prostate, another curious aging problem. No cancer detected in 2 biopsy's but we are still trying to figure out why it is rising. My third biopsy next month. The good news no bad news scenario is stil in effect. The reason I mention this is between the anesthesia and the prostate mystery I wouldn't pee last night after being able to before I was discharged. So now I temporarily have this f'n bag to wear for a few days. All in all I could be happier but I am saving that emotion for the day I get these nose splints out. You can drop me a line anytime if you are interested in any other details. or progress.report.
The right nostril has been cooperating and not bleeding. The left one is another story. It has kept me up at nights because I hate the gauze mustache. I even taped it to just below the left nostril. Nose isnt clotting real well and drains at night. I became desperate early this morning and put it in place and got 4 good hours of rest. The cath bag is going tomorrow THANK GOD@! I cant stand that thing and it really does something to your overall demeanor.
This Thur the stitches come out. We will see what kinds of bleeding issues I run into then. Keep you posted. I think I am turning the bend but the first 48 hours suck!
Can't say I've been in any major pain after the first night, just very awkward and uncomfortable to sleep sitting up. Live for my nasal cleanse, allowed 3/day, do them religiously - no blowing rule is terrible for me, been resorting to breathing out through the nose after a cleanse, only time i feel clear.
Seems live had a much easier time than most people here.
God forgive me for my tears but this has been terribly painful, now I'm in my third day after sectoplasty and turbinate reduction and still I can't sleep at night and my nose hurts like hell even if it is getting a little bit better. Vomited blood for hours after surgery, the gauze under my nose is full of dry blood and hurts althoght now it seems like it's dripping less both in my throath and nose. Had to sleep in many different positions just to get a small amount of sleep. Brutal recovery but is getting a little bit better
All I can say is for four days I bled and now it's just kind of gooey. We'll see how this plays out.
My nose looks less piggy and swollen today but still not close to normal.
That is it so far.
-Dry mouth/sore throat(lasted about 2-3 days)(Keep water and chap stick by bed)
-Excessive nose bleeding(lasted first day)(Use the saline spray if they let you, let the blood clots form)
-Discomfort in nose(all days so far)(pain killers and being a trooper)
-Teeth and jaw discomfort(first 3 days)(pain killers, chew small and slow)
-Excessive salivation(first day)(this was a weird one, but just having a cup to spit until it goes away(** Drink lots of water** I did not do this when I was spitting a lot and I ended up passing out from dehydration and hitting my head hard))
-Headaches(1-2 days)(Tylenol Extra Strength)
-No taste/smell(1.5 days)(Nothing much besides clearing up snot and dry blood anyway you can in nostril, as surgeon/doctor after surgery if you can clean in anyway, I was told I could not, but slight brake that by using a damp cotton squab to clean)
Again, process is not done yet and this is my own account. Varies by person in terms of what they experienced. I am 18 and was happy I got this ton when I did. Even with the stints blocking most of my nose, I notice a large difference. Thankfully, I had no swelling or bruising and I did this over my college's spring break (extended now from the COVID-19) and had time to rest. Best of luck to anyone who gets this(and do not fear a lot of these horror stories, its a small chance with a good surgeon and there is a response bias as people, who had bad things happen, will want to talk about it more if it goes south)