Anybody had Septoplasty and/or Turbinate Surgery?

[WeirdEyes]

I have awful issues with my sinuses and finally went to see an ENT. He did x-rays and I have a deviated septum (no wonder I can't breathe), a bone spur embedded in my sinus cavity, and enlarged turbinates. He wants to do surgery as I'm having really bad dizzy spells and have sinus infections constantly. He also tested me for allergies and I'm allergic to everything and will begin the injections next week.

I am absolutely scared that this surgery will be awful. I'm miserable when I have a sinus infection. If any of you have had it, just how bad is it? I want all the gory details.

Also, he said I would be out of work for a week and a couple of days. Does this sound right?

I scheduled the surgery for the end of next month. I am over-joyed (not!).

Thanks!!!!

 

[lovemygoofy]

I had the turbinate surgery done 2 years ago this summer at the same time I had my tonsils out. Yes, I'm glutton for punishment lol. Anyways, I had no problems with the nose thing afterward but it will be very sore. Try hard not to sneeze because it will cause bleeding. I thought it was great having this all said and done.

Now, I've been having problems with my nose again. I can't breathe out of it. It's just for decoration right now. The ENT wants to go back in and I guess look around with a drill/scapel but I'm still thinking about it.

I also did allergy shots and it had no effect on me. I stopped them after a year. Lots of things they don't tell you is that you can't take the shots if you are running any fever or have a cold or any kind of asthma flare up. I don't know about you but my sinus problems and asthma always flared up and I couldn't take the shots. I thought it was a waste of my time and insurance money.

 

[WeirdEyes]

Tina, thanks! My ENT said I'd have to take my shots for 3 years, but they will start working at around 6 months. I sure hope he's right. I'm desperate at this point. I'm so tired of being sick all of the time. I hope yours gets better!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Tina, thanks! My ENT said I'd have to take my shots for 3 years, but they will start working at around 6 months. I sure hope he's right. I'm desperate at this point. I'm so tired of being sick all of the time. I hope yours gets better!

Do you still have your tonsils? I felt so much better after having my tonsils out. My tonsils would constantly stay infected and would keep causing my sinus infections.

To make me nose feel better and moist, I used an aloe saline gel that I applied in my nostrils with a q-tip. I would also use a dampened q-tip to clean out the dried blood in my nostrils.

Are you using any kind of sinus meds or nasal inhaler?

 

[TnTsParty]

What a coincidence a coworker just came back from her doctor and she has to have that next month as well. She is a little scared as well. Hopefully there will be more posts so I can let her know what to expect.

 

[WeirdEyes]

Do you still have your tonsils? I felt so much better after having my tonsils out. My tonsils would constantly stay infected and would keep causing my sinus infections.

To make me nose feel better and moist, I used an aloe saline gel that I applied in my nostrils with a q-tip. I would also use a dampened q-tip to clean out the dried blood in my nostrils.

Are you using any kind of sinus meds or nasal inhaler?

I had my tonsils out when I was 5. I take Allegra and Flonase inhaler. I also take Benadryl when needed. I need to find some aloe saline gel. Thanks!

What a coincidence a coworker just came back from her doctor and she has to have that next month as well. She is a little scared as well. Hopefully there will be more posts so I can let her know what to expect.

If you don't mind, please ask her how long her doctor said she'd be out of work. TIA!

 

[Doctor P]

I had massive sleep apnea surgery almost ten years ago that included correcting a deviated septum, shaving my turbinates, tonsillectomy, removing my uvula, and taking a portion of my soft palate all in one surgery. The nasal part of the surgery was the fastest healing part.

Here is how I described the nasal part of the surgery to my sister who later had it and said that my description was right on and really helped her in her post-surgery recovery.

How you will feel: you will feel like you have the absolute worst head cold that you have ever had in your life in terms of feeling plugged up. This sensation will be greatly relieved within 24-48 hours of the surgery when they remove the gauze type of packing they use in your nose after the surgery. After about one more week, they will remove plastic stents that were put in place to keep your nasal passages from healing shut and to retain an airway for you. I was told that if I need to sneeze, do so through my mouth rather than my nose during the first week to ten days. Not as hard as it sounds. You are also not allowed to blow your nose. For several days after the surgery, your nose will ooze a watery blood kind of mixture and you will likely be asked to irrigate your nose regularly with warm saline solution. This is all more of an annoyance than anything.

I had almost no pain from the nasal surgery, had almost no swelling at all (but had some tenderness), and it healed quickly.

The last thing I will tell you is that when you are finally allowed to sneeze or gently blow your nose, you will release quantities of bloody clots and other things from your nose that are not pleasant but, more amazingly, are in such large quantity that you will be SHOCKED that it came from your nasal passages (my first sneeze produced, no exaggeration, approximately ONE LITER of stuff).

The surgery I had is a LOT worse than what you are facing and even mine was not that bad (the throat and palate were the uncomfortable part, especially since I had to breath through my mouth because of the nasal surgery). Sorry for all the gory details, but you asked for a complete description, so I hope it helped. Good luck!!

 

[Poohnatic]

Doctor P, thanks for the description.

Sheila, my brother and a very close friend both had the surgery. My friend followed doctor's orders to the letter and about 6 to 8 months later felt that she was 100% healed. It made a HUGE difference for her, she's asthmatic with many allergies. We've been talking about it lately-I probably should consult with an ENT, while she's 12 years post surgery and may need to do it again.

My brother, OTOH, was blowing his nose the next day while talking on the phone with me. When I asked him why he'd do that if the doctor told him not to (friend's surgery was a year before and she also talked to him about post op), his response is "I have to blow my nose. I don't feel right if I don't". Needless to say, the surgery didn't provide the results he expected.

I'll keep an eye on this. My GP has me going in for a full blood panel, allergy testing, etc. She wants to rework all my meds. The surgery has been mentioned by my doctors up north and here, especially since I was diagnosed with vertigo.

Good luck, Sheila and keep us posted on it!

Suzanne

 

[TnTsParty]

If you don't mind, please ask her how long her doctor said she'd be out of work. TIA!

Her doctor gave her a note that she will be out for a week (even though we don't need notes here - I guess they do it as standard procedure - kinda like a dr.s noted for school!! LOL)

 

[Fan2CSkr]

I had this surgery done 13 years ago. I had chronic sinusitis and polyps in the sinus cavities. My surgery ended up being extensive and I spent the night in the hospital. Doctor P's description is spot on. I can elaborate to the bad cold sensation and say it felt like I was suffocating with all that packing even though I could breathe through my mouth.

The next morning the packing was removed and it was quite painful for me. I advise a dose of pain medication prior to that. But everyone is different. My husband was in the room and remembers me saying "too much air!", when the packing was all out. The surgery benefit was and still is huge for me, it was a great success. It was one week before I headed back to work.

My sister faced the same surgery but started allergy shots and has never felt better. She has postponed the surgery.

I wish you the best results and hope you have a speedy recovery afterwards.

 

[WeirdEyes]

Doctor P ~ Thanks soooo much for the info! I am very grateful you took the time to post. My ENT said that I will NOT have the packing and now I'm happy about that. I figured that would be rough if I did.

Suzanne ~ Thanks also for your info. I'll keep you posted.

TnTsParty ~ I appreciate you checking for me. I'm glad I'll only have to be out that long.

 

[WeirdEyes]

I had this surgery done 13 years ago. I had chronic sinusitis and polyps in the sinus cavities. My surgery ended up being extensive and I spent the night in the hospital. Doctor P's description is spot on. I can elaborate to the bad cold sensation and say it felt like I was suffocating with all that packing even though I could breathe through my mouth.

The next morning the packing was removed and it was quite painful for me. I advise a dose of pain medication prior to that. But everyone is different. My husband was in the room and remembers me saying "too much air!", when the packing was all out. The surgery benefit was and still is huge for me, it was a great success. It was one week before I headed back to work.

My sister faced the same surgery but started allergy shots and has never felt better. She has postponed the surgery.

I wish you the best results and hope you have a speedy recovery afterwards.

Wow! I guess after not being able to breathe so well, it really does feel like to much air when you can! Glad everything went well for you and it helps me stay positive.

 

[TnTsParty]

Her doctor told her before the surgury she needs to go for a TSH test - which I looked up and is a Thyroid Simulating Hormone blood test. She isn't sure why and thinks she can just get a doctor to sign off on something saying she is ok. I told her she needs to actually go to her PCP and get the test done.

 

[bengalbelle]

I've had two surgeries. The first removed my turbinates and some polyps, the second was a full sinus surgery and correction of deviated septum. I didn't have horrible pain with either one, but the drainage was awful. Doctor P did a good job of describing it. I'll just add that mine went on for about 6 months.

One thing I'll mention is that since my first surgery (about 15 years ago) I've had problems feeling a little stuffy. I guess the best way to describe it is my nose (right inside my nostrils) feels swollen. My x-rays and scans (barring any sinus infection) were coming back clear. My ENT explained that removal of the turbinates often results in a feeling of nasal stuffiness. Something about the resistance that they provided when I breathed in is now gone and makes me feel stuffy even though I'm not. It's a bit uncomfortable, and that's probably the only part of my surgery that I'd reconsider.

I still have tons of sinus infections, but they're much milder than they were before the surgeries. My sinuses were becoming impacted then because the stuff couldn't drain out.

I also have allergies. I've taken shots in the past, but right now I'm using Zyrtec.

ETA: I'm adding a link regarding the turbinate removal. I strongly suggest you speak to your ENT about this before the surgery to see how much he/she plans to remove. Mine were completely removed, which I understand is not usually the norm anymore. Back then it was thought to be a good thing. http://www.emptynosesyndrome.org/ens.html

 

[WeirdEyes]

I've had two surgeries. The first removed my turbinates and some polyps, the second was a full sinus surgery and correction of deviated septum. I didn't have horrible pain with either one, but the drainage was awful. Doctor P did a good job of describing it. I'll just add that mine went on for about 6 months.

One thing I'll mention is that since my first surgery (about 15 years ago) I've had problems feeling a little stuffy. I guess the best way to describe it is my nose (right inside my nostrils) feels swollen. My x-rays and scans (barring any sinus infection) were coming back clear. My ENT explained that removal of the turbinates often results in a feeling of nasal stuffiness. Something about the resistance that they provided when I breathed in is now gone and makes me feel stuffy even though I'm not. It's a bit uncomfortable, and that's probably the only part of my surgery that I'd reconsider.

I still have tons of sinus infections, but they're much milder than they were before the surgeries. My sinuses were becoming impacted then because the stuff couldn't drain out.

I also have allergies. I've taken shots in the past, but right now I'm using Zyrtec.

ETA: I'm adding a link regarding the turbinate removal. I strongly suggest you speak to your ENT about this before the surgery to see how much he/she plans to remove. Mine were completely removed, which I understand is not usually the norm anymore. Back then it was thought to be a good thing. http://www.emptynosesyndrome.org/ens.html

Thanks so much! My ENT isn't removing all of my turbinates...just drilling a hole in them...his words. He said removing all of them wasn't necessary and he doesn't recommend it. I guess that's a good thing!

 

[lovemygoofy]

Her doctor told her before the surgury she needs to go for a TSH test - which I looked up and is a Thyroid Simulating Hormone blood test. She isn't sure why and thinks she can just get a doctor to sign off on something saying she is ok. I told her she needs to actually go to her PCP and get the test done.

I'm not positive if this is the same test I had from the ENT but I had to do some kind of thyroid test where I collected urine samples for 24 hours. Guess where you have to keep the pee bottle? Oh yeah, in the frig

 

[RealMickeysGirl]

I answered a post from someone asking about surgery for their dd. Just decided to copy and paste instead of retyping everything.

I have allergies and had sinus problems for years. Back in 1994, I had sinus surgery and even though I have my allergies, they are much easier to control.

I had a lot of work done - depending on what the scans show, your dd may have some of these procedures or other ones.

My septum was flaired on one side - mostly straight but the flair made the air passages on that side narrow. They shaved off the side of the septum to make it more normal.

I had scartissue on the turbinates (they are little membrane covered ridges in your nose that moisturize the air you breathe in). They took off the scartissue and trimmed the terbinates.

I had scartissue in the openings of the upper sinuses - over the eyes. They trimmed the scartissue but didn't take any bone.

My lower sinuses had so much scartissue that they were pretty much closed off. They took scartissue and bone from both making the openings about the size of a dime - they are normally about the size of a pencil lead in people without problems.

My scartissue had been caused by repeated sinus infections from about the time I was 12 - I was about 35 when I had the surgery done. At the time the docs decided that an operation was my only chance to heal, I had had a continuous sinus infection for about 8 months. Antibiotics didn't help much - I even took 30 days straight of Augmenten and it didn't touch it.

I would check around and ask people who have had the surgery what doc they used and how their surgery/recovery went. I would recomment my doc to anyone, he did a great job.

I am so glad I did it. Now, when I get a cold, it lasts a week like a normal person and doesn't turn into a sinus infection that lasts for months.

I had planned on being out of work for 2 days - had the surgery on a thursday and thought I would be back at work on Monday. Ended up being Wednesday because my face had pounding pain when I would look down, even slightly down. I am at a computer all day and constantly looking down at either my hands or the bottom of the monitor so going to work was out for me for a couple of extra days.
I had the splints - no packing. Had to irrigate 3 times a day. There was only one stitch holding the splints in so when they were removed, there wasn't much to it.

The main problem i had was that the pain meds they gave me had codine in them. I found out that codine makes me feel really bad - nauseous. On the third day I decided I would rather take plain tylenol than deal with the nausea.

They also told me to sneeze through my mouth - and now I can't go back to the other way. Don't really know why, maybe it is psycological but I can't make myself sneeze through my nose.

Hope you have as much success with your surgery as i have had with mine.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

I've had it all. I've had two different Turbinate surgeries. One was more invasive. The other was outpatient. The outpatient one was pointless. It only gets about 1/3 of your turbinates. They can fry things if they go to deep.

The worst part for me of any nasal surgery is when they pull out the gauze. The second time I had the turbinate surgery, they put splints in my nose. When they yanked them out a week later, I literally almost passed out. The doctor had told my wife it could happen before hand.

I was told I might have to go in for the turbinate surgery every three years, but so far it's been close to that and I still can breath a heck of a lot better.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My DH has had this surgery a while back and now needs another. It wasn't too bad, just uncomfortable for a while.

I just wanted to add that for Father's Day I got him a Neti Pot based on a thread here I saw on the Dis. He likes it and says it's helped him breathe better, is keeping his sinuses unplugged. I bought it at Whole Foods for $20 and a jar of salts for $15. FYI. It's the first thing that's actually helped him in a long time.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1475353&referrerid=70088

 

[Swimnoid]

I had that surgery way back in 1985. Dr P described it to a T. I did not have much pain but a friend of mine who had the same surgery had a lot of pain.

I took the allergy shots for 3 years as well. Even after all these years my allergies are just mild compared to being full blown back then.

Good luck!