Seeking Septoplasty support

AnrkeyGrrrl · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Tacoma, WA

nolajoe

I had the septoplasty and turbinoplasty surgeries yesterday ... so please forgive my Percocet induced blabbering Laughing

My report time was 0700, my surgery was scheduled for 0800. I changed into a fashionable gown, party hat, and the most sexy socks I have ever seen, straight off the runway of Paris, I'm sure! Then I was tucked into bed and was given an IV [for my happy juice]. I was wheeled into the OR and had to change beds. I took a few breaths from the face mask, and that's all I remember. My doc said the surgery took about an hour.

I went to the Recovery Room for about 45 minutes, then to the PACU where I woke-up about 1030. They started giving me Fentanyl and gave me a rolled up gauze to place under my nose to catch the blood that was dripping. I was surprised that I did not have "packing" in my nose. Then they gave me a suction thingy [kinda like at the dentist's office] to get rid of any phlegm/blood from my mouth.

My nose felt like it got intimate with a 2x4, the roof of my mouth was numb-ish, and my throat was kinda scratchy. Other than that, I felt pretty good. I was doing so well in fact that they gave me a yummy Popsicle while I waited for my room on the floor [if I did not have OSA, I could have gone home at this point].

I got to my room at 12 noon and was given Afrin, saline spray, Percocet, and Keflex. I got to eat lunch - liquids - blahhhh. I just so happen to work at the hospital I had my surgery in, so I had many visitors during my stay Smile

It's always nice to see a friendly face!!!! I watched a movie inbetween begging for my pain meds - yes, I asked for them every 4 hours!

My doc stopped in and said every thing went beautifully!!!! That's what I love to hear!!!!!!! He said he removed a few small pieces of bone, but left the tissue alone during the turbinoplasty. He said that it was any wonder that I could breathe at all Surprised

He did place the splints inside my nose [attached with a few stitches]. I can kinda breathe thru my nose now, and the splints will need to come out in a week [I was afraid they would be visible, but they are not]. I am not to use my APAP until the splints come out either. He told me to sleep in my recliner if I could. No nose blowing, no sneezing [if I can help it], and no sucking snot down my throat [sorry, don't know how to be more tactful about that!]. I can use the saline as often as I'd like to try and flush the stuff out. I can use Bacitracin ointment with a Q-tip around the edges for comfort [my nose feels very raw and dry]. I asked about using a baby nasal aspirator, and it is allowed, if I am *extra careful* - I don't have one here at the house, but I may go get one.

He expects nothing but success from the surgery!!!!! He did say in time we could revisit the UPPP - I said I didn't think so. I asked him why he didn't offer to just take out my tonsils, he said they were not enlarged, that was why. He then said we could talk about a dental appliance to bring my lower jaw forward and my tongue down. I told him I'd like to try that first.

I got to eat regular food for dinner - whoo hooo!!! A few more friends came over and basically I was just trying to keep busy!!!!

I had the 2nd worst night's sleep ever [the worst was my sleep study!] ... I don't think I got more than 30 minutes continuous sleep at one time Sad

I *can* sleep without my APAP, so I know it's not because of that. I was uncomfortable and don't really like sleeping in a unfamiliar place. Plus I had a roommate who has having some issues and the staff was constantly turning the damn lights on ... grrrrrr!!!!

My doc came in bright and early and said I could go home ... yeah!!!!! They got my discharge paperwork together and I was out of there by 8am Smile

My nose feels kinda sunburned, and achy. But it's not nearly as bad as I expected. I am *so* glad I did not get the UPPP surgery!!!!! I thank each and every one of you for your posts on that!!!!!

I have been trying to finish this post all day long, lol, so I will wrap this up. If there are any more specific questions, please ask.

Michelle

dizzy · Guest

if you have a deviated septum and could use a turbinate reduction to improve breathing, I say go for the surgery it and don't look back. I had that surgery some 25 years ago.

As for Afrin, hasn't your ENT told you that these OTC sprays cause a REBOUND effect whereby after continued use for 10 days or more that it will rebound and actually contribute to your congestion?

The nasal surgery is not that bad, if you can tolerate breathing through your mouth for a few days that is about it. They give you vicodin for the first few days for any pain which isn't much to begin with. If you add to the vicodin tylenol it will extend the pain killing ability of the vicodin.

AnrkeyGrrrl · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 10 Location: Tacoma, WA

Breathing_again · Guest

I had my turbinate reduction yesterday. I feel great. My husband came in after the operation and asked me how I felt and I just looked at him and said, "I CAN BREATHE!" They told me I would have bleeding for the next couple of days and my nose would be sore. I only bled yesterday and that was it for a total of maybe 5 hours. They put NO splints in my nose or any packing. I look like I never even had surgery. I stopped by the office today and eveyone was amazed with how well I was doing. I didn't have any bleeding today, I don't have to take any medication, and feel great. Except for today I am a little clogged up, but I think that it is my sinuses bothering me now. The doctor tells you not to blow your nose for a few weeks, but oh my god, I'm suffering with a snotty nose, so I blew it very gently. I feel much better now. My husbands co-worker is suffering from the same thing-stuffy nose, can't breathe. So he is now going to go have the surgery since he seen how well I did. I can't believe that I don't have any pain. It is wonderful. My advice to anyone who is questioning turbinate reduction is-HAVE IT DONE, there is no need in suffering from this. Afrin is now out of my life for good. I have used it for about four years now. I will not go back to it again. Razz

Guest · Posted: January 21 2006 Post subject:

I too am considering the surgery. I have had the radiofrequency surgery to shrink the turbs and it helped with the sleeping but the breathing problems during the day are still there.
I was wondering has anyone had the surgery done with local sedation as opposed to general anethesia? I have heard many get it done with local. Would like to hear about that.
Second question how do you find a good surgeon?, I live in Canada and cannot find any decent info on the procedure or surgeons.
Thanks for the help

kmhart0930 · Joined: 10 Jun 2006 Posts: 1

I had septoplasty and turbinate surgery on Wednesday, June 7th. I was a little ignorant as to what to expect after the surgery. I wasn't told what to expect after the surgery, other than "a little discomfort," no packing, and little discharge. Well, six hours after the surgery my nose was bleeding like a crime scene. I called the doctor who advised me to soak cotton balls in some Afrin, put them up my nose for twenty minutes to dilate the blood vessels and that should resolve the issue. Well, it did on the left side but the right side continued to bleed well into today. I discovered a strange mass in the lower right nostril that caused me to panic and think I had ruptured something so I called the doctor on call.

When my call was returned, he stated that what I was seeing was likely a blood clot and that it was a good thing. The excessive bleeding was caused by the turbinate surgery, not the septoplasty, and that it was completely normal given that I have splints in my nose that are causing irritation and that when the splints are removed I will feel signficantly better, and that the bleeding should subside within an hour of the splint removal. He gave me the option to either leave it alone or come in and have my nose packed - I chose to leave it alone. Within four hours of resting, with lots of ice, the bleeding finally subsided some. I look forward to my post-op appointment on Monday when I will have the splints removed.

My point is, I was never told what to expect, other than "keep it irrigated with saline," take pain killers and antibiotics as directed, rest, and don't bend over. I wish I had discovered this website sooner! The information that you have provided me has given me some peace of mind, knowing that what I am going through is completey normal and that I am not bleeding to death (haha).

Don · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 258

Sorry to hear about all the bleeding and worrying you are going through. With mine I was concerned because I had almost no bleeding at all. I was told that if I filled up seven of the gauze pieces to use some Afrin and if that didn't stop it then call them. I bet I wouldn't have half filled up even one of them for the total time of recovering including having the splints removed. Some surgeries I guess are just different in how we respond. Glad to hear you are doing better..... Don

wolverine · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 16

Did you ever have trouble smelling after the operation? They say the nasal mucosa is very delicate or basicaly the nasal wall surrounding the inside of your nose?

Thanks and good to hear everything went well.

wolverine · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 16

Can you still smell properly after the procedure? I am considering having the procedure done but am concerned of damaging the nasa mucosa.

Peace, and Good luck in your recovery

quote="kmhart0930"]I had septoplasty and turbinate surgery on Wednesday, June 7th. I was a little ignorant as to what to expect after the surgery. I wasn't told what to expect after the surgery, other than "a little discomfort," no packing, and little discharge. Well, six hours after the surgery my nose was bleeding like a crime scene. I called the doctor who advised me to soak cotton balls in some Afrin, put them up my nose for twenty minutes to dilate the blood vessels and that should resolve the issue. Well, it did on the left side but the right side continued to bleed well into today. I discovered a strange mass in the lower right nostril that caused me to panic and think I had ruptured something so I called the doctor on call.

When my call was returned, he stated that what I was seeing was likely a blood clot and that it was a good thing. The excessive bleeding was caused by the turbinate surgery, not the septoplasty, and that it was completely normal given that I have splints in my nose that are causing irritation and that when the splints are removed I will feel signficantly better, and that the bleeding should subside within an hour of the splint removal. He gave me the option to either leave it alone or come in and have my nose packed - I chose to leave it alone. Within four hours of resting, with lots of ice, the bleeding finally subsided some. I look forward to my post-op appointment on Monday when I will have the splints removed.

My point is, I was never told what to expect, other than "keep it irrigated with saline," take pain killers and antibiotics as directed, rest, and don't bend over. I wish I had discovered this website sooner! The information that you have provided me has given me some peace of mind, knowing that what I am going through is completey normal and that I am not bleeding to death (haha).[/quote]

Don · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 258

My ENT told me I might smell things better than I had for years. However, I could not tell any difference in my ability to smell things but it for sure wasn't worse and I could finally breathe through my nose at night which I hadn't been able to do for years...
Don

jfkimberly · Joined: 12 Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Arkansas, USA

I have OSA as a result of severely reduced lung capacity and chest wall deformity, complicated by a deviated septum and chronic allergy-related nasal congestion, and blah blah blah... breathing is fine during the day (I do a lot of mouth-breathing when I'm awake), but in my sleep, it's a whole different story. I've been prescribed BiPAP and have been struggling to acclimate to it for over two years now, without success. I am going in for septoplasty and turbinate reduction tomorrow in the hope that fixing these complications will alleviate some of my problems and make the BiPAP more tolerable. The procedure seems justified, and I have no doubts about doing it. But I didn't think to ask until now how it will feel. I've just read this entire thread, and I am very reassured...

HOWEVER, I am trying to go by car to visit my boyfriend in three weeks... on my own. I know this is a question for my surgeon, but I want a subjective view from people who've had this operation. Will I be permitted to drive 850 miles at three weeks post op, and will I feel like driving 850 miles in three weeks?

Don · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 258

jfkimberly,
After my surgery (same as what you said above) I stayed off work for a week. I could have gone back after maybe 3 or 4 days but wanted to be sure I was ready to go back. After the week I could have gone anywhere at any time. It was pretty much like I had not had any surgery at all. I was careful not to blow my nose for a few weeks and if I had to sneeze I made sure I did so through my mouth not my nose but that was about it. Of course I am not a doctor nor do I play one on TV and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night but I think you will be just fine to travel. Maybe others here that have had the same surgery will tell of their thoughts. Good luck.
Don

wolverine · Joined: 20 Jul 2006 Posts: 16

Good luck and keep us posted.

jfkimberly · Joined: 12 Sep 2006 Posts: 5 Location: Arkansas, USA

Hurray! I'm back from surgery, and slowly starting to feel like myself again. Because of all my co-existing conditions, I ended up in ICU for 2 nights before I was discharged from the hospital (I'm told it's not usual to go straight from ICU to discharge, but I did it... yay, me!).

Anyway, my surgeon says that I can do what I feel up to doing regarding travel, and I can feel myself getting stronger day by day, so I am pretty confident that I'll be visiting my boyfriend in a couple of weeks. *relieved*

I just have to say, everybody who said it's a relatively painless operation, you're absolutely right! I anticipate intense pain when I go back this week to have the splints removed, but I understand that's momentary and then I'll feel pretty normal again. But I haven't had anything for pain since Thursday afternoon (surgery was Wednesday). The heavy IV meds they were giving me in hospital (demoral, I think) were suppressing my respiratory response which was causing a lot of my problems, so I started rejecting them, and being intubated scratched my throat so I couldn't swallow the pill they offered... that left me with nothing, and I didn't mind because I feel like I have sinusitis. Not bad at all for just having surgery.

Oh, gosh... sneezing. I felt my first sneeze coming on about 24 hours after surgery (I told you I have allergies, right?), and I was in a panic. I was so afraid it would hurt and rip out stitches or something... I just sat up and muddled through it, though... I couldn't very well stop it. And it was fine. Of course, I sneezed through my mouth (that sounds weird to say, but that's what I did). My nurse was in my room at the time changing my IV drip, or something, and he was very sympathetic, asking if I was okay and stuff... I smiled (as best I could because my upper lip isn't working quite right) and said, "Wow, yeah... it didn't hurt at all!" I was so relieved.

Anyway, thanks for your replies. Nice group here. Oh! One of the conditions before they would discharge me was I had to have home oxygen for overnight since I can't use my BiPAP. *chuckle* I wasn't using the BiPAP anyway (yes, yes, I know I should work on it, but I knew I had this op coming up so I didn't see the point in working through that just to be off of it for a month while I recovered, so I waited). I'm using the oxygen right now, but the DME gave me one of those huge oxygen converter machine things, rather than a tank, so I don't think I'll be traveling with it.

Don · Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 258

jfkimberly,
If your "splints removal" is normal I wouldn't worry too much about the removal having any pain related to it. When my splints were removed I would describe the feeling as a feeling of a tingle or a tingly feeling. I had no pain from it at all, none. In fact I didn't realize they had been removed. He said he was going to snip the little "splint keepers" and I felt the little snip (which was just because I felt him move a little bit) He did it to each nostril and what I thought was him cutting the little "keepers" also turned out to be him removing the splints. I said,"Well should I brace myself now'? He said, "What for?" So I said for when you take the splints out and he said, "You mean these" as he held them for me to see. I hadn't even realized he'd removed them.... Don't worry yourself too much over having them removed.... Glad to hear it has been going pretty well for you...
Don