Septoplasty for deviated septum

frapilu · Post by **frapilu** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:28 am

The ENT I was sent to see has told me I need a septoplasty for my deviated septum. At the time (June), I refused to even consider it but now I called his office for more info because I think I'll have to do it. The nurse/receptionist gave me some info but I'd like to hear from people here who have had it.

She said that because I have OSA, it would not be a day procedure but would require an overnight stay to monitor me. Also, she said that for the first week, I would not be able to use my CPAP nor wear glasses and that I'd feel terribly congested. She says that I would breathe easier and easier over the following 4 - 6 weeks. I'm a diabetic (type 2 controlled with medication, not insulin) and very overweight (255 lbs and 5'2") woman.

Comments? Experiences?

Thanks
France from Ottawa

Hurricane · Post by **Hurricane** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 9:43 am

I would talk to your doctor and not depend on other opionions in his office, being he would be doing the procedure. present him or her with a list of all your questions, even though his nurse might be up on all the procedures. Hope you find relief.

frapilu · Post by **frapilu** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 10:04 am

Hi Hurricane,

Yes, I would definitely talk with the doctor before deciding anything but I just wanted to get an idea.

Thanks
France

by the way, I've updated my profile since I can no longer use a nasal mask due to nasal congestion so I know use an UltraMirage Full Face Mask.

yardbird · Post by **yardbird** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 11:20 am

I had a septoplasty many years ago... like... 12 or so years ago at least. I was blocked down to 30% on one side. I found out recently that my septum has deviated again. How does that happen? I have no idea. I will say this...

I've had surgery on my foot (reshape one side... involved pinning it back together)
My neck, fused C4 and C5, damage to a disk from when I broke my neck.
I've had elbow surgery, I have an EXTRA muscle in my elbow that trapped a nerve.
I was in a car accident where I was dead and have had multiple surgeries on my right lower leg because I wanted to keep it.

Of all the surgeries I've had and the few that have required repeat work, I will not have the septoplasty again. It sucked.

Now if you're completely blocked on both sides, obviously you have to do something. And, quite frankly, others may relate other stories. I can tell you that I could breathe much better very soon after that septoplasty.

I use Swift nasal pillow system. And while I am learning more about my new ComfortLite 2, the swift gives me absolutely great therapy. Even with one side only working at 30%.

I'm not trying to advise you or scare you. I am simply relating experience. And of course I know nothing about the severity of the deviation you're talking about.

Definitely discuss this all with your doctor. Don't focus too much on single things. Get the big picture and develop a plan. I just think some people look at surgery as a magic bullet and very often that just ain't so.

neverbetter · Post by **neverbetter** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 12:22 pm

Yardbird, I agree surgery should be a last resort.
I remember the first nasal-aire one worked like a stent because it was firm and kept my nose open. It was fantatstic. The second version was a little too flimsy to keep the nasal areas opened.The sizes were totally different.
The first one was the greatest thing since sliced bread for my deviaited septum.

neverbetter · Post by **neverbetter** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 12:23 pm

excuse my spelling typos

tater pie · Post by **tater pie** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 12:47 pm

Everybody's experience is different. I had the septoplasty and it was a piece of cake and really helped my breathing. The only other surgery I've ever had was kidney surgery to remove kidney stones and compared to that, the septoplasty was a walk in the park. You'll just have to use your own judgment.

frapilu · Post by **frapilu** » Mon Dec 18, 2006 1:13 pm

Hi Yardbird, neverbetter and tater pie,

This septoplasty definitely wasn't my idea. I saw the ENT because I can hardly breathe through my left nostril. In addition, the post nasal drip causes constant throat tickling and I constantly feel like I've got blocked sinuses. The ENT proposed the surgery but I told him to forget it and walked out. Now 6 months later, I'm figuring I have to at least think about it.

I've tried both the Swift and both the Nasalaire and the Nasalaire II. Can't use either one since they hurt the inside of my nose badly. Besides, they're so noisy!! And my husband hates having the air blow all over him. Also, I tended to do some mouth-breathing with both and when I tried taping my mouth shut, I felt like I was suffocating since I couldn't breathe enough through my nose. I was ok with the HC406 for a while since it didn't hurt the inside of my nose, but I still had the mouth-breating issue. Now I'm using the UMFF but my mouth gets so dry despite the heated humidifier being at the highest level.

I'm hoping if I get operated that my experience goes like tater pie's and that it helps.

Thanks for the replies.
France

Deadmanwalking · Post by **Deadmanwalking** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:13 am

I just went to see my ENT last week considering the same procedure.
I have a deviated septum, spurs, and what they call malformed sinuses.
I have had the full work up inc a CT.
The ENT is the top man at the university of Pittsburgh in pa.
Here is what he told me, The best result he could provide me would be equal
to what I get from using Afrin. Although he doesn't recommend Afrin for more than 3 days.(He explained all the particulars).
What he did recommend(wasn't the knife) is to try a sinus spray made with pepper. here's a link; http://www.sinusbuster.com/
I have ordered some and will let you know how it works when I get it.
P.S. ENT says this can be used every day no rebound stuffiness or problems. DMW

Hoganflagle · Post by **Hoganflagle** » Sat Dec 23, 2006 8:30 am

Anyone here use this sinusbuster and what is the definition of "burn" for this product? I'm am always up for an effective non habit forming spray to clear congestion, but not sure if I'm ready for hot peppers in my sinuses. When it comes to hot peppers I'm like Tom Hanks in the movie "Big" where he was trying to get the caviar out of his mouth.

Willing to try it as long as it does not bring back memories of Marine Boot Camp Gas Chamber exercises.

frapilu who can't sign in · Post by **frapilu who can't sign in** » Sun Dec 24, 2006 9:55 am

Definitely check out that sinus buster spray and let us know. But I'm with Hoganflagle on hot peppers; I don't do spicy.

Thanks
frapilu (can't sign in with my laptop and no idea why)

Septoplasty for deviated septum

Septoplasty for deviated septum

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