Septoplasty yesterday

[Linda3032]

Giving a bit of warning to the anesthesia service could save you some real misery.

Ditto. Also, the Anesthesiologist can give you a shot or something prior to surgery to ward off sickness -- before it happens.

[Sleepless_in_LM]

Frapilu,

You may want to ask to speak to the anesthetist or anesthesiologist ahead of time. Even by phone, that could be worthwhile.

Giving a bit of warning to the anesthesia service could save you some real misery.

Absolutely! I had three operations where I got quite sick from anesthesia, but on the fourth, I talked directly to the anesthesiologist and he said don't worry about. I didn't believe him, but I never got sick. So for my fifth(a different hospital) I asked to see the anesthesiologist at my pre-op appointment. I took along a copy of my anesthesia report from my fourth. After looking at it, he said it was pretty much what he would do for anybody that had a history of getting sick from anesthesia. They really have some great stuff these days to help. Ask to talk to the anesthesiologist at your pre-op appointment!

[frapilu]

Yes, the doctor said I would be able to speak with the anesthetist before the operation but now that you mention it, it occurs to me that I should mention it when I have my pre-admission appointment on April 2. I have heard that they can put something in it so I won't get sick. I figure I'll be feeling lousy enough with my nose so I don't want to be throwing up too.

Thanks all
France

[birdshell]

You are so wise to be doing some planning of exactly what to discuss at the pre-operative visit! Often, though, they only have you scheduled for questioning and a few blood tests. You may want to ask your surgeon to request the pre-op department to schedule an appointment for you.

I've had pre-op visits where the anesthesiologist visit was standard, but those were in-patient major surgeries. For outpatient surgeries, it is often simply a quick conference right before the surgery. It may depend on the patient, type of surgery, and hospital policy.

Remember, the anesthesiologist or anesthetist has your life in his/her hands (EVEN more than your surgeon) most of the time you will be in the OR. That is why (IMHO) they call it a surgical TEAM.



If I may make another suggestion:

I take a large number of medications, and always take a printed list (stored and updated on my word processor) to the pre-op visit as well as with me to the surgery. I do the same for my medical history. That may be as useful to me in filling out the forms as to the hospital personnel. Usually the surgeons RAVE about these two simple things, and then I don't forget any medications or pertinent conditions.

Another hospital tip:

If I ever have a planned hospital stay again, I will also insist on speaking to a dietician for improved meal planning. After my major abdominal surgery, my full liquid diet was a serving of "cream soup"--full-fat cream combined with beef boullion. Yuck!!! Fortunately, the hospital was exceptionally good in almost every other way.

[ca_hosehead]

I had a turbinate reduction done about a month ago and the Doc advised against the saline flushes, said it was too sensitive and would irritate things, so you might want to check with your Dr.

I got virtually no air in through the nose for about a week. I'm just now getting good air in through the nose. Previously I was unable to get enough air to use a CPAP while lying down, I had a sleep in a recliner. Last night I was able to sleep in a real bed so I'm pretty happy so far. I don't think you'll be sorry.

(the sensitive should stop reading now)

You will getting some strange things out of your nose for while. Blood clots, pieces of tissue, that sort of thing. It's unpleasant but it does pass.

[birdshell]

ca_hosehead, I am so glad that you are recovering well. All surgery is basically awful in the recovery phase, but when there are GREAT results one forgets the recovery.

Since the doctor had recommended saline spray to dataq1, that probably started our saline discussion. You are ABSOLUTELY correct about checking with the doctor. Each of us may have slightly different problems that contraindicate certain follow-up procedures.

Especially after surgery, the surgeon should be determining one's aftercare. Gee, has that surgeon had just a little bit more experience with surgical patients, not to mention the training and specialization?

Excellent point. Thank you very much for making such an important observation.

_____________________

And, as regards the post-surgical 'emissions'--my great aunt was an RN and a doctor (yes, both). She always used to say, in regard to those kinds of 'emissions'--"Better out than in!"

[dataq1]

Re: Saline:

You are ABSOLUTELY correct about checking with the doctor. Each of us may have slightly different problems that contraindicate certain follow-up procedures.

Quite true, but actually I've found that using the saline spray to be great relief, and so use it (as directed) four or five times a day. BUT That's just me and MY nose.

Tomorrow I go to get the splint(s) removed. So I anticipate some additional swelling and attendant stuffiness while the recovery process continues. Doctor did warn me that the recovery process could take several (4-6 weeks), but as it progresses I will be more and more comfortable with my new nose.

I'm really looking forward to being able to strap on my hybrid mask in the next few weeks. I'll find out tomorrow if I can wear my FP 431.

[frapilu]

Birdshell,

Looks like we're birds of a feather . I also have a fair amount of medical conditions and medications so I regularly maintain a list of them on my PC. Any doctor I consult gets a copy of that list so I've already given the ENT a copy. In addition, the pre-admission appointment instructions said to bring a list, which I would have done anyway.

I guess I'll call the pre-admission office to make sure I'll also be having a consult with the anesthesiologist.

Thanks
France

[birdshell]

Awright!! Someone else who gets the doctors to say, "I LOVE this, and wish all of my patients did this." It seems that the surgeons are especially impressed.

In fact, now that my doctors are trained to expect my meds list, they all have their staff ask for it.

Anyone who does this should be listing xPAP treatment on the list. It is a prescribed treatment, after all.

I do have an updated list of my medications and conditions on my Medic Alert file, too.

[frapilu]

Yeah, it's funny. When I see my GP, I have my list of stuff, including the list of what needs renewals, how much, dosage, etc. My doctor keeps telling me I'm so organized and she wishes everyone did that. It's nice to hear. Yes, sleep apnea with CPAP treatment is listed on it. It was neat to read your first post to see someone else does this.

France

[dataq1]

I had the septoplasty (and turbinate reduction) on Jan 30.
On Feb 5 I had my post-op visit with the ENT, who removed the splints in each nostril. Despite nasal swelling and congestion, I was able to breath thru my nose freely, much better, I judge, than before the surgery.

So last night was the first night to be able to be back on XPAP. I'm using my FP-431 mask because it doesn't touch the lower half of my nose, that the doctor tells me is still fragile. I have to be very careful for the next several weeks. About week five I can begin to try my Hybrid (nasal pillow).

First day on Xpap was very encouraging with AHI of 3.0, had only one cluster event during the night. But for the first four hours AHI of ZERO.

Will keep you posted. At this point I can say it was well worth it!

[birdshell]

Thank you so much for the update.

It is GREAT to hear such good news! Here's hoping that you continue to have a better breathing experience as a result.

That type of surgery has to be one of the most painful, as there is a huge concentration of nerve endings in the area. (And, it isn't very far for the pain message to travel to the brain! ) Now that you are past that, you will know how the surgery is really helping.

You have made it, may use at least your FP 431, and have had some great results so far! Congratulations, and may you just continue to get better and better results as you heal.

Take excellent care of yourself,

Karen

[frapilu]

dataq1,

Thanks for the update from me too. That sounds so encouraging. I use an Ultra Mirage full face, which is very similar to the HC431 (or at least similar to the HC432 in my opinion).

I'm delighted to hear you're already breathing better.

Keep us posted.

France

[JeffH]

[quote="dataq1"]I had the septoplasty (and turbinate reduction) on Jan 30.
On Feb 5 I had my post-op visit with the ENT, who removed the splints in each nostril. Despite nasal swelling and congestion, I was able to breath thru my nose freely, much better, I judge, than before the surgery.

So last night was the first night to be able to be back on XPAP. I'm using my FP-431 mask because it doesn't touch the lower half of my nose, that the doctor tells me is still fragile. I have to be very careful for the next several weeks. About week five I can begin to try my Hybrid (nasal pillow).

First day on Xpap was very encouraging with AHI of 3.0, had only one cluster event during the night. But for the first four hours AHI of ZERO.

Will keep you posted. At this point I can say it was well worth it!

[frapilu]

JeffH,

I'm having a septoplasty only, no turbinates, on April 30. My doctor also told me I could use my cpap that same night. In fact, my doctor said I should bring my cpap to the hospital for the recovery room. He also says I have to stay overnight because the anesthesia increases sleep apnea so I have to be monitored in addition to using my cpap that first night.

I guess the difference with dataq1's experience is due to the turbinates.

When's your surgery? Please keep us posted.

France