Nasal Surgery done

[JeffH]

I'm coming up on two years since I had it done and it's one of the best things I've done for myself. My advice, TAKE IT EASY FOR LONGER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED TOO. 10 days after surgery I was lifting something heavy and my nose started bleeding. I ended up in the ER. Two days later it started bleeding again and back to the ER. One week without cpap at all because they had what felt like 8 lbs of cotton up my nose and things have been good since.

I've got the bill about half paid off.

Good luck


JeffH

[Songbird]

I'm so glad you've been able to get this done, James, and especially that it's been such a positive experience for you. Thanks for letting us know. Please keep us posted.

Marsha

[ozij]

Congratulations, James - heal well!
O.

[birdshell]

Boy, those pics take me back to watching my brother have a similar surgery. I share dsm's thoughts on the effectiveness of surgery. My brother spent a Thanksgiving weekend in college having his surgery, and we were amazed at his ability to heal fairly quickly. It greatly improved his life, though, and he was happy to be able to breathe more freely. It also meant that his allergies were less restrictive to breathing. That was way, way back in the day. I think that they have MUCH nicer gauze now, at least.

It was very thoughtful of you to share photos. They are reassuring and should make others hesitate less to have the surgery. I have had some painful procedures and surgeries, but I must admit that the nasal surgery seems as if it would hurt more than any of those.

James, I truly hope that this surgery will be helpful. It hasn't been easy for you to find answers, has it? However, at LEAST you have something now that should put you on your way to health. We are able to do almost anything if there is hope that the situation will improve.

Keep us posted on your progress, if you would be so kind.

Sleep peacefully and breathe deeply,
Karen,
Who realized that "heal" is the first part of health

[Songbird]

Karen,
Who realized that "heal" is the first part of health

I have a lifelong love affair with words, and you just gave me a new favorite saying. Thanks, Karen!!

Marsha

[goose]

That's great news James. Hope you have a very speedy recovery and good relief!!
cheers
goose

[kopoloff]

I had this surgery about 20 years ago. i must say that the worst part of it was the packs in my nose - i reckon the gauze was about 1/2 mile long. It was pretty uncomfortable while those packs were in there, and the removal process, well I though they were pulling my brain out through my nostrils. But once the packs were out (2nd day If I remember correctly) I went home and used no pain relief stuff at all.

The result was pretty good. I was able to start nose breathing for the first time for years, and my allergies diminished. All in all, pretty good. Did nothing for my apnea, though, and I still captained the national snoring team.

Years later I went down the UPPP route - now that's a different story. if anyone wants to hear that particular horror movie, I can unload!!!!!!

Best of luck with your recovery

K

[johnnygoodman]

James,

I am happy the surgery went well. If only I could look at good in my coming out of surgery pics.

My thoughts are with you for a speedy recovery.

Johnny

[nate fry]

I had mine done oct. 21 and have to say it has made such a difference. I also had radiofrequency tissue reduction. I still use my cpap but I can only tell it is on if I put my hand in front of it. I think it is good more people come out with the good stories. I would do my again in a minute. I had all the surgeries and have to admitt like one person said . The tounsil hurt the worst. The nose really didn't hurt at all. My life is way better and no more congestion or nose spray. If you have sinus problems or congestion, this can change your life.

[roster]

Great James!

I had the same surgery in November 2007. Doc told me I would not be able to use CPAP for about two weeks. Like you I was determined to never sleep without CPAP. I used it from the first night after surgery and the surgeon and the sleep doc had trouble believing me.

[roster]

I had this surgery about 20 years ago. i must say that the worst part of it was the packs in my nose - i reckon the gauze was about 1/2 mile long. It was pretty uncomfortable while those packs were in there, and the removal process, well I though they were pulling my brain out through my nostrils. But once the packs were out (2nd day If I remember correctly) I went home and used no pain relief stuff at all.

K

That is how they once did it. A friend explained in medical school the instructor would hold a 30-ft (about 9 meters) roll of packing. He would have a student take the end and walk until all of the packing was unrolled. Then he would tell the class they will have to stuff this length of packing into patients' nasal airways.

The patients typically had black eyes and maybe black and blue cheeks and noses for a couple of weeks. The surgery took several hours and inserting the packing was a large portion of the time.

It is not done like that anymore. Small, simple, plastic stents are used. I had no bruising and, except for a very sore throat immediately after the surgery, I had very little pain. The sore throat was caused either by the breathing tube or by blood dripping into the throat. I suspect the anesthesiologist was a little clumsy with me.

I had the surgery on a Tuesday and that Friday the stents came out and there was very little bleeding thereafter.

[birdshell]

<snip>

It is not done like that anymore. Small, simple, plastic stents are used. I had no bruising and, except for a very sore throat immediately after the surgery, I had very little pain. The sore throat was caused either by the breathing tube or by blood dripping into the throat. I suspect the anasthesiologist was a little clumsy with me.

I had the surgery on a Tuesday and that Friday the stents came out and there was very little bleeding thereafter.

After the year of the five surgeries, I always tell the anesthesiologist that I talk for a living and sing for a hobby, and the anesthesiologist will say, "OK, I'll use a small tube then."

So, my relatively animal avatar relative, aka rooster: I suspect the tube, as well. I have not had a sore throat until my most recent knee surgery. I forgot to request anything, and I could tell that the throat was irritated.

Karen,
Who enjoys intubation compared to spinal invasion

[giantred]

I was wondering. I'm scheduled too have the surgery next month. But I saw some messages here that you are still using the CPAP machine and others replied that they still have sleep apnea. Isn't the purpose of the surgery to get rid of the sleep apnea? I don't understand why it's still there. My doctor said the same thing, don't expect the apnea to go away. If it doesn't I will be extremely disaapointed.

[roster]

....... Isn't the purpose of the surgery to get rid of the sleep apnea? I don't understand why it's still there. My doctor said the same thing, don't expect the apnea to go away. .........

Not at all. With obstructive sleep apnea the airway blockage is in the throat - some combination (depending on the individual) of the soft palate and tongue is causing the blockage when you sleep. Turbinate reduction/deviated septum correction is in the nasal passage and of course will not clear a blockage in the throat.

....... If it doesn't I will be extremely disaapointed.

Lower your expectations now. If you have a good surgery you will enjoy all the fresh air being breathed through your nose but you will still need to use CPAP.

Since I had the surgery CPAP is a little easier because the air flows better. What is really nice about the surgery is waking up in the morning and having clear nasal passages. If I have to blow my nose it cleans right out with one or two blows. Before surgery, I would have to keep working at it.

Good luck,

[Slinky]

James, I can only echo what Hawthorne said: "I hope this is the beginning of a real turnaround for the better in your life! You deserve it! All the best!"