Septoplasty and Turbinectomy

Hello,

I am scheduled for septoplasty and turbinectomy.. I have a deviated septum and narrow nasal passages..

I am curious if anyone else who has had this surgery done can share their experiences. The doctor told me that he didn't expect it to cure my problem but may make CPAP easier, but after reading around the net I've found that in some cases it has worked. So I am curious what others actual experiences are.

Also, what are the risks? Anyone here have a bad experience with the above surgery?

Thanks,

Neofree

Lots of info from people who've had the surgery at this link:

LINKS to surgery, turbinates, Pillar, TAP experiences

Scroll down until you get to Nasal turbinate and Sinus surgery experiences.

[quote="Neofree"]Hello,

I am scheduled for septoplasty and turbinectomy.. I have a deviated septum and narrow nasal passages..

I am curious if anyone else who has had this surgery done can share their experiences. The doctor told me that he didn't expect it to cure my problem but may make CPAP easier, but after reading around the net I've found that in some cases it has worked. So I am curious what others actual experiences are.

Also, what are the risks? Anyone here have a bad experience with the above surgery?

Thanks,

Neofree

What is your pressure set to? I've only had mine for less then a week and last night was the first night that I slept well with it on all night! And the dreams wow I dreamt a lot and they were way more realistic then usual!

But back to the pressure... In my sleep study I had a "apnea index" of like 96. Which is very bad. But my pressure is only 5 cm to bring me to 0 apneas. I am just really curious if this surgery may eliminate the need of CPAP since I have very low pressure. I would estimate my blockage is 75%+ in one nostril with both nostrils being narrow.

Thanks,

Neofree

Just had surgery earlier today!!

My apneas were *96* per hour from my sleep study. I *only* had septoplasty/turbinate reduction (with somnoplasty) done. The doctor feels it should be done in stages and this was the first step since I had a deviated septum. He told me though (and this forum backs this up) that this probably wont cure OSA.

Overall this was not too bad. The worse part was probably the fear before hand. After I woke up in recovery I noticed already my packing was already removed. He told me ahead of time that he wont leave in the packing. At first the only feeling I had was it felt like I had used one of those really cheap over the counter nose spray that burns your nose and I had a head ache and was a little groggy. After 1 hour I was feeling much better and had a lot to drink and went to the restroom, after 2nd hour I was feeling *MUCH* better, like I could even drive home. We went to Old Chicagos and I had wings, salad and pizza since I was so hungry!!! So far I feel a little improvement but not *a lot* like I was expecting. The doctor did say it was *very* bad the farther in he went. So I assume after the swelling goes down and the scabbing clears out, I will notice the big improvement I was counting on. I recommend anyone who has a deviated septum and has either OSA or just difficulty breathing during the day to go through this surgery. Everything I read about it is good, and it really is no big deal. Especially since I also had a broken heel once and had a 12 hour surgery from that and that was MISERABLE. Will post again after I heel up some and get my splints out. I'm thinking of asking for a pulse ox at my post op appointment just to do a quick test without CPAP. Will continue to loose weight and do a full sleep study again in a few months to see where I'm at.

Thanks,

Neofree

_________________

CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): CPAP

I had that exact procedure done about 10 years ago. It really improved my breathing, for example colds or allergic reactions to pollen and dust used to go on for a long time developing into sinus infections, etc. Since the surgery, my sinus problems are over faster without complications. I had hopes it would help the snoring problem but as the doctor told me, it did not help that problem. The surgery wasn't so bad. I was conscious during the operation. However, the discomfort after is pretty bad and it took me a couple of months after the packing was removed to really heal up and feel good.
I've been on CPAP for about 8 months and don't think it would have worked for me before. You really do have to be able to breathe well through your nose.

Got my splints out yesterday!! All I can say is WOW!! Spent most of the day High on the extra air! Clogged up in the evening, but started today clearing up on it's OWN before I rinsed! I am very very happy doing this and now am beginning to feel the benefits!!