Septoplasty

[Drifter]

Anybody ever had this operation? Can you tell me about it?
Drifter

 

[Captain X]

Yes......couldn't breathe thru the right nostril (10-20% only) and had chronic sinus infections and congestion.

Post-op I could breath much better thru both nostrils and now instead of congestion during a cold I just get runny nose, etc..but am actually able to blow the crap out.

Been about 10 years since the surgery and have since developed seasonal allergies so I get congestion related to that but it is "symmetrical" (if that makes any sense) and goes away when the allergen is gone.

You'll be miserable for a few days afterwards (pain and swelling) and look like you lost a bar fight...but I think it was worth it. You'll also have to maintain "low activity" for some period of time to insure you done injure your schnozz.

 

[vetteracer]

I am not sure of the medical terminology for it, I may have had that done.

I had a deviated septum, polyps and some other nasal plumbing issues. They roto-rootered me out and placed some stents in each sinus cavity after the surgery. They load you up with Afrin and other inhaled steroids before the surgery that take a few days to ware off so you breath like a 4 barrel carb until the steroid wears off. After a week they removed the stents and I was back to normal. No bruising or swelling. Same day surgery.

After the stents were removes I breathed great for about a year and then slowly regressed back. Not near as bad as before, but not as good as the first year.

If I could do it again I would.

PS. Most of the problems the doc. thought were from the septum and thought my nose had been broken in at least three places. Fights and football I guess.

Mark

 

[wildbill]

From what was told me, a deviated-septum is part of the aging process and not necessarily from having your nose broke. For those who have chronic sinus infections having the surgery done is a relief. I have heard that the process is no longer as disfiguring as it has been in the past. My surgery was many years ago and am aware of the black eyes, swollen nose and the painful packing removal. If you are having problems, by all means check into it. Being able to breathe and not worrying about the infections is great..

 

[vetteracer]

I was told the same about the deviated septum, but since I was 20 at the time the Doctor thought otherwise.

My main symptoms were constant blockage and having sinuses that were very temperamental to humidity and allergies.

The main benefit is that my nose drains. It runs more then I would like, but that is better then having it pool up and become infected and or stuffing you up. Over the counter meds worked, but was tired of self-medicating the problems.

Mark