nose starting to cave in from cocaine abuse

[london_man]

Hi,

I am in the process of recovering from a cocaine problem and have been clean for 2.5 months. About 5 weeks ago the front of my nose started to cave in and its slowly getting worse, its as if someone has chopped off the front point of my nose and it has now become flat.

I had been using cocaine about (1.5 grams) every 2 weeks for 4 years.
From the various sites I have visited I have drawn the conclusion this its unlikely to grow back naturally, so I am very worried about my appearance.

In regards to my problem, I am registered with a help group and have an appointment with my doctor next week, but its driving me crazy as all I can see is a dent on the front of my nose.  This is affecting my life as I am paranoid about leaving my house because I feel that people will look at my nose.

Did anyone with a similar problem have their nose grow back to some degree of respectability?  I can accept that the damage may remain form the rest of my life but I would be happy if it was less noticeable.

Although I am a male I am thinking about using some concealer – has anyone any experience of this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks 

[london_man]

Thanks for the posts guys.

My doctor has said that I do not need to see an ENT but if my nose gets any worse then she will send me to see one.

I tried the concealer and it slighlty works, however I am very paranoid about nose and it may be all in my mind. My neighbour said that she can see a very small dent in my nose but can only notice it when she stares at my nose.

I went to my first CA meeting this week and it was very good.

Still clean, so its all good!

[eagle101]

Until you get an ENT appointment you might want to invest in a nettie pot and some OTC antibiotic ointment such as bacitracin or neo-sporin or something similar.Apply the ointment by using a q-tip or even your fingertip - just apply a small swirl following the manufactors instructions. Remember to wash your hands well if you are using your finger - sterility is a consideration with all of this stuff. And best of luck to you!

[london_man]

Thanks for the kind words of support it means a lot to me as I've not told any friends/ family.

I saw my doctor 4 weks ago when the dent first appeared and she asked me to come back in 1 month - which is the reason for my doctor visit next week. Hopefully she will refer me to an ENT.  My main concern is that my nose is starting to look like a pigs nose, with it being flat and round at the front.

My dcotor is aware of my cocaine problem as she is who I first admitted that I had a problem with.

Tomorrow I am going to try and purchase some concealer.

I'll continue to post as this seems like a good place to air my views

[dominosarah]

Make an appt with an ENT and tell him what is going on.  That will ease your fears some.  

Congrats on your clean time!!!  That is an awesome achievement~~sara

[Ann2497]

The concealer is worth a try.

[tomskat]

Hi there and welcome!! I too am a cocaine addict,clean for 35? days now. I have intranasal cavity damage as a result of my abuse,as well as a deviated septum which also complicates things. Congratulations on your decison to quit!!! So proud of you!! It's tough,I know,but worth it.

As far as what you are describing,I've not heard of that portion of the nose being affected that way.It's best to see your doctor and come clean with him/her and see what can be done.Maybe try the concealer..who knows,it may improve your self esteem if nothing else.My nose constantly run,so I'm always have allergies,which pacifies most rude,intursive people.

Anyways..welcome to the forum!! Stay on here and continue to post! We're all here to help. The Health Pages are a great resource as is using the Addiction tracker.Always here!!~A