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538090 tn?1213808112

Deviated septum

I was diagnosed with a deviated septum and was told by my ENT specialist that i need a surgery ( September 8th, 2008) along with turbinate reduction. I was doing alright until I had a bout of flu four weeks ago and this made my life miserable. Then came along bronchitis which made my breathing through the mouth impossible. I am still having a little wheezing on my left chest and took an x-ray yesterday. I will have an answer within two days to see what the actual diagnosis will be. My question to you is, is it common for both nostrils to get congested at the same time because of deviated septum or my flu and bronchitis plays a role in it? I haven't been sleeping for over three weeks because of that and is developing anxiety and is afraid to go to bed. Since my surgery date is in September, I would like you to help me to regain my sanity and restore some sleep.I have tried over-the-counter congestants (it helps for a period of time but gives me heart palpitations and discomfort around my chest area). I was told by my doctor to take it unless I can no longer bear it. I am trying everything to get a relief but manage to get temporary only. I tried Sinus Rinse for about two days and it helps for a while - gets congested once it wears off. Is there anything that I should try to maintain my sanity? I have been researching online and even bought Breathe-Aide and has yet to try ( will update if this apparatus works). In the meantime, please suggest anything that will give me more than a temporary relief and help me till my surgery date in September. Thanks and much appreciated for your elp!
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189372 tn?1219833358
Tony, do you have Splints to be removed? I feel rough tonight, lack of sleep has caught up with me, really bad heartburn also, think from all the tablets.

I have a feeling it will be a long healing process for me also. Stick with it, will be worth it :)
Helpful - 0
538090 tn?1213808112
I am glad that the surgery went well for you. Yes! The surgery is somewhat painless but uncomfortable for the fisrt week or so.

This is my 10th day and I am still stuffed. In my case, the doctor did not prescribe me any medication other than some pain killer, which I took 3 to-date. Guess you have to be patient and try to think positively. Frustrations do kick in and I am begiining to wonder if the surgery is a success. I will be checking my ENT on the 29th and see what progress has been made. I have been rinsing 3-4 times a day and the blood does get hardened every 2-3 hours. So, I use hydrogen peroxide to clean it and later, gels to moisterise them. Quite exhausted breathing through my mouth. Right at this moment, I found some relief by taping bandaid on either side of my nose to release pressure in the area - it works. Bleeding has stopped and few crusts develope here and there. Though I have been rinsing and cleaning like crazy, I still find not much relief. Maybe, I have to wait for the swelling to subside and then, able to see any results. Hopefully, sooner than later.

By the way, drink lots of fluid and eat Papaya should you get constipated. I have been taking yogurt drinks and helps my digestion. Hang in there and happy breathing!
Helpful - 0
189372 tn?1219833358
Yessss!!!! I made it lol, I am out of the clinic, havent slept a wink, feel like I have went 10 rounds with Mike Tyson (In his good days), Nose is blocked with hard blood, was sick on the way home because of the handfull of tablets they gave me, and yet still I feel good :) Mainly just to get that over me, thank God.


This is my first day home, I just can not sleep at all, I lay in bed with my eyes closed for 2 hours but I am fully aware of whats going on round me, I guess its the meds they have gave me, which include :

Dicloflex 50mg (To reduce swelling, the Nurse said that they are very good)
Xylometazoline Nasal Drops (Which I cant seem to take without swallowing them, not nice)
A Saline Rinse (I have actally been using a neti pot thing to rinse this round the nose, seems to work better)
Ciprofloxacin (Antibiotic)

Oh and some KAPAKE lol, only take these if your really sore says the nurse.

The only thing missing is a bottle of Vodka :)


I got to breath for a split second when the nurse took out my packs, but my nose soon blocked up, it is blocked now with hard blood, and I was told not to blow it, guess this is normal for a few days.

Cant wait to see the results, I am having the usual anxiety about "Has it worked" But im sure thats normal for everyone, doctor said he took away a lot of cartlidge and bone so im sure something has to work. Splints to be removed in 7 days.

What about yourself? Doing well
Helpful - 0
538090 tn?1213808112
Good luck on your surgery today and I am sure it will be a great success. Just hang in there coz you will be uncomfortable for few days. This is my 9th day after the procedure and I am still stuffed - as expected. I am counting to the day that the swelling subsides and I will be able to breathe freely. Right at this moment I am taping bandaid from both side of my nose to relief pressure around the nostrils and it helps to some degree ( pull to my comfort level away from the pressure ).

Well, speedy recovery to you and to all who went or going through this procedure. Good luck and stay calm.

Good luck once again!
Tony
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189372 tn?1219833358
Well done mate, I cant wait untill I am at that stage. Tomorrow morning I head in for the operation, the only thing I am excited about is rare time of work. Looking forward to feeling better afterwards of course. Im sure its good knowing that each day you heal you feel better.

Best of luck to you
Helpful - 0
538090 tn?1213808112
Today is the 8th day since my surgery and I am feeling less pressure around my nose. In other words, I am more comfortable and for whatever reason, I was able to breathe for about 2 hours this morning at around 4.20am. I rinse whenever I feel stuffed and blow ever so gently to ensure that very little residue remain inside. After that, I tried to breathe in through my nostrils and was showing some results. So, I kept on breathing and vola! I felt a rush of cold air rushing through and I kept my excitement by taking in slowly. Believe me, I am the happiest person on earth and I didn't want to think about the stuffiness coming back. Its 11.05 am and I am feeling alot better - little stuffed but much much better than yesrterday or the day before that. Hopefully, this is the beginning of my full recovery and I am glad to share my experience with you. Looking forward to better breathing days! Take care and hope you too think positively when you go for yours on October the 10th...best wishes and good luck!   Tony
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Avatar universal
So glad to hear that your surgery went well.  I bet it felt pretty good to breath better, even if it was just for a short time.  Things will improve as time goes on.  That was very nice that your wife got to take off of work to take care of you.  You did not bore me with the details of your surgery.  Make sure that you keep me posted on your improvements.  Take care and rest.             Laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
My surgery went well and hope to have great results within weeks. Right at this moment, my nostrils are stuffed but had worse experienced. So, as long as I know the recovery is round the corner, I have no trouble tolerating it.

My surgery was on the 8th and I went in with a positive mind frame. Didn't get nervous even when I was lying on the operating table. I looked at the clock and the time was 11.45am before I was knocked out. Woke up at around 2pm and felt very groggy and thirsty. My family came by and I was in the recovery room - very sleepy. Nurse gave me ginger ale and had difficult time drinking it. Truth be told, I did not experience any pain except discomfort.

The first night was a rough one in the sense that my throat was extremely dry and had difficult time drinking liquid (forgot about spitting out blood). However, I was able to sleep without any interruption.

Next day, I felt much better. I remember to spit out blood flowing to my throat and was able to drink water without any problem. Took one Tylenol 3 at around 8.30am before I pulled out the packings myself - it was painful but I managed. Half an hour later, I was able to breathe through both my nostrils and it felt great - if this is what I will be feeling, I am glad that I went through this surgery. However, as expected, after an hour or so, my nose got stuffed up again. To date, I took only 3 pain killers and did not require any even though I was given 20 tablets.

Throughout this past week, I have been spending time in my bedroom (sleeping) and bathroom - suggestion and recommendation, rest. All I have been doing is cleaning my nose, sometimes rinsing  or moisturising them. Also, I have been using hydrogen peroxide to clean out the crusts. I even went so far using bandaids to help take off pressure around my nose by taping them at the base of my nostrils and pulling them away to create a relief - and it worked. So far, I was able to breathe 3 times freely since my surgery and each time lasts about an hour or so. By the way, I experienced numbness in my front upper teeth, which is not a concern and nothing to worry about. I can taste food and at times, smell whatever was around me. Big credit goes to my wife, who took time off to take care of me and I am so fortunate to have her around.

So, Laaz and SparkyIreland, I am glad that I went through it and will update you on my further improvement. Sorry that I bore you with my details.

Take care!
Helpful - 0
189372 tn?1219833358
I go for my Sinus surgery on Wednesday (Deviated Septum), absolutely cra*in myself lol

I have been ill now for quite some time, had no idea I had a deviated septum untill recent CT scan.

Myself, I have had constant head pressure, anxiety, depression, various types of headache, stomach pain, heartburn, pale most days, and a general feeling of sick.

I believe all caused by the deviated septum.

Let us know how you go Tony, I will post back also.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
How are you doing after your surgery? I suppose it is to soon to tell anything yet. Let me know how things are going.  I  am going to have FESS sinus surgery on October 10.  He is going to remove a cyst in my maxillary sinus and do an ethmodectomy(SP) and I guess what ever else he finds up there.  Is the FESS surgery the kind that you had??  Well, anyway - hope you are healing up quickly.        Laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
Thanks for your well-wishing! Matter of fact, I am looking forward to my surgery and had a pre-admission appointment yesterday. I am not nervous at the moment, but might get anxious on the day of my surgery. Guess it is nornal to get butterflies.

Good to hear that coblation helped your breathing and I am sure it will get even better.

Will update you after my procedure and I hope all will go well. Take care!

Tony
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Avatar universal
Hi Tony,  4 days until your surgery.  Good Luck and I hope everything turns out well for you.   My coblatioin procedure of my turbinate helped with the breathing , not so plugged up anymore but the doctors thought that the coblation might  help with the post nasal drainage but it did not.  Still draining and still swollen under eyes and cheek area. Keep in touch and let us know how your surgery went and how you are doing.    Laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
Thanks for sharing your experience! I guess we all read into too much of negative posts that we forget that not all cases are the same. I never had sinus problem before nor do I have all the symptoms described by most posts. Lately, certain scents irritates my sense and I am sure after the surgery it will heal itself. I know there will be some discomfort after the procedure, however, I can look forward to better days and with proper care, I will be able to heal faster.

Take care and have a nice weekend! Please keep me updated of your progress.

Tony
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I woke up breathing from my mouth. My right nostril, the one they did the septum surgery on, is still pretty stuffy. I can breathe thru it some now, where I couldn't before. My head still fills like an over-inflated ballon. My nose had been blocked for many years, thereby shutting down almost all the functions of the sinus' on that side. I'm really praying this surgery works. I didn't ralize how much just mouth breathing affected the whole body. All in all, the surgery went pretty well. I checked in at the surgery center at 10:00am, and was home at 4:30. I slept prooped up on pillows. I did wake up with a gigantic headache, which still lingers. And I am still short of breath if I over exhert myself. A nice steamy shower helps unclog the nose for awhile. I had heard a lot of horror stories about using the nasal rinse, but in my case they proved un-founded. It feels so good to rinse out the gunk, and helps relieve the facial pain. My upper teeth and roof of mouth are still numb, I'm told that can last for awhile. And no sense of smell at this time. That should return too. All in all, not as bad as a lot of the posts I've read said it could be. Since I'm only 10 days post-surgery, I'm doing pretty good. I took a week and half off from work. The one thing I would do differently is take a little more time off if you can. And be prepared if your ENT gives you steroids. Mine did, and they are awful! There wee 3 nights I didn't go to bed all night. Hyper, irritable, etc. Not fun. I know they help reduce the swelling, but I wish I hadn't taken them. My face and under eyes did get puffy, but no black eyes. Glad I didn't end up looking like a racoon! I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm sure hoping for an improvment! Sept 8 will be here soon. Good luck, and good breathing!
Helpful - 0
538090 tn?1213808112
I found it easier to breathe when I am in a cool room temperature. As for the stuffy nose, I guess we all are getting used to it and as long as it improves after surgery - I am all for it. What can be worse when I am not breathing comfortably on a daily basis and knowing in the long run, I will be able to breathe easily after the procedure.

Yes! I am very confident and trust my ENT coz he is the chief of Otolaryngoloy in St. Mike's Hospital in Toronto. Hopefully, my packing will be for an hour after surgery only.

By the way, LLWB, after your surgery and had packing only for a short while. Were you able to breathe through one side of your nostril immediately? Or were you breathing through your mouth? What was the feeling and how would you describe the process or experience aside from the discomfort and stuffed up nose on one side? As it stands, my right nostril is blocked and I guess the feeling is more or less the same after the surgery, except the hope of getting better. Would appreciate if you can share your experience...much appreciated!

Wish you a speedy recovery and breathe easily from here on.

Take care!
Tony
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Avatar universal
I just had my deviated septum repaired last Wednesday, along with sinus surgery. I couldn't breath thru my nose at all, and my sinus' had almost quit working from being blocked, so constant chronic sinus infections. I haven't experienced much relief yet, but it's only been  8 days so far. They only way to fix a deviated septum is surgery. Without the surgery it can cause a lot of sleep problems, sleep apnea, disturbed sleep patterns, dry mouth. Lots of complicated problems.  I'm still swollen up at this point. I use the Nasal Rinse 6 times a day. am taking antibiotics, steroids, which are awful, and steroid nose drops, as well as Vicodin for pain. I am looking forward to being able to breath easier, and no more chronic infections, I hope!  My ENT  also recommended a Humidifier in my room at night, no more than 50% humidity. Mine hasn't arrived yet, but I stand in hot shower and get room steamy. It really helps. My nose was never packed. This type surgery has come a long ways over the pat 10 years or so. I didn't even get black eyes. Good luck to you Tony. I think confidence in your surgeon is a very import thing. The success rates have improved so much since the advent of endoscopic surgery .  If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
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538090 tn?1213808112
Well, my appointment on the 19th went very well and I am now very confident going for the surgery. My ENT answered all my concerns and assured me that in his 40 years of experience, he has never encountered any complaints and none of his patients had any problems. So, with that in mind, I am very happy that he will be performing my surgery. Will update you after my procedure. I am going in with a very positive outlook and hope the outcome will be a success.

I was told that it will be a 90 minutes surgery and depending on my condition, the packets will be out an hour after my surgery or latest, the very next day which I can pull it out myself.

Laaz, I hope your surgery will have great results in a day or two. Hang in there and I am sure you will be fine. Looking towards breathing freely.

Take care!
Tony

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Avatar universal
how did the appointment go with the ENT doctor today???   I had the radiofrequency coblation done yesterday.  Still have the post nasal drainage.  Unless it is to early to tell if it might slow down a little.  What did the doctor have to say about what type of surgery or the risk or benefits from the type of surgery??    Let me know Tony            Laaz
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Avatar universal
Tony I get burning sensations up inside my nose and all the way up into my sinuses - especially my maxillary sinuses ,by cheekbone area, under eye area.  I use to hold  cold glasses of ice water on those areas they burned so bad.  They still burn but not as bad as they use to.  I get specks of blood sometimes after I irrigate my sinuses and then I gently blow my nose and sometimes there is a few specks of blood.  All the burning sensations is from the inflammation that we have.  Make sure the ENT doctor DOES NOT REMOVE THE WHOLE TURBINATE - REMEMBER the EMPTY NOSE SYNDROME!!!!  My ENT is not cutting the inferior turbinate, he is using the radiofrequency procedure, he said that he usually zaps people 10 to 15 times but he is only going to zap me about 5 times, as I am so afraid of the empty nose syndrome.  I figure that less is best - once the tissue is gone it is gone but if not enough tissue the doctor can always go back and zap me again.  Better safe than sorry!!   I hope everything goes well for you too.  Let me know what the doctor tells you on the 19 th.   Take Care          Laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
Good luck on august 18th and I am sure you are in good hands. Just go in with a positive thoughts and think about the relief you will have after the surgery. As for me, I am having my deviated septum corrected along with turbinate reduction. Hopefully, my ENT will scrape off just enough of my turbinate for it not to cause any empty nose syndrome. I will be seeng him on the 19th August to discuss about my condition, the pros and cons of the surgery. The risks and what might happen after the surgery. From what I have heard, it should be alright - keeping my fingers crossed.

Laaz, do you have this burning sensation around your nostrils, coz I have this feeling on the right side? Bleeds little bit but not dripping. Can't wait to get it over with and have the feeling of breathing normally.

Good luck again and take care!

Regards,
Tony
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Avatar universal
I am suppose to have radiofrequency ablation on august 18.   I am scared to death to have this done.  Couple doctors said that this might help with the post nasal drainage down my throat but what I am afraid of is getting that empty nose syndrome that you hear about.  What type of nasal surgery are you suppose to have???     Laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
Truth be told, my acupunture helped me to some extent but didn't do much coz with deviated septum and you bet that no needles can help. Anyway, updating you on my condition, I am presently feeling alot better and have another appointment with my ENT this 19th. Reason for my visit is to ask him questions which I wasn't aware of during my first visit - risks and side effects after the surgery.

My doctor gave me a nasal spray called Awamys and I am afraid to use them simply because of my fear that I may depend on it too much and the after effect use of it. At present, I am using a nasal gel called Rhinaris and I find it very soothing and relaxing to my breathing. As I am writing to you, I am able to breathe comfortably. Hope the same for you and please don't give up coz there will be cure soon.

Take care and try to avoid taking any medications that gives you temporary relief only but with lots of side effects. I am refraining from doing that and trying to tough it out. Of course, I am doing alot of research even if my doctor prescribe me any medications.
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Avatar universal
Are you out there Tony?????
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Avatar universal
So the acupuncture is going to good?  Mine didn't either, I stopped going as I did not get one bit of relief from it.  Has there been any improvement in any other way with your problem.?  Mine has been getting worse.  I am getting the constant nasal blockage like you are beside the constant post nasal drainage. and to top it off the doctor told me that I now have asthma from my vasomotor rhinitis.  I am on oral steroids, steroid lung inhaler twice a day and he also gave me a rescue lung inhaler as well.  Don't you just feel like giving up sometimes Tony ?  I know that I do, I don't think I can stand this much longer, I had this for 6 yrs. and it's getting worse.  I wish the doctors would do some research and find a cure for us, but I don't see that in the near future, I guess there are alot more important things to reasearch than this type of thing.  I wish to God that they would find something to help us.  Did you decide what you are going to do about your surgery?  I know that must be a hard decision, my ent doctor said that he could trim my nasal turbinates but there is always a chance that it could cause dryness like atropic rhinitis.  that kind of scares me.  I did have my doctor order a sinus neublizer, an electric one, you put anti-inflammatory steroid into this machine and the steroid spray is suppose to get up into even the tightest areas that are swollen to help decrease the inflammation.  I should get that one Monday. I heard that steroids don't work real well on vasomotor rhinitis , I know that the spray steroids don't help but maybe the electric nebulizer will get up further into nose and sinuses instead of just running down my throat.  Maybe you could try something like that to help with the swelling.  I just don't know anymore.  I'm sooooooo depressed.  Sorry for the sob story, keep in touch and let me know whats going on with you tony.       Laaz
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