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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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Avatar universal
My husband had surgery for his deviated septum along with turbine reduction. It seems he broke his nose in highschool, while playing basketball, and didn't realize it. The tissue grew too much inside his nose and started to cause him to have several sinus infections over the years. The congestion your are getting may be due to the affected tissue swelling because of your flu or bronchitis. The surgery will help clear your breathing passage and give you some relief. For the time being you should use something that has an anti-inflammatory to reduce the swelling of the nasal tissue. A cold air humidifier should help you breath better while you sleep. Good luck, I hope your surgery goes well. Get all of your sneezing out before you go in! :)
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Avatar universal
i would like to ask you bro, if this problem of yours affect you mentally or psychologically?.

im having this deviated septum for 5 years now and make my life a living hell.
i dont have the money for the surgery because im just a college student for now.


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538090 tn?1213808112
Hey Richter!

Yes! This problem has affected me so much that I have develope anxiety, paranoid about sleeping, drinking and eatin. So much so that taking medications worries me more about the reoccurence rather than the relief ( know what I mean). Luckily for me, I found that solution in the form of Breathe Right nasal strip. I also look in the web for a similar apparatus but cheaper and reusable call Breathe-Aide. I have not receive them yet but will update you after I try it. Also, I read and used this nasal cleanser kit, it is good if you have bad sinus - really helps.

I know what you are going through, Richter, especially for 5 years. Mine was enhanced by the flu and bronchitis - otherwise, I had no trouble breathing. Guess we all took a simple breathing for granted.

Luckily for me, I live in Canada and I don't have to pay for the surgery or even doctor's visitations. Out of curiosity, how much does it cost to perform such surgery? If I was a rich man, I would definitely help you out. I don't wish this upon anyone or the sufferings that goes with it. Wish you well and hopefully, my little infos will help.
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538090 tn?1213808112
Thanks for responding to my dilemma...much appreciated!

After I was diagnosed with Deviated Septum, I have had no trouble breathing until a bout of flu and bronchitis hit me some four weeks ago. This really made my life a living hell and I searched and searched in the net to see what I can do to get relief. So much so that I visited my doctors 4-6 times within that span. I am a very healthy 49 years man (knock on woods) and barely visit or take medications. However, this trouble of breathing really took a toll on me and I am affected both mentally and psychologically. It has come to a point that I am more worried about reoccurence of the symptom rather than the relief itself. As mentioned in the posted comment, I have tried everything and anything but to no avail. Some medications gave me more problems than relief - side effects.

Yesterday, out of the blue when I was moisturizing my nose that I accidently inserted two cotton swabs inside my nose and pull the opposite ways -  I immediately discovered a relief in my air passage and could actually breathe with some relief. So, I drove down to the pharmacy and bought a packet of Breathe Right to try it on. Lo and behold, I could breathe right (LOL) and is breathing freely as I type. The fear of reoccurence disappeared from my mind and in some way, got my sanity back - hopefully, my bronchitis gets cured soon and I can be rid of this hellish moment. Had the best sleep in weeks and I hope that trend continues. So, to anyone suffering from what I just went through, please try this and see if it works.

I am going to visit an accupunturist this saturday and see if this will resolve my problem -will update you on this.

How is your husband doing? Was there any discomfort during recovery time? Thanks for the tips about cold air-humidifier and really appreciate you taking time writing and comforting me! Much appreciated!!

Take care!
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Avatar universal
I have had only two sessions with accupunturist - nothing yet - she told me there could be some hope - I have swollen turbinates from vasomotor rhinitis   I have tried everything under the sun and nothing helps me - nasal steroid sprays or oral steroids do not even help.  do you have post nasal drainaage with the blockage ?  I use  nasal rinses twice a day but they don't help me - I have been doing them for 6 yrs. now and I don't know why I keep on doing them, maybe my nose and post nasal drainage and swollen nasal turbinates would be worse - who knows.  Please keep us informed with how you are doing or any new things the doctors might give you to try .   take care!!!!
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538090 tn?1213808112
Truth be told, laaz, I am not too sure how serious my condition is - whether I have swollen turbinates from vasomotor rhinitis or not. All I can tell you is I was diagnosed with deviated septum and needs surgery to correct them along with turbinate reduction. I definitely know that I don't have any allergies or sinuses that I am aware of nor do I take medications for any sickness. I have been very healthy until this ordeal hit me and I suffered both mentally and pyschologically - believe me, my life was a living hell during this prolonged condition. At this moment, I still have a lingering wheezing in my chest area and I hope that will be cured in a matter of days (knock on woods).The experience I had for the past four weeks or so was enhanced more so by the bout of flu and bronchitis. This is all new to me and believe me, it is no fun and I don't wish this upon anybody.

As for using nasal rinse, this, as I researched is more for people suffering from serious sinuses. from what I read people confessed that it helped them and I do believe it because sicknesses comes from what you eat and breathe. So, rinsing or cleansing your nose is where it prevents the passage for bacterias to enter your body through the nasal -so I heard. At this point, try anything to prevent yourself from this polluted air that we all breathe.

Have you or are you planning on having surgery? If possible, avoid taking too many medications, as side effects are not too pleasant ( difficult when you are looking for some relief and sanity). At this very moment, I am using Breathe Right - nasal strips and it is helping me alot (wearing it to work and not worrying about how I look but how I  feel). So, for the past two nights (knock on woods again) I am able to sleep without having to suffer or wake up in the middle of the night prancing around my room. Or worry about the reoccurence of the symptom or congestions ( forgot to mention, I took half a Reactin 20mg tablet to sort of reduce the inflammation and helps me sleep better). Atleast, I have my sanity back for the time being and I am happy about it. Not forgetting to mention that I bought a similar nasal insertion online call Breathe-Aide and will update you on how relief I will feel after I use them.

laaz, I am planning to visit an accupunturist this saturday and from over the phone conversations, he seems to know exactly what my problem is and said that it can be cured. Will update you on any improvement or results after my visits. I know I don't expect it in 3-4 sessions, but should have some sort of relief if the doctor knows what he is doing. If I can be cured from these sessions, I may have to cancel my surgery (keeping my fingers crossed).

laaz, I truly hope you will feel better and please update me on your conditions. Hope you take great care of yourself and try Breathe Right - nasal strips or whatever is available in your country. And don't worry about the looks - I am wearing them at all time.

Take great care, laaz!!!
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Avatar universal


thanks for your concern ^_^. anyway, i wish you best condition and looking forward to your surgery to be successful.  im happy for you that you fixed this problem sooner.

with my experience, if you let this continue for years, it will destroy your life. just a bit of advise. ^_^.




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Avatar universal
thanks for writing back so soon. I got my problem 6 yrs. ago.  Like you - I was totaly healthy- did not have to take any medications felt terrific and then - Bam!  this all started with my nose. Very, very depressing, also causing alot of anxiety with me thinking I will have to live the rest of my life like this.  I'm going to be 51 in september - Lord, I could live another 30 yrs. - not like this, no thank you.  Please let me know how the accupuncture works with you or any new treatments.  I have a deviated septum -not bad but about 23 yrs. ago  my sisters dog pulled me into a van side mirror, I was pulling blood clots out of my nose for hours. but I never had any type of problem from that.  the doctor said I have Vasomotor rhinitis and  they don't know what causes this.  Well, anyway, sorry so long and boring. Tonyhou do you have chronic 24/7 post nasal drainage? Do you have any swelling under your eyes or cheek area?  my undereyes are swollen and have a bluish discoloration under them.    take care and I hope everything works out well for you.  Keep me informed.
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538090 tn?1213808112
I don't have any symptoms you've described nor do I find your message boring. I am sure we are all here trying to help and comfort each other and share our experiences of how to prevent or what to do with our problems. The more we know about it, the better we are prepared to deal with them.

As for my condition at the moment, I am somewhat relief with this Breathe Right nasal strip. I know that is not the solution, but atleast I have my sanity back (knock on woods) and rid of my fear of when the congestions reoccurs - that my friend, is pscychological and mental. The only problem I have is the swelling of the membrane which at time clog my nostrils - a bit uncomfortable but I have learned to deal with it as time rolls along. Even with the Breathe Right I have on at this moment, I can still feel the stufiness but a bit breathable and I am sure it will be totally uncomfortable without it. So, in another word, I have this strip on 24/7 - kinda depending on it till my surgery in September 8th.

If anyone had a deviated septum and turbinate reduction done only ? Please write and let me know how long is the recovery time and what I need to do to prepare myself. Is it painful and uncomfortable and if so, for how long? My doctor did not order any Cat Scan for me and I wonder if he thinks it is not that serious for me to do so.

Sorry laaz, got little side track. Anyway, you take great care of yourself and I hope you will resolve your problem sooner rather than later. Will update you of any progress.
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538090 tn?1213808112
Thanks for your kind words! I am sure there are ways to solve your problems too. Take great care Richter_Belmont !!
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538090 tn?1213808112
Updating on my current condition....

As mentioned, I had an appointment last saturday with an accupunturist/herbal doctor and had a session. Went through the procedure comfortably and was given herbal medicines after the treatment. This will be my third day taking it and I truly can feel the difference.

First of all, the doctor told me that he will have to cure my bronchitis and flu which caused and contributed to the inflammation of the membranes, then he will tackle my deviated septum to reduce the swelling of the cartilages. So far, I have to say that I am not stuffed as bad as I used to and I hope I don't have to go through the surgery if he can cure the deviated septum (keeping my fingers crossed). The reason why I found him good and qualified is, he cured a patient (whom I spoke to) from cancer and his reputation is well respected. Above all, he is very passionate about his work.

My wife had a scarred kidney and doctors and specialists couldn't figure out what the cause was/is - MRI / X-Ray were taken and doctors are baffled as to what the reasons were. So, she checked with him and so far along with the herbal medications and needles, she could actually feel the difference - one session only. Whether it is mental or he is really that good. My wife is feeling very relief and will continue the treatment.

Anyway, I hope you all, except for HavenAClue find some doctors that knows and are passionate about their field and help you out. Will continue updating my condittion after few more sessions with the herbalist.

Take great care!

Speedy recovery to all who suffers from any symptoms !!
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Avatar universal
That is great news!!!  I hope things continue to improve for you and your wife. Is this doctor an acupuncturist or a different kind of doctor?  What type of herbal medication did he give you?  Is it suppose to help with the inflammation that is causing the swelling of your nasal turbinates?  I had my third session of acupuncture today -- so far I don't feel any different. She said since my condition is chronic - almost 6 yrs. now - that it might take longer to notice anything in ways of improvement. Sixty dollars for 30 minutes is so expensive and not knowing if I will get any improvement makes me sort of down in the dumps - depressed - what ever you want to call it.  But I am glad to hear that you feel some difference. Did the doctor say how many treatments she thinks that you will need to feel 90 - 100 % better?  Can you give me alittle more detail on what the doctor said or did or anything that she explained to you. - I would really appreciate it.  Please keep me informed on your sessions.  take care and talk to you soon    laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
I visited my herbal doctor today again and was told that 10 sessions should bring results - along with herbal medications he prescribed. Truth be told, I do see the difference but not 100% sure yet because it is too early to evaluate the condition and besides it has been 2 sessions only to-date.

I was feeling great whole day yesterday but the stuffiness came back again last night because I exposed myself to cold air after I took shower and went out - stupid of me not to realised that I am not 100%.

He also mentioned today that my condition is not that serious and with regular treatment through accupuntures and herbal medications, I may not even require surgery. That I will have to decide myself coz I rather go through it now rather than when I get older.

As for the fees, I pay $50 for the accupunture and $8 each day for the medications. At this point, money is not on my mind. I would like to see results and prevent myself from going through this hellish weeks. I know it is expensive but what's money without health. Too bad our government does not recognise Herbal practitioners and I am sure big drug companies plays a major roles in preventing them to go mainstream, especially the medications that does not have side effects. Luckily, my wife's insurance covers the accuputures fees upto $500 each year per person. So, I only have to pay for my medications which is pretty expensives. Hopefully, in the near future, our health plans will cover most of them.

Anyway, laaz, I know what you are going through, so I hope you maintain a positive outlook and wish something good come out of this depression. Take care!!
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Avatar universal
How is the acupuncture going?  Have you had any more treatments and if so did they help you improve more then with the few treatments you had prior?  I was told today from an ENT doctor that the swelling of the turbinates and post nasal drainage is from imbalance of the autonomic nervous system of the nasal mucosa.  Have any of your doctors ever mention that to you Tonyhou?  What Herbal medication are you taking? I would like to try it - what do I have to loose!!!  Take care and keep me informed.    Laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
I had my third session on thursday and along with the herbal medications prescribed by him, I am feeling alot better. Occasionally, the stuffiness comes back but I am able to work around it. He suggested that I should adjust my comfort zone in the sense of room temperature and the position in how I sleep....guess what? I managed and able to sleep comfortably. Also, he suggested that I massage my nose to keep it warm for better blood circulation....use pressure point on my forehead, on both side below the nostrils and the back of your head at the bottom of the hairline. Supposedly it all links together. I am able to breathe through my right nostril that was blocked completely before my session with the accupunturist/herbalist. Accordingly, he has a 10 session program and see where it goes from there. Today, I will be having my 4th session. I visit him 3 times a week coz he suggested that more frequent session will help. Will update you and hope your accupunturist will be able to help you too. Tony
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Avatar universal
Tony,
     You sure need to be careful about getting a deviated septum fixed along with turbinate reduction. I had a deviated septum fixed along with my sinuses opened back in 2004 . Its been a nightmare for me. I'd gladly take what I had back before surgery. My turbinates were not touched. Please take a look at the following site before getting any kind of nasal surgery, especially turb reduction. Not telling you what to do, and I'm not a doctor. Just telling you of my experience and just letting you know nasal surgery sometimes can cause more problems than it fixes. The following site may be helpful for you. www.emptynosesyndrome.org        
Site just explains the risk associated with sinus surgery, especially turbinate reduction. If I were you I'd stick with the natural cures if at all possible.
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Avatar universal
I have had 2 doctors tell me NEVER to let anybody do surgery -one ENT from Mayo Clinic told me the same thing that you just said - "Surgery could make things worse than I already am." I know how it is to feel desperate and want so badly to feel like I use to feel before all this started with me nose too.  I am trying acupuncture as well as Tonyhou is - I hope his is helping, as mine has not done anything as of now.  I don't really think acupunture is going to help but I guess we all will try anything in hopes of feeling better.  My sister had sinus surgery and a deviated septum fixed for constant sinus infections but it did nothing for her.  How did your surgery effect you if I could ask?  Hope things improve with you.       Laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
Thanks for your input Gary2007! On the contrary, two of my brothers have had they surgery done and has been feeling great ever since. In my case, I don't have any sinuses and I am continuing with my acupunture along with herbal medications. So far, it helped me and I will reconsider and take your suggestion into consideration.

I have been researching alot and 9 out of 10 patients who has had nasal surgeries done seems to have great results. I will check the website you provided and decide whether or not I should go for the surgery.

I had 5 sessions done with the acupunturist and there's major improvement with my breathing. Lets see what results will be when I complete my 10 sessions. Will update you after that. Take care you all and thanks once again for your inputs!

Regards,
Tony
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Avatar universal
how are things going with the acupuncture & herbal medicine with your problems???  You haven't posted for awhile and I was wondering how things were going.  Hope everything is improving for you.       Laaz
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538090 tn?1213808112
I have been busy lately but I did continue my sessions and it has improved alot. I am not too sure that acupunture can change deviated septum but was told that it can reduce swelling of the cartilage - as per herbalist....cure the natural way. I still think surgery is the only way to correct them once and for all. I will be visiting my ENT specialist sometime soon and ask more questions in regards to the risks involve, whether it is advisable too reduce the turbinate or just correct the deviated septum. Will keep you posted.

How are things with you? Are there any changes in your situation? Hope things will work out for you. I have ask my herbalist about your case, he mentioned that your situation will take longer to see any results because of the severity of your case. Be patient and you will feel better as you go through each session.

Take care!
Tony
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Avatar universal
I have a deviated syptom... every ENT I meet wants to do surgery on it, funny thing is, every ENT I meet drives a Lexus.

I wonder if there is a reason for this?
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538090 tn?1213808112
Since you have gone through this procedure, Jimmy, may I ask how you are doing? Do you have any regrets or are you glad you went through it? Please reply coz my appointment is coming close and I want to be sure whether I should go through it. Many patients regretted having the surgery done and I am not too sure I want to take the risk of having regrets. Did you have your turbinate reduced?
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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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Avatar universal
Are you out there Tony?????
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