Deviated septum

[Tonyhou]

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!

[Tonyhou]

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

[LLWB]

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!

[Tonyhou]

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

[LLWB]

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.

[Tonyhou]

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

[laaz]

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