Deviated Septum - Elmhurst,IL

Hello, I know you must feel miserable, I had that surgery done 2 years ago at The U of C and I totally regret it,after post op,it was horrible and after that I was better before the surgery, I now have chronic sinuses and infection nonstop, I'm not trying to scare you and perhaps it's the best option but before look for a reputable doctor for such cause. Sorry if I sound negative, just don't want anybody to go through what I did,I've heard great things about this surgery for others but not me

Hi J.,

I had the surgery over 15 years ago. I could not breathe very well through one side of my nose because of the deviated septum, which caused a lot of sinus infections, pain, and just not being able to breathe well. For me, the recovery was rough, mostly because I was young and no one told me what the recovery was going to be.

If you want the details, read on, otherwise, skip this entire paragraph. They put me to sleep, and when I woke up, my nose was packed with gauze and there was a metal brace across the bridge of my nose, as well as plastic "splints" on either side of my septum. I was in pain, but they gave me medication, and I remember being in bed for quite some time (then at home). The swelling hurt, and it was extremely difficult to chew and swallow food because no air could get in through the gauze (hold your nose tight and try to swallow food for a few minutes to see what it feels like). At the first follow-up visit, they pulled out the gauze, which I thought was only in my nose, turned out to be packed all the way up my nasal cavity (to prevent blood from collecting up there) - I almost passed out from the pain. The second follow up visit they put a small vaccum up your nostrils to remove any <gross alert> scabbing (which also hurt because it was pulling out nose hairs). The plastic splints stayed in for another few days (then removed). Then I had to wear the metal brace across my nose for several weeks (to keep the healing nose protected and safe). I had minimal bruising under my eyes.

THAT SAID, after I was completely healed from the surgery, I could breathe! My sinus headaches were cut by 90%. So for me, it worked (until my niece accidentally kicked me in the nose and deviated the septum again). For the few years that my septum was straight, it was worth it. THAT SAID, at this point in my life, knowing what it involved, I do not plan on doing it again.

The best of luck to you. Be sure to get a second opinion!!!! It's the only nose you've got!!!

M.

I went through all kinds of medicines and treatments for allergies that did not work well enough for me. I finally had scans at the ent and found that my sinuses were severely blocked and had a deviated septum. I had the survery several years ago and now have only about 1/10 the allergy and sinus problems I used to have. I only need to take a benadryl here and there for the most part. The surgery was very quick and was done outpatient. The first day after is the worst because I had huge gauze up my nose! It was hard to sleep and you have to watch out for bleeding. I don't remember that it was particularly painful either. The next day they pulled out the gauze which was extremely uncomfortable (made me see stars from the pressure) but not painful. After that it was a quick recovery and I had very little pain or problems. I know others who have had good results too. I don't think anyone can guarantee a good outcome, and I have heard some bad stories too, but it may be something you want to try.

Surgery should be an option only if this is severe - a mild deviated septum may only be part of the reason why you have an ear infection and sinus problems. Did you see an Ear/Nose/Throat dr. to advise you? If you haven't, get their opinion.

I would determine if you have any allergies that cause the sinus problems (i.e. pet dander, dairy product sensitivity, around smokers, perfume, irritants, etc.... ) My sister suffered with sinus problems for decades and she, too, has a deviated septum. Last year she cut out dairy and her sinus problems have gone away.

You can also use a neti pot or saline solution to regularly cleanse your sinuses.

I have a deviated septum, ETD and sinus problems. I made some changes in my home, last year, including buying a very good vacuum, and many of my sinus concerns have gone away. I would alter your lifestyle, first, before you consider surgery. Good luck.

I had this done in 2002 maybe 2003, I had problems for a very long time, I couldn't smell anything and I got sinus infections almost every 6-8 weeks. I went to the doctor about not being able to smell, he told me I had a deviated septum. I had the surgery, knocked my out, I woke up, my nose packed with gauze. I had to sleep in a recliner for the first 3 nights and take my tylenol with codine every 4 hours. I will say the first week was hard, but after that I have no regrets, I remember being in tears the first time I could smell what I was eating. You don't realize how much smell effects taste. I am SO GLAD that I did it. If ever the need again, I will do it if needed. Good luck to you. If you have any questions please let me know.

Hi J.
I had chronic sinus infections for over 30 years. I saw allergy specialists, chiropractors, did acupuncture, Chinese herbs, had my sinus' washed and x-rayed.
A counselor told me of a woman who had actually cancelled her sinus surgery after experiencing relief through SAT~a process that involves learning about body awareness and the impact of unexpressed emotions.
As a result of using this process and rebuilding my immune system I have been symptom free for over 8 years.
You can get more info by googling Cherie McCoy and SAT or I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

I had a deviated septum. I also had blocked sinuses. I also was getting sinus infections every month. Each time I got a cold I knew within days I will get the terrible head pressure, feel miserable, etc.
Thus I had my sinuses opened and drained as well as that septum fixed last April 2008. I haven't had a sinus infection since!
By the way, nasal packing IS NO LONGER done. If your ENT doc still does it, it is not considered modern ENT surgical practice to do so.
It is all done endoscopically through the nose so no scars or anything afterwards. I woke up with a piece of gauze taped under my nose. He had put two plastic splints in before I woke up to keep the now-corrected septum straight, as well as a small piece of cotton at the base of each nostril.
The pain was not bad at all. It was well controlled as long as I took the Vicodin. I had it done Wednesday, and by Saturday I was well enough to go out with my husband for a bit. I was to put saline spray 3x a day to keep the splints in place. The bleeding was not much and by Saturday I didn't need to wear the gauze under my nose anymore.
Upon my follow up appt the following Tuesday, my doc took those tiny pieces of cotton out (which were falling out almost by then) took the plastic splints out (which were very painless) and that was it.
I'm so glad I did this. I don't regret it one bit. As long as you are with a reputable ENT doctor with
a lot of experience in endoscopic sinus surgery (or septoplasty) at a good hospital, you will be fine. As one person below suggested, you can only do so much to control your environment. There is still going to be sinus inflammation and pressure and subsequent congestion/infection nomatter how many Neti pots, Claritin, or dusting you do. Good luck and feel free to ask any more questions!

Hi J.,

I hardly ever have time to mamasource anymore, but I saw your post and HAD to respond. I've had CHRONIC sinus infections---linked to allergies. It got to the point where I had enough. I actually had SINUS surgery on Dec. 9th----this surgery is also done to fix a deviated septum, and if you have both issues, they'd take care of both at the same time. Let me tell you....It's only been over a month, but I already feel SO much better. I no longer have the constant sinus headaches and pressure, I feel like I have more energy and I can even BREATHE easier! I highly recomment it. I do have two young ones, so my hubby had to step it up for a couple of weeks, but it was worth it. My ENT is Dr. Rodney Caniglia out of Edward Hospital.
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!