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Sinus Surgery

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jade789
jade789

Experiences of sinus surgery.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • jade789
    jade789

    Posted

    I had sinusitis since I was a young teenager. It was a massive, albeit unwelcome, part of my life. In February 2014 I had Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS) and also had my septum straightened. I was a little apprehensive about the surgery and I'm sure others considering surgery as an option are too. My surgery was on the NHS (the NHS is incredible) and I want to share my experience with those who are scared by the prospect.

    I had all the classic symptoms of bad sinusitis: a constant headache; thick mucus that wouldn't move from my nasal passages; pressure around my eyes- my eye-sight was worsening, I had to have a new prescription every three months (my eye-sight actually improved since my operation). I could hardly breathe through my nose, I found it difficult to study and I was very fed up. I was prescribed Naproxen to ease the inflammation and it hardly helped. I was taking codeine or cocodomol to help with the head pain. I was also taking antihistamines and using a nasal spray. I touched upon remedies like Apple cider vinegar and reducing my sugar intake. Nothing helped. I was miserable and I was snotty! The surgery I had sounds grim, so if you're squeamish, stop reading because I'm about to describe what it involves.

    I went under general anaesthetic. The surgeon places a probe into the nostrils that goes into the sinuses. There is a balloon on the prob that expands and breaks the little bones that form the air pockets that are the sinuses, thus expanding the space for airflow and drainage. They know which areas to focus on based upon an MRI scan of your sinuses. A small incision was made in my septum and it was stitched up in a way that straightened it.

    After the surgery, in the hospital, I had what can only be described as tampon like waddling up each nostril. These have to be pulled out and it feels really strange but it doesn't hurt. I had a nose bleed for several hours, but it became less severe with time and rest. I didn't have black eyes at all, but my face was swollen and tender. I was told to eat ice lollies to help with swelling. I didn't have to be told twice to eat lollies. The best thing to do going into surgery is relax. The best thing to do when you get out of surgery is to rest and relax. I found myself tiring very easily after surgery, give yourself plenty of rest.

    The results of my surgery have been life changing for me. I am so much happier and healthier now. If you have doubts, I say go for it!

  • minggio
    minggio jade789

    Posted

    Congratulations jade789! I've been suffering the same problem since I was a little kid. I had my first surgery at 19 years old and it was ok but I have to blame myself for unhealthy life style (worked too hard, no exercise at all, always fast food etc ... ) that made my sympton came back after 10 years. I'm now 36 and on the waiting list of operation again. Hope this time it will be ok. 

    How long did you wait for the operation? The specialist put me on the list for 3 months already and I still haven't got any reply ... 

    • jade789
      jade789 minggio

      Posted

      I think ten years without bad sinus problems is definitely not to be sniffed at, if you can pardon the pun. I had my operation at the age of 20... I like the idea of not having issues again until I'm 30! I waited around 4 months for my surgery. A date was set pretty quickly though. If I were you, I'd chase it up and check that it's all going through properly. 
    • minggio
      minggio jade789

      Posted

      I did have the symptoms back a few years after the surgery but instead of going back to hospital I tried many other alternatives like Chinese medicine, acupuncture and homeopathy but none of them helps. Got worse again when I was about 30 so it's been a few years again. Although a surgery again is inevitable I do believe that what I've been doing this year (become a vegetarian and do exercise regularly) will help lengthen the comeback of symptoms after my next recovery. And this time I will cherish the result much more too smile

      Thanks so much for your sharing !!

  • samuelwpannell
    samuelwpannell jade789

    Posted

    Hi Jade,

    I have been suffering what I believe are sinus headaches, numbness and pressure for the past 3 years.

    Some days are better than others, but most days I have pressure and numbness/throbbing pains around the forehead, nose/eyes and constant headaches.

    Although I haven't had issues with blocked nose / mucus build up.

    I have only just managed to get reffered to a specialist - although they can't see me until the begining of April.

    Do you have any advise for me and is surgery the only option to fix?

    I just generally can't deal with this anymore and need to get this sorted sad

    Regards,

    Sam

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