septoplasty surgery

[LDK]

I was wondering if anyone in the teardrop community ever had surgery to correct a deviated septum (septoplasty). I had my surgery last monday 5-3-10. They have to leave packing and nasal splints in for a week. It's like the worse head cold you could ever have. I get it all pulled out 5-10-10. Counting the hours and minutes till I can breathe again. Larry

[planovet]

No I have not but I can imagine how painful it is.

I broke my nose twice during college, once playing flag football and once boxing. Never had to have "surgery" on it though. When I broke my nose boxing it was literally pushed over onto the side of my face. I went to the emergency room after it happened and saw a little oriental doctor whose accent was so thick that I could barely understand what he was saying. He gave me two options, leave it the way it was or fix it. I chose the "fix it" route. He sprayed some local antithetic up my nose, shoved a scalpel blade holder (without the scalpel) up my nose, grabbed both sides of my nose with each hand and then in one motion jerked it back in place. After they scraped me off the ceiling of the ER, they sent me home with no pain meds, packing or brace. That had to be one of the most painful things I have ever endured. But I have to hand it to the doc, he fixed it and my nose doesn't look too bad. I never stepped back into the boxing ring though.

[Miriam C.]

They didn't leave the packing in mine when I went home. I didn't hurt either. At least for a few weeks, then boom. Man that hurt.....hurt my noise and my teeth...

[steve smoot]

Well, before I would agree to having that surgery...the doctor would have to hire four NC basketball players...two of them would have to catch me, and all four of them would have to hold me down..

[starleen2]

Had it done - and like Miriam C - the worst part was the teeth issue - especially the front two, THAT"s where the pain was. They use splints now - in the past they used to pack the nasal cavity with gauze. Believe me, when they remove the splints - close your eyes - you wont believe how far they went up into the nasal cavity But in the end, you'll be glad that it is over and it will soon be a memory

[lamacose]

I had a septoplatsy done along with having my uvula removed and palate shortened in hopes of my snoring go away, I couldn't breath through my nose or my mouth the entire time I was healing.

When it came time to remove the splints, I understood how Arnold felt in the movie Total Recallwhen he had the tracking device removed from his nasal cavity.

By the way, my snore came back.

[starleen2]

. . . and Larry - now you have something to look forward to

[lamacose]

I apologize for making my response so painful, I forgot to mention that I also had my tonsils out at the same time.

I am somewhat bitter over the entire process.

The first follow-up after the splints were removed the ENT said that the septum was still fubar, the splint came out too soon and he needed to do it again. Told him I would schedule next visit. Never went back.

[LDK]

57 hours and counting

[eamarquardt]

The nose is enervated by the second branch of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is one of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves. Cranial nerves do not go through the spinal column but exit the skull from openings called foramen. The trigeminal nerve is the nerve that is responsible for a conditon known as Trigeminal Neuralgia. Trigeminal Neuralgia is generally accepted as the most painful conditon known to the practice of medicine. It is nicknamed the "suicide disease".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigeminal_neuralgia

Only in the last few years has it been recognized that there are two different forms of trigeminal neuralgia. Type one (short intense pain) and type two (continous burning crushing pain). The diagnosis of neuralgias of the cranial nerves is sometime confusing and difficult. Often times there is no effective treatment. The "gold standard" surgical treatment for the condition is a microvascular decompression a procedure pioneered by Dr. Peter Jannetta who trained at UCLA and then moved to the University of Pittsburg. There are other treatments as well such as destroying the nerve with focused radiation (the gamma knife), injecting it with toxic substances, and numerous medications with significant side effects.

Although I have a degree in Biology, I didn't learn all of the above in my pursuit of said degree. Don't ask me how I know! I have, however, been to Pittsburg three times and it wasn't to see the Pirates or Steelers play!

I think the acronym FUBAR applies in my case also! The psychologist I saw after my last hospitalization recommended that I: "avoid further treatment by MDs as they have done you more harm than good". I have pretty much taken his advice but did go to the doctor on Monday for a handfull of painkillers so I could fly across the country. You can't get off a plane (noise and vibrations set me off) at 35,000 feet. Wanted 6 pills. Left with 30 vicodin and 15 valium. Potentially a "lifetime" supply. Livin the drug addict's dream. Ask doctor for pills, get 7 times number requested! Not exactly my dream!

Cheers,

Gus

[planovet]

The nose is enervated by the second branch of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is one of the twelve pairs of cranial nerves. Cranial nerves do not go through the spinal column but exit the skull from openings called foramen. The trigeminal nerve is the nerve that is responsible for a conditon known as Trigeminal Neuralgia. Trigeminal Neuralgia is generally accepted as the most painful conditon known to the practice of medicine. It is nicknamed the "suicide disease".

Why am I thinking I'm back in a neurology class?

[eamarquardt]

Why am I thinking I'm back in a neurology class? :?

Because I've spent many hours at the UCLA medical library, on line, and with approximately 250 doctors (at considerable expense) to learn what I shared for FREE!

We have only scratched the surfance of my acquired knowledge of anatomy and the cranial nerves.

Free consultations are available.

Cheers,

Gus

[LDK]

Gus if this septoplasty surgery doesn't turn out good, I may have no choice but to consult YOU...

[eamarquardt]

Gus if this septoplasty surgery doesn't turn out good, I may have no choice but to consult YOU...

I'm not qualified to offer you advice on your problem other than to explain what areas of the body are enervated by the 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th cranial nerves and the various causes of and treatments for neuragias of the cranial nerves.

However, I'm sure my brother, Dr. Stephen R. Marquardt, DDS, Board Certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery would be happy to discuss any issues you might have. Google him, he's quite well known. Using my considerable influence I'm sure I can get you a fair price (free).

I'm sure a lot of folks on the forum figure I'm full of beans at times. Not necessarily so.

Cheers,

Gus

[chorizon]

I had my surgery 4 years ago. Since it was the only surgery I've ever had I have nothing to compare it to with regards to discomfort level.

My stints were in for 6 weeks after the surgery. When the doctor removed the stints, I could breathe better than ever!

Unfortunately that only lasted for a few days, and my deviant septum decided to return to its old ways.

My ENT doctor shrugged his shoulders and told me I "have a tough nose to work with." He said we could do the operation again in a few months if I wanted. I asked him if it would be free since the first operation was a complete failure. He thought I was joking and I haven't been back to him.

My current otolaryngologist told me they don't use stints anymore during that procedure, and it could be performed as an office visit!

I may try it again...