Septoplasty

[Le Chat]

Have any of you ABers had a septoplasty? It is the name given to the straightening of a deviated central septum. (The cartilage along the nose is not straight, thereby I can only breathe out of one nostril!) If so, how long were you off work and other such questions?

[frizzytwig]

I had this done about 10 years ago. I was off work about a week although I possibly could have gone back after about 3-4 days, I suppose it depends what you do for a living. The procedure itself was pretty straightforward, bloody hurt afterwards though, no black eyes or anything like that. Not a permanent cure either, mine spetum has bent out of shape again!

[frizzytwig]

Sorry, meant to say good luck.

[Scarlett]

I had a similar thing and was off work for about a week. They have to put a splint up your nose afterwards (pr they did with mine) and stuff it with gauze- long thin bandage. Then I had to wear basically a tampon under my nose to catch blood, that tied around the back of my head. Changing the gauze hurt a lot- pulling it out, and having new one packed in.

I had this done cos my septum leant, and I could never breathe through my nose properly.

A few months later it was back to exactly how it was. Years later and gave up dairy, and now can finally breathe through my nose!

[irishlyn]

I had that operation done 7 years ago and have had nothing but trouble since, it ended up with me having a large hole in my septum and its hard to breathe through my nose now, I'm still attending outpatients 7 years later. Unless you're having a lot of trouble I wouldn't go through with it. Before the op I could only breathe through one nostril like you.

[Le Chat]

Thanks for your replies...it doesn't seem very encouraging! My problem is such that it has caused sinus problems, ear ache and post nasal drip.(Yuk!) However, it certainly doesn't seem to be a permenant solution........... I shall have to pick the brains of my specialist to get a more positive prognosis on this one! Cheers all!

[flobadob]

Well I just had one done and reading this is a bit like getting kicked on the nose. I wish I hadn't looked this up. Bagga.