I Really Don't Know How To Make A Decision Re Elective Surgery

[bluefortress]

I don't know what to do, I am so indecisive. 
 

I have had a sinus inflammatory disorder and rhinitis for 14 years - managed with daily nasal steroids

I think I am going to need surgery due to 1) worsening symptoms on one side which are bothersome and 2) I found out my eye pressures are high - surgery might allow me to use a lower dose but im sceptical as its an immune fault that caues it- bit like an allergy tho allergy tests all negative. 
 

There are 2 surgeons I have seen one is a general ent who initially told me he's not fan of surgery /dint think i meeded it takes a less invasive approach - I prefer this 

The 2nd is a sinus specialist ent who wasnts to do septoplasty and other quite extensive stuff - Im more wary of this however people tell me to trust the sinus specialist over a general ent. I sort of trust the general ent more though. Thats my dilemma

Theres also a side effect of surgery that is rare but people can get when turbinates are reduced too - which causes liflong sensations in difficulty breathing. 
 

I just don't know what to do as ive had very opposing opinions off those different ent's everytime i make a decision i see the negatives and change my mind. 

[bluefortress]

I guess my question is how would a normal people make this decision..

[PsalmEquipt]

Based on your description, I would endeavor to acquire trust in the specialist if I were in your shoes.
-Construct a list of questions about the procedure
-Explain you have more questions and request an additional consultation with the specialist to help make your decision
Reflect on your conversation with the specialist for a few days, and then decide if you have acquired the necessary trust to proceed.

[bluefortress]

Thanks psalm.  I did have 2 consultations for this purpose but I got the gist that he thought I was over comcerned as he started laughing, not in a nasty way or anything. When I asked about side effects he said there weren't any really, but they were listed on his letter. Also on his letter I noticed he wrote 'once again, went over' this and that. Im aware I could be overanalysing  everything. 

I just wish that general ent was specialised more in sinuses as I really do trust that one and his 'only do what is neccasary' approach
 

[Maydup]

It does seem as though it is necessary now . 

[Peter Pedant]

you have paid for surgeon A and surgeon B and their opinions, and you.... ask walk-ins on AB ?

I suppoose the obvious idea is wait and see

 

[Peter Pedant]

Oh I see -  take the advice of the surgeon who wishes t do least and then... if it doesnt work, have the bigger job

or wait

[1ozzy]

//and you.... ask walk-ins on AB ?//

Tut tut Peter, after all these years you still don't recognise the expertise of the average Aber?

Hang your head in shame😪

[rowanwitch]

Something to bear in mind... They have to tell you all the things that can go wrong however rare because of the rules on informed consent.   

If you have seen a sub specialist, within a wider speciality  i.e ENT they may be the person who knows best from a medical point of view but trust does matter.   Only you know how badly your condition affects you on a day to day basis however surgery is often less problematic before a problem  become acute.  If that isn't  likely to happen you can wait and see if things change.

[bluefortress]

Thanks Rowan, yea Ive tried not to read too much into side effects, easier said than done. Theres something called empty nose syndrome, which dounds lovely if you are congested but its a complication of turbinate reduction - people dont feel the sensation of airflow and feel they cant get air in- sounds scary

I have considered waiting but I'l have the inflammation lifelong. Id say it impacts my life by about 10- 20% on a day to day basis sometimes i think im ok dont need surgery but then other times its bad. 

[Peter Pedant]

 basis sometimes i think im ok dont need surgery but then other times its bad. 

sometimes I feel I need the surgery and sometimes I feel I dont

we cant make a decision for you

[bluefortress]

Well I can't make it I really don't know what to do and its been going on for the best part of a year

[Scarlett]

I had a continual cold from childhood, and put it down to asthma/ eczema. It wasn't until I did Carol Vorderman's Detox diet that everything reversed. My nose emptied itself over three or four days – the worst "cold" I had. It was actually just clearing everything out. After that, I could breathe through my nose for the first time in my life, and have been fine since. Take a York test and see what food intolerance if you have. It could be that dairy is keeping your symptoms like they are. It's not easy to completely change your diet to an anti-inflammatory one, or an elimination one, but it is absolutely worth trying before you have an operation. 

[PsalmEquipt]

Since the specialist has failed to gain your confidence, yet there is much to gain from the procedure if successful, perhaps another trusted physician could help.

-Recall the last time you felt confident that your doctor helped you

-Request an additional consultation with that doctor, or if he is not available, your next most trusted doctor

A silly thought, but good for a laugh. Perhaps indecisiveness is a side effect of nasal steroids.

[Peter Pedant]

Well I can't make it I really don't know 

then you are stuck

[bluefortress]

Exactly Peter

Thanks Psalm, the nasal steroids cause indecisiveness, I am defo saying this at my next appointment tho they may look at me like Im crazy