can tell me what pain I might experience and how long to recover
Hi. I ran across your post while I was on day 11 after my surgery. I had a Septoplasty and Tonsillectomy, both of which were very painful. I'm lucky, because my surgeon chose not to use packing or splints, so I left with nothing on or in my nose, only gauze strapped underneath to catch the blood and gunk that oozed out for a few days.
The first 5 days I was virtually incoherent, because I required my pain meds every 3 hours in order to function. I spent the first 9 days sleeping in my recliner, because I couldn't lay my head down, even at the 30 degree angle that they told me to stay at. Surprisingly, I could actually breathe a little bit, even immediately after the surgery, but I used the saline spray 3-4 times a day to keep it moist and everything draining out. I also kept ice on my nose for several days. They recommended 6-8 hours the first day, but I felt that it helped to use it for several days instead.
My throat was the most painful part up to this point. The first 3 days, I ate whipped potatoes and broth, but could only eat a few spoons of them every 8 hours or so. I did have popsicles and pudding a few times, but for me, the warm foods felt better than the cold ones. I suppose it is different for each person.
My nose still hasn't had full breathing and this was very evident when I moved back to trying to sleep in my bed. I had to resort to using my Afrin Nasal Spray, just to sleep. I have sleep apnea anyway and can't use my mask, so I needed to breath as much as possible.
Day 10 I actually ate some chicken noodle soup with rice in it, just to have something with a bit more texture. I just have to eat VERY slowly and chew completely. You also have to take small bites, so that only a small amount gets swallowed at a time.
So, today is day 11 and my nose truly hurts. It aches and throbs; therefore I have had the ice pack on it nearly all day. I just can't get it to stop aching. I also have had a horrible headache for the last day and 1/2. I have tried to cut back on the Roxicet liquid and was able to swallow 3 Tylenol caplets. It was easier to swallow the coated caplet than to try to cut it down to smaller sizes, because it then has jagged edges which hurt horribly! I have been using the liquid Tylenol for my low grade fever, but was out. It is better, if you can get it. Target Pharmacy had to order it for me, because they don't stock it regularly. It is FAR better than the children's Tylenol, which requires 1/2 the bottle for just one dose!
My throat still feels like chopped meat with glass in it, but is FAR better than it was for the first 9 days!
I have not gone back to work yet, because I still require too frequent medication and need the ice pack for my nose still. I also don't sleep a whole night and am truly just exhausted at this point. I suppose the only up side is that I have lost 14 pounds in 11 days. ; o )
I've read a ton of the posts about this surgery and knew in advance that it wouldn't be an easy road, but my doctor truly feels that this will help with my sleep apnea and finally allow me to breathe like normal people! I'll just have to be patient to see the end result!
The first 5 days I was virtually incoherent, because I required my pain meds every 3 hours in order to function. I spent the first 9 days sleeping in my recliner, because I couldn't lay my head down, even at the 30 degree angle that they told me to stay at. Surprisingly, I could actually breathe a little bit, even immediately after the surgery, but I used the saline spray 3-4 times a day to keep it moist and everything draining out. I also kept ice on my nose for several days. They recommended 6-8 hours the first day, but I felt that it helped to use it for several days instead.
My throat was the most painful part up to this point. The first 3 days, I ate whipped potatoes and broth, but could only eat a few spoons of them every 8 hours or so. I did have popsicles and pudding a few times, but for me, the warm foods felt better than the cold ones. I suppose it is different for each person.
My nose still hasn't had full breathing and this was very evident when I moved back to trying to sleep in my bed. I had to resort to using my Afrin Nasal Spray, just to sleep. I have sleep apnea anyway and can't use my mask, so I needed to breath as much as possible.
Day 10 I actually ate some chicken noodle soup with rice in it, just to have something with a bit more texture. I just have to eat VERY slowly and chew completely. You also have to take small bites, so that only a small amount gets swallowed at a time.
So, today is day 11 and my nose truly hurts. It aches and throbs; therefore I have had the ice pack on it nearly all day. I just can't get it to stop aching. I also have had a horrible headache for the last day and 1/2. I have tried to cut back on the Roxicet liquid and was able to swallow 3 Tylenol caplets. It was easier to swallow the coated caplet than to try to cut it down to smaller sizes, because it then has jagged edges which hurt horribly! I have been using the liquid Tylenol for my low grade fever, but was out. It is better, if you can get it. Target Pharmacy had to order it for me, because they don't stock it regularly. It is FAR better than the children's Tylenol, which requires 1/2 the bottle for just one dose!
My throat still feels like chopped meat with glass in it, but is FAR better than it was for the first 9 days!
I have not gone back to work yet, because I still require too frequent medication and need the ice pack for my nose still. I also don't sleep a whole night and am truly just exhausted at this point. I suppose the only up side is that I have lost 14 pounds in 11 days. ; o )
I've read a ton of the posts about this surgery and knew in advance that it wouldn't be an easy road, but my doctor truly feels that this will help with my sleep apnea and finally allow me to breathe like normal people! I'll just have to be patient to see the end result!
I am having septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and a tonsillectomy on 7-10-2009 and I am scared of being in pain and not able to take care of myself. I am also scared of the whole procedur. I have read several posts which scared me out of my mind and I read one where I thought the guy was totally weird. Can someone please tell me their experience and some hints on what I can use to help me cope.
Hi;
I just read your post, i don't know who is doing the surgery on some of these guys, i feel sorry for them. I had septoplasty surgery on Jan 8 2010, my breathing has improved dramatically, sure I'm in some pain, but nothing like these guys are describing. My doctor told me to do a sinus rinse 4-5 times a day, as uncomfortable as it is, it really helps with clearing all the blood and mucus out of your sinus cavity. I am using something called Neil Med, but some other choices are a Nedi pot or hydra sense. I wouldn't be too afraid, although you will be in pain for the first few days, you will feel better. If i can give you any advice it would be to get hydra sense to keep your packing moist for the first few days, then when they are removed, start flushing with a sinus rinse, then put polisporen anti biotic in your nose with a Q tip to keep the stitches soft. Good luck.
Outcast 99
I just read your post, i don't know who is doing the surgery on some of these guys, i feel sorry for them. I had septoplasty surgery on Jan 8 2010, my breathing has improved dramatically, sure I'm in some pain, but nothing like these guys are describing. My doctor told me to do a sinus rinse 4-5 times a day, as uncomfortable as it is, it really helps with clearing all the blood and mucus out of your sinus cavity. I am using something called Neil Med, but some other choices are a Nedi pot or hydra sense. I wouldn't be too afraid, although you will be in pain for the first few days, you will feel better. If i can give you any advice it would be to get hydra sense to keep your packing moist for the first few days, then when they are removed, start flushing with a sinus rinse, then put polisporen anti biotic in your nose with a Q tip to keep the stitches soft. Good luck.
Outcast 99