Post septoplasty surgery problems

[Rooster1]

I had my septoplasty to repair a deviated septum 11 days ago and I am still not well. My first 5 days were really tough and my tonsils were in terrible shape. Now I am virtually out of pain but I have a couple of problems. My left nostril has a small hole that is infected that was caused by one or two stitches that broke and the surgeon tells me that it will heal and just keep putting on the ointment he prescribed. My bigger problem is that the initial reason I even went ahead with this surgery is because I have suffered from sinus for 15 years. My left side was often stuffed up and this past year became very unbearable so I was desperate. But now I am even more stuffed up then before! I have had the packing out for nine days and still I struggle to sleep at night because I can’t breathe through my nose and all day the stuffiness is there sometimes worse then other times The surgeon who has done the surgery is not a very personable man and has brushed me off. I asked him if my stuffed nose would get better and all he said is “it should” and then told me to come and see him in 2-3 months. My questions are to the Docs and those of you here who have had this and lived it, did you get more stuffed up after the surgery? Will this change? Do I need to give it more time? How long should I wait before I try to seek more medical attention from another Doctor??

Thanks

 

[DocVikingo]

It can take a month or more for nasal tissue to return to normal following surgical treatment of deviated septum, and this is without complications.

However, there are a variety of approaches to managing discomfort, congestion & crusting during healing, including nasal irrigation & the use of nasal steroids.

Sadly, some few surgeons feel that their obligation to the patient pretty much ends when an operative procedure has been completed & wounds heal properly. A patient certainly should be able to discuss concerns with the surgeon provided that this does not become unreasonable or excessive. After all, surgeons & other physicians often have busy & demanding practices.

If one finds their doctor's bedside manner to be intolerable, s/he is of course free to contact another specialist, such as an ENT, and request a second opinion.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Rooster1]

Thanks Doc