Sinus Surgery?

intensitylisa

Cathlete
I went to my sinus doc today and he gave me the dreadful news that I need sinus surgery because of chronic and acute sinusitis that is resistent to antibiotics. On top of that, he said I have a deviated septum. Have any of you had sinus surgery and if so how did it go? I can't go anywhere without a box of tissue!x(
 
Hey Lisa,

DH has sinus surgery about 10 to 12 years ago for the same reason. Chronic sinusitis & polyps. It was done on a military installation so I'm guessing it could have been better. He was in over night & had some drainage for about 3 days after. I don't remember him being in too much pain after. He wasn't allowed to run for about a month.

good luck & let us know how it goes.
 
I had sinus surgery about 8 years ago but because of headaches - I also had a deviated septum. Though my problem was different, I had immediate relief and was back to normal within 3 days. The first day after I was out of it (taking pain pills etc) and pretty much did nothing but sleep. On the 2nd day after, they removed the packing and I was fine. I mostly was affected by the anesthesia which left me feeling kind of flu like for a couple of days (a little weak but not bad). The surgery itself was fine. I've been told that they no longer pack your sinuses after surgery so yours may be even easier then mine and I didn't think mine was bad at all. I'm also the kind of person that's not easily taken down by illness or injury so that could have some factor on my quick and easy recovery.

I had a friend that had the same thing done (and had your same problem) and it took her about a week to be feeling back to normal. But like me, the surgery was absolutely worth it! For me it changed my life as I had had daily headaches for years.

Hope that helps a little! Also, I didn't have any problem with post pain from the surgery.
 
:D Thanks ladies for your input. I knew my pals here would help me out! I do have awful sinus pressure headaches all the time and can not imagine what it would feel like not to have them, HEAVEN! I also get tired very easily because of this head pressure. I do not know anyone who has had the surgery and am glad to hear your feedback. Your examples sound just like what the doc told me to expect. I was told that they do not use packing anymore. I will keep you posted as I still have not set a date! Within the next month hopefully! Thanks!:D
 
Hi Lisa,
Did you have to have a catscan first for your evaluation? In other words, could they tell what your problem was without the scan? I ask because if this program I am on right now doesn't work, I may be joining you with your surgery? W/O insurance the scans are very expensive in my area.
I too have those sinus headaches, but they always turn into migraines. Grrrr They aren't fun are they? x(
Please keep us all updated on how your are getting along.
 
Let me add that I do still get migraines due to barometric pressure changes but I find imitrex works wonders (other things give me migraines as well). The sinus headaches that I had daily completely zapped my energy levels and were completely eradicated by the surgery. On the third day after the packing was removed, I couldn't believe how wonderful I felt and pain free for the first time in a very long time.

Also, I did have to have a catscan as that's just standard procedure for diagnosis. The catscan confirmed the deviated septum. I also had to have part of a sinus wall removed to relieve pressure. My doctor said my one sinus was unbelievably screwed up - literally! Which is why they had to take part of a wall out. My sinus couldn't equalize which caused the headaches.
 
My oh my Jo, sounds like you went through a great deal!
Thanks for sharing your experience here one Lisa's thread as I am benefiting as well.
I get mirgraines from weather changes. My neurologist says I have an exposed nerve that has an 'on' switch all the time. Any and everything turns into a migraine. Imitrex was my lifeline for a long time but I got immune to it. For the moment I take Maxalt MLT...$18 a pill. I can't understand WHY these things cost so much? I sometimes have to take 3-4 a week.
Thats why I'm so interested in people's sinus surgeries. I want to see if it helped relieve thier frequencies of headaches.

Looks like I will also have to start saving for a catscan. I hope my new therapy works. It would be alot easier if it did. :(
 
:) Yes I did have a CAT scan which confirmed the chronic and acute sinusitis in all sinuses, frontal, maxillary, ethmoid. The CAT scan also revealed the deviated septum. The dilemma I am in now is that I am supposed to be having my closing on my new home any day now, and do not dare and schedule surgery until after closing. I'll keep you posted!!!:D
 
My husband just had surgery for a deviated septum in April. The surgery was less than 45 minutes and the recovery was relatively quick. He took about a week off work, although he probably could have gone back a little sooner if he wasn't in construction and required to be on top of the house stacking the roof <G>. He did take his pain pills regularly for the first 72 hours and then weaned off a few days after that.

Good luck to you! And honestly, he said it wasn't that bad.

Colleen
 
Does the maxalt work quickly for you? I find it doesn't work for me at all so I gave up on it. Is the MLT the same as regular Maxalt? I sometimes have to do 2 shots of the Imitrex nasal (2 hours apart). If the MLT is a different variety, I might try that again. Would appreciate your opinion.
 

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top