SEEDS OF DOUBT!!!

Opinions! I agree that everyone has one, but I think a line needs to be drawn somewhere. Ever since my doctor advised Septoplasty, I have been collecting all kinds of information relating to the surgery and was preparing myself for the surgery, mentally. But at the back of my mind, I knew someone would come forward and advise me against it. Now that lands me in a mess.

Although my friends and family have been providing me all the support I needed, a senior colleague from work called up yesterday and advised me against the surgery. His logic was that it doesn’t solve the problem and the breathing problems recur. That’s the inception of CONFUSION.

Clear analytical thinking dictates that I continue to be advised by my doctor(s) and not by any other person (especially not ones without degrees in medicine). But how can I ignore the earnest tone forbidding me to go ahead. He may not be a doctor, but he claims to have seen many patients suffering even after Septoplasty. At the same time, all ENT specialists are surgeons. The laws of economics - the science of incentives would prompt them to coax as many patients as possible for any kind of surgery whereas the patient’s focus is clearly to get well as soon as possible with minimum or no side effects nor chances or recurrence; of course, at the least expense. Analyzing such conflicting objectives could really mess up one’s mind and even more so when the result has a direct consequence on your own health, literally.

The rethinking process has to wait. As of now I have decided not to ignore any option and prepare mentally for the surgery and during the interim period, reach out to others who have similar problems, have undergone Septoplasty and collect all kinds of information on the procedure with an emphasis on its success rate.

I would really be grateful to anyone who could help me in this regard either personally or by providing internet searches and articles. Please mail me at ranjan.saraswati@gmail.com

SAD TWIST TO MY STORY

Last evening I had an appointment with my doctor. He found that there was some improvement in both the nostrils, but the deviation inthe nasal septum was such that it will continue to impede airflow and cause problems. He suggested an operation - Septoplasty. Though the name may sound great, the procedure isn't. Here's what i found from wikipedia:

Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten the nasal septum - the partition between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the center of the nose. When it deviates into one of the cavities, it narrows that cavity and impedes airflow. Nasal obstructions caused by serious deviations frequently lead to chronic sinus problems. Turbinate reduction may also be advised to further enlarge the nasal cavities. Most surgeries are completed in 90 minutes or less, not including recovery time.

Because the deviation is a result of a cartilage surplus, the procedure usually involves an excision of a portion of that tissue. Under general or local anesthesia, the surgeon works through the nostrils, making an incision in the lining of the septum to reach the cartilage targeted in the operation. Before the crooked portions of the cartilage can be excised, the cartilage must first be separated from the bony structures beneath it. After excess cartilage has been taken out, the septum may then be secured to the bone with small plastic elements, splints, or sutures.

The nasal cavities are then packed with a special material, and a piece of gauze is taped underneath the nose to absorb blood. Postoperative care includes frequent changing of this gauze (roughly every hour or so) and after a complete day, the excess bleeding normally stops and the inner nasal packing may be removed. The following day, saline irrigations of the nasal cavities are required, and it is only now that a patient is allowed to gently blow his/her nose. After approximately four days, patients can then blow their nose normally.

Patients typically regain about 80% of their energy one week after surgery, and make a full recovery after one month.

To know about Septoplasty click here

To know more about Sleep apnea click here