I'm having an operation of Friday - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**lauren313** · 07-12-2006, 09:01 AM

So, apparently I have a deviated nasal septum. I've known this for a while, and on Friday I'm finally due for my surgery to fix it.

I first saw the doctor about it 7 months ago, and got put on the waiting list for surgery after that (7 months of waiting, thanks NHS!) I'd been kind of looking forward to having it done, because I have a lot of discomfort from it - I can't breathe at all through one side of my nose, and breathe through my mouth at night, leading to sore throats every morning. I don't like mouth-breathing during the day, because I think I look a little bit stupid sat there with my mouth gaping open, so I try and breathe through my nose, but end up gasping for air after a while, because I'm not getting enough in!

Anyway, so I was looking forward to having it done, but now the time is here, I'm so scared!!!

I'm not entirely sure of the procedure. I think they cut away all the tissue from the septum, and then sort of break the bone or cartilage of the septum, then they set it back into place. Umm.... yuck!

Also, I'm scared shitless that the anaesthetic won't work, and I'll feel all the pain but not be able to let them know (I saw a tv show on this, the anaesthtic comes out of two cannisters, one for pain control and one as a muscle relaxant - if the muscle relaxant comes out properly, but the pain control one is blocked, you'll feel it all, but be powerless to scream or move!)

So, I'm scared

Wish me luck! I have to go in at 7:30 Monday morning, then I guess I'll get done some time in the morning. I might have to stay overnight, it depends on how well I react to the anaesthetic, and if I bleed lots. Eeek! I'll let you know how it goes!

**worldwidemike** · 07-12-2006, 09:13 AM

Good luck, Lauren. Just don't be afraid to call the doctor if you feel like you're bleeding hours after they release you. Better safe than sorry on that type of thing!

worldwidemike

**beergal** · 07-12-2006, 09:14 AM

Good luck with the operation babe and remember your tpunk friends are only an email away while you are recuperating!

**jengt** · 07-12-2006, 09:42 AM

Good luck. Just keep thinking of how much better it will be after!!!

**omisan** · 07-12-2006, 09:50 AM

Awww, hang in there Lauren. A septoplasty is a pretty common and smooth procedure. You'll be just fine and ready to travel the world again in no time at all.

**The Monsignor** · 07-12-2006, 11:45 AM

Rest assured, they'll get the anaesthia right! It's not that invasive, so you'll look like hell for a bit, but it's not like they can forget instruments inside of you or something...

**lauren313** · 07-12-2006, 02:30 PM

Thanks for the kind words everyone

And um, thanks for mentioning the instruments not being able to get left inside me!

Omi, that was one thing I was worried about, the being able to travel bit. They say you're alright to fly about 6-8 weeks after having the surgery, so I'm just in time! I can imagine nothing worse than taking 4 or 5 long-haul flights with a painful nose!

Thank god I'm not going to get black eyes or anything (fingers crossed!) As it's all done on the inside of the nose, you can't see a difference from the outside. I asked him if he'd chuck in a free nose job while he was at it - he didn't really see the funny side of it, and more importantly, he said no. Spoilsport.

Thanks again!!!

**expatben** · 07-12-2006, 02:34 PM

Awww, sorry to hear that. But as people have said it will work out just fine and after some recouperation you'll be back and better than ever!

DJ_VeeeNoM · 07-12-2006, 05:01 PM

((( Travelogue by Loafer ))) :greenguy:

Dude, I don't know you @ all but still I wish everything goes well with the surg! think about it this way, you will be able to "breathe in & breathe out" Luckies!

**Joker** · 07-12-2006, 05:08 PM

Everybody gets the jitters pre-op. Believe me, I know that one. I had to learn how to do everything with my left hand/arm when I had my right shoulder cut in March.

You'll be fine, and back to normal faster than you thought....

**freespiritz** · 07-12-2006, 05:12 PM

Good luck, I'm sure it will go fine and you'll feel so much better after it! Hope you have a fast recovery too!

**florencia9699** · 07-12-2006, 07:12 PM

Good luck Lauren!! take this weekend to relax... and on Monday whatever u do try not to ask too much about the procedure, or you'll be imagining things all through it. Think of it this way: to you it's totally scary and uncommon, but your doctor provably does this sort of thing several times a month, you'll be fine, and you'll have all your family running around you trying to make you feel comfortable. Relax and it'll go good!

**space virgin** · 07-13-2006, 02:43 AM

Good luck!!!

You'll be fine. And MUCH happier when you're recovered.

**LiveFreeorDie** · 07-13-2006, 10:08 AM

Good luck and don't sweat it, you will do great and be much happier on the backside. I have had a couple of different minor sugeries and they all went smooth as can be.

**lauren313** · 07-15-2006, 02:49 AM

Well, I'm back!

I had to stay overnight unfortunately. Luckily I was prepared to, just in case.

The op went well, but afterwards I developed a bit of a temperature and my blood pressure was up and down like a yoyo. I also had rather a lot of bleeding, which wasn't very pleasant.

So, they had me stay in overnight, which I guess is a good thing, cos it's better to be safe than sorry!

I've had no pain whatsoever, except in my throat from the breathing tube.

Thanks again, I'll keep you posted!

**expatben** · 07-15-2006, 05:53 AM

good to get an update and I hope things get better for you.

**beergal** · 07-15-2006, 09:52 AM

well done you i dont think i would have been so brave!

**omisan** · 07-17-2006, 12:09 AM