Septoplasty Forum

[barrybridges]

Hello - I am new here on this forum but I hope others can help.

I have a hospital appointment next Thursday where I understand I may be referred for septoplasty.

In late January, I caught a bad cold which never seemed to go away. After a month (March) I visited my GP who told me it was probably chronic rhinitis and was given a steroid spray. This had a limited effect, but not much.

A month ago I was referred to a hospital consultant who said it's not hayfever or sinusitis, but he suggested my septum is slightly deviated (but not by much) and has referred me to have a camera put up my nose next week. He suggested I might have septoplasty if the septum is the problem.

In the meantime I'm really down. I constantly have a heavy cold and nothing seems to make it better. My right nostril is constantly blocked (not congested) and I struggle to breathe. Worst of all though is that I've been 6 months now without any sense of smell and I struggle to taste things - I used to love wine but it tastes the same to me!

So, do you think septoplasty is the right option here, if it is offered? Will I actually get my sense of smell back? And in the UK, how long might I have to wait for the procedure, assuming I get referred next Thursday? I'm so down about it.

What I don't understand is how this could be caused by a deviated septum? My cold didn't just come on gradually: it just started in January and never went. And my nose is virtually straight: enough that you'd never notice.

I'm really quite down about this and just want to be able to smell again...will septoplasty actually help?

[salukimaroon]

if the dr. recommends it i'd say go for it. he's not going to recommend a procedure that won't help. sounds like you need it though if one of your nostrils is constantly blocked, that's a classic indicator right there. it'd probably help make your colds less severe too. before i had my surgery everytime i caught a cold it'd turn into a sinus infection that'd keep me on the couch for a few weeks. now when i catch a cold it's usually no big deal.

[wheels5894]

Hi there Barry! I would certainly say that it's worth having the operation as it with allow you clear nostrils and clear breathing.and also help prevent the buildup of mucus in the nose which is probably because of the lack of smell at the moment.

As far as the time taken to get the operation done in United Kingdom I can say that waiting lists can be quite long up.however, if you are prepared to take cancellations this whole thing quite a lot quicker. I only waited a few weeks for the operation I had to be prepared to move in a few days -- I think I had about four days notice. Of course waiting lists will vary depending on where about in United Kingdom you are.I had the operation in Dundee in Scotland and in Scotland we have a separate health from England and Wales so I can't really comment on waiting times of there.

I would be grateful if you give some indication of the country you live in and also let us know what sort of waiting time you're offered as it could be of considerable since two others looking at the site later. Meanwhile good luck with getting a date and sorting out your nose.
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[robyg]

is this "expeditors" barry bridges ?