Sinus surgery anyone?

[Matilda1]

Hi all, I hope you are well.

**(just a quick warning,some of this post has graphic descriptions.)**

So I’m really struggling at the moment,since being diagnosed 3 years ago with asthma/chronic sinus issues plus polyps, I have lost my sense of smell completely and taste is next to nothing, I also can not breathe at all through the nose, and I mean nothing not a tiny bit.I seem to be having absolutely awful sinus infections, I’m currently in a bout at the moment and it’s effecting me so much, dizziness, pressure,headache,sickness,diarrhoea,deafness,weakness and so on, the congealed mucas that I’m passing through my nose is rusty orange and so thick there is so much of it, I passed out yesterday through dizziness and sickness.im super sensitive to medications (a lot of them, especially steroids) so dealing with me is difficult, I am on children’s dose of amoxicillin, 50mcg of fluticasone and calpol for pain.( some medications make my heart race, high blood pressure, sick, diarrhoea, boils/hives) My ENT and lung consultant have decided that surgery would be the best option for me, I would have a polypectomy and sinus surgery, my asthma all seems to come from my upper airway and the mucus I cough from my lungs has definitely come from my nose I can constantly feel it dripping.

Has anyone had this surgery,? I go for a pre admission in 2 weeks time, I’m terribly anxious but I can carry on like this it’s absolutely ruining my life. After reading and watching people having this surgery there are mixed feelings, some said it was life changing and the best thing they have ever done, others say the opposite.

Any thoughts?

Thanks xx

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi

I had sinus surgery when I was about 19 (passage widening and a clear out). It helped at the time (my main symptoms were sinus infections, headaches and dizziness - at the time I only had EIA), however 8 yrs later I still get regular sinus infections (it seems to be my weak spot).

The surgery went well for me with no complications and definitely helped at the time (I was warned that it may not last and may need repeating)

I’ve never had polyps but know people who have had them removed who say it’s really helped - plus for them they haven’t returned yet!

Good luck and hope it works well for you! X

[Snowdrop27]

Hi Matilda1 I have poltyics and post nasal drip like you. My nose is constantly running and the drip definitely affects my voice.

I have had my poltyics treated two times with nasal steroid drops. The first time in February successfully and the second time in September which was unsuccessfu. I also using steroid nasal drops in my nose each nostril two drops twice a day.

One of my GP tried to get the poltyics surgery removed through the NHS. It was deemed to be done but only through expectal funding. I had to write a personal statement to go along with the doctor referral. The NHS said no and I was left with no way of getting the surgery expect through going private. My mum agree to pay for it last week.

So I rang the local NHS treatment center which does things privately as well. They agreed to see me this Friday afternoon. with a private consultant. They are contacting my GP for a referral letter and my medical record. I should be having the treatment within the next 6-8 weeks. While of course I am not looking forward to it. I will be very pleased to get rid of my post nasal drip. I also have acid reflux too. Both as you know aren't good for someone with asthma.

I currently on Fostair to 200/6 2 puff's twice a day and monkelaust. I have late adult onset asthma and highly allergic to house dust mites. I am hoping that I can reduce my inhaler strength in half after having it done.

Autumn and winter are my worst time of year. So far I have been quite good with my asthma.

I could be very anxious like you but my Christian faith has really helped me to stay calm. I will pray for you to have peace. If you would like I can ask my friends to keep you in their prayers.

I am quite happy to talk to you further by messaging on this site. Please feel free to contact me anytime. I will keep you updated on my progress too.

[Tree20862]

I have allergies and asthma. I reached a point where my nose would not clear and had recurring sinus infections. I did not have polyps but had chronic swollen turbinates blocking flow. My ear-nose-and throat doctor redesigned my turbinates and I did not have any post nasal drip for 6 months! It has been 4 years and I have only had 2 sinus infections, easily treated.

The first month of no blowing my nose were frustrating but I have been better off since.

[Clanmacbeath]

Hello Matilda1

I've had this surgery twice in the past. I have chronic asthma and suffer with my sinuses, post nasal drip, nasal polyps and acid reflux.

The surgery isnt as bad as you think its going to be. The worst bit is having the packing removed a few hours post op. But its such a relief to get it out that you will feel a few minutes discomfort is worth it. A couple of days post op and my sense of smell and ability to taste returns. Sadly the surgery is only a temp fix for me and my issues always return. But for the months I can breath through my nose and taste food the surgery is worth it.

[WheezleSneezle]

Sinus surgery for me was very unpleasant to go through and recover from but now I don’t really have any sinus problems and no longer need nasal sprays unless I’m sick. I also have way fewer sinus infections and chest infections which used to be caused or exacerbated by post nasal drip. So for me it was a life changing experience and one I don’t regret at all even though it was hell at the time and it took me a long time to recover.

[Hidden]

Hiya

I've had 2 sinus operations for polyps. The first one was because I was having bouts of extreme pain and when they gave me a scan they discovered that I had a polyp that they thought was pressing on a nerve. After the operation I still had pain and it turned out it was Trigeminal Neuralgia. The polyp came back and I went in again (2015) but this time I have been left with very little sense of smell and taste.

I constantly have a post nasal drip and if I lean forwards and angle my head I have thick yellow liquid run out my sinuses and down my nose.

Everyone is different so you may have a better outcome, I just wish someone had told me about

a. Trigeminal Neuralgia - I would never have had the op in the first place

b. That I might lose my sense of smell

I hope things work out for you

[Nicky25]

I had exactly the same issues recurrent sinus infections polyps asthma exacerbation etc for over 20 years! Luckily I have private medical cover now through work so two years ago had FESS surgery on my sinuses and removed the polyps never looked back asthma greatly improved and infections etc. Recovery from surgery not too pleasant mainly sinus rinses you have to do but each day gets easier and headaches. Definitely have it done if you can as well worth a few weeks discomfort as been life changing for me and can't thank my ENT surgeon enough! Good luck..!

[Js706]

I had my sinuses washed out when I was about 10 and then the drainage widened a couple of years ago (never had polyps).

It’s not totally fixed everything sinus wise, I do still get some infections and have post nasal drip but it’s far better than it was before!

I can now actually breathe through my nose and post op a couple of years ago was the first time in my life I’d ever been able to blow my nose properly 😂

Despite it not being a 100% fix I would definitely still have it again as aside from feeling a bit rubbish for a month or so post op I didn’t really have any problems with it and it has definitely helped a lot

[Krcz]

I had 2 surgeries on my sinuses, all went well. This though will not stop sinus infections unfortunately, you will need to sort your immune system which start by sorting your gut microbiome/health.

[Matilda1]

Thank you so much for all your replies, seems like a lot of us are suffering with this 😕 I literally was fine 4 years ago and then I was diagnosed with both asthma and sinus problems. For me I have no sense of smell what so ever and my taste is almost nothing, but the sinusitis that comes is nasty. I’m off to my appointment on the 19th Feb for a pre admission meeting with the ENT,anaesthetist and senior nurse, I’m just so scared of going under general anaesthetic due to my medication sensitivity ( it’s so weird I literally have half of a children’s dose of whatever meds and it works any more and it makes me poorly with high blood pressure, palpitations,sickness,diarrhoea, and spots/boils) they did say the hospital that would look after me would be one with an ICU, but I’m just hoping this isn’t needed and I’m ok. I will keep you posted on what’s ahead and how it goes. Thank you all again. Thank you so much elanaoali how thoughtful of you and I appreciate your prayers 💕 xx