full image - Repost: [31F] I’ve seen multiple doctors for nasal breathing issues and I can’t get relief. (from Reddit.com, [31F] I’ve seen multiple doctors for nasal breathing issues and I can’t get relief.)
Mining:
Exchanges:
Donations:
This is a long post, but it’s important the full story is provided.In July 2022, I had a septo-rhinoplasty. While aesthetically, I’m happy with my results, functionally, I’m suffering.I have been struggling with severe nasal congestion for more than a year. My side becomes instantly blocked as soon as I lay down, and I have been waking up in the middle of the night from how congested I am for months. The only way I can get relief is if I stand up for a few minutes and lay back down. I did not have this issue pre-op.Throughout the day, my nose is sometimes blocked, but it’s never as clear as my left side. I can’t even blow my nose properly, as it feels so blocked. About 6 months post-op, I started having breathing issues on my right side only. It wasn’t as bad at first, though it’s gotten worse. I raised the concern with my plastic surgeon, he suggested I see my ENT. I saw my ENT, and she said my septum was still slightly deviated and I had nasal valve collapse on my right side. She referred me to an another plastic surgeon within my healthcare network for a second opinion. This surgeon felt that my collapse was not significant enough and was hesitant to perform a revision.I went back my plastic surgeon, where he disagreed with my ENT, and referred me to another plastic surgeon for another opinion. This surgeon agreed with my plastic surgeon, and suggested I see a rhinologist.I went back to my ENT, and she did not feel like seeing a rhinologist was necessary and told me to keep using OTC methods to seek relief. It felt so dismissive.I sought out a plastic surgeon of my own choosing for another opinion. This surgeon agreed that my nose wasn’t significant enough to do a revision, and referred me to a rhinologist to address the breathing issue.I’m incredibly frustrated and I’m not sure what more I can do. I have tried everything you can think of: saline and nasal sprays, nasal irrigation methods, breathe right strips, nasal dilators, sleeping with my head elevated, and so on. I’m exhausted, depressed, and have been experiencing dental issues from all the mouth breathing.I saw my primary care doctor to discuss next steps, and she feels I should see a rhinologist since I’m not getting answers. In my own research, I’ve come across Vivaer and Latera implant. There’s the possibility of doing a revision septoplasty, nasal valve repair, and/or turbinate reduction. I’m NOT looking for a revision rhinoplasty, I just want to breathe correctly.Before I meet with a rhinologist, I’m hoping to get some answers here so that I can get to this appointment with as much info as possible. Any advice is helpful.
Social Media Icons