Re: my time has come

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Re: my time has come

Posted by missing_uvula on May 24, 2001 at 23:49:43:
In Reply to: my time has come posted by murf on May 24, 2001 at 21:24:35:
I had the exact procedures (except for the turbinectomy) done at the same time exactly 1 week ago. I was voiced my concern about not being able to breath through my nose after the surgery to my doctor, and he promptly assured me it will be unpleasant. And he was right. I stayed at the hospital last Thursday night hooked up with the oxygen saturation monitor thing that goes on your finger. I never fell below 97% breathing through my mouth (my nose had packings from the nasal septoplasty). However, it was a very painful night because the constant mouth-breathing was making my wounds very dry, so each swallow hurt a lot despite the fact that I was breathing humidified oxygen. During the night, I thought many times whether it was smart to do the septoplasty at the same time. Maybe I was too drowsy, but I didn't think the morphine and demerol helped with my throat pain. They just made me nauseous. Throughout the night, my wife was by my side helping me out doing things like dapping moist sponge into my mouth. I don't think I could have made it without her.
My doctor ordered the removal of the nasal packing first thing in the morning (around 7am) as planned. It was instant relief even though I was somewhat congested. My throat still hurt but now I can at least minimize drying by trying to breath through my nose as much as possible.
I went home around noon on Friday. I started to drink water and eat jello in the afternoon. To me it was easier to eat jello than to drink water because jello kind of just slides down, while water requires swallowing. All this time, I am taking Lortab liquid which worked great.
Saturday, I ate more stuff and was recovering fine
Sun-Tue: stayed at home recovering. I had a lot of watermelon which was great because it provided lots of fluid without swallowing. However, I'm not sure if the lycopene in watermelon can irritate the wounds. Mine hurt but I just figured it's normal.
On Wednesday, I'm able to eat chicken pot-pie.
Today, I went back to work. I also didn't take Lortab for the first time. I'm still eating mostly soft food, but I mix some semi-solid food such as meatballs.
My verdict: The nasal septoplasty only caused uncomfort during the first night (just as my doctor had said). Getting it done all at once will save you a second trip and recovery time. Because of this, now I think it's OK do everything together. Plus, finally able to wake up alert makes everything worthwhile. My only advice is that you must stay in the hospital for overnight observation, and have someone there to take care of you.
Good luck! Believe me, in 1 week's time, everything will be fine. You will do great.

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Re: my time has come Murf 5/25/01 (0)

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