I've made a huge mistake!
Hello, I just had turbinate surgery three weeks ago. It is becoming the biggest regret of my life! I really didn't need the surgery, I just wanted it. My turbinates were enlarged and I would have blockage on one side and could only breath well with one nostril. It was not that bad at all. I was just annoying and I had turbinate surgery about five years ago, but it was only laser reduction of some tissue and therefore it didn't cause any ENS symptoms. The second go around I decided to go to an ENT doctor that performed radio-frequency reduction, so that I could get a less invasive procedure done. The ENT instead recommended that I have a CT scan done. He then told me I should have my deviated septum straightened and turbinate reduction and polyp removal on top of that! I asked him repeatedly if he thought my septum was the cause because the blockage would switch from one nostril to the other (which indicates that the septum is not the cause). He never gave me a straight answer and just said "you should have the septum fixed". I had worries and starting doing some research. I found this website and additional information on ENS. I became concerned, thinking I could live with this so why risk it. I cancelled the appointment suddenly the night before and the ENT was notified. He then called all but 15 minutes later to save his meal ticket, the bastard! He talked me into it, as he was very persuasive when asked about ENS. I went ahead and agreed to have it done like a goddamn idiot! He reduced the size of my turbinates and "fixed" my deviated septum. I am now regretting it more than anything in my life (and I have many regrets). My nasal cavities now feel too wide, my nose is sensitive to cold, mucous drips more freely from my nose, and now I am starting to get a dry throat problem. It's like cold dry air is reaching my throat and making it irritated. This is just the third week, but considering the fact that I really didn't need to have this done, I am regretting this big time. I felt way better before the surgery and now I feel like crap. I cannot forgive myself and I am starting to get depressed about this. Does anyone think these minor symptoms may get better or should I look forward to living the rest of my life with symptoms of ENS? ALSO DO ANY OF YOU SEEM TO GET COLD HANDS FOR NO REASON? MY HANDS HAVE BEEN GETTING VERY COLD NOW FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS IS WHILE I'M IN A HOME MIND YOU.

Hi, Well, welcome to the board. First, stop berating yourself; you did nothing wrong. In fact you were an informed patient just looking for a better quality of life. That SOB probably performed unnecessary removal. Like you stated, it really is a *bread n butter* operation of many ENTs. But to the bright side. You found this site, you will find out ways to cope. And furthermore, if you do have persistent symptoms, at least you know they aren't *all in your head*--which was told to myself and many other ENS victims too- Find out how much you had removed (obtain your surgery record, you may have a legal claim, don't wait too long like I did). Moisturize you nose, find many of the great, and useful health tips on this site. Give it time. Was your last procedure recently? Dr. Houser asks people to give a full year to heal it seems...you perhaps may heal a good amount naturally. Try and keep your nerves at bay. The thing with your hands...maybe from all the anxiety you're experiencing. I can relate; When my sx were at the worst, and I was most panicky, my hands seemed oddly cold too. Best, Matt

Hi, Thanks for the response. I am getting my surgery records today to find out what exactly was done. My last procedure was only a month ago. The first procedure was a good one, even though I think I could have done some sinus rinsing and allergy shots instead. The PCP sent me to the first ENT and I wish I would have stuck with him, because he was really conservative. He didn't remove part of my turbinates. He just burned some of the tissue or something. My nose still fuctioned normally. I am curious, as to how I can heal from this? If I had a bone removed and part of the turbinate cut out how will it heal back to normal? My main problem right now is nasal dryness and not having enough turbinate left to pressurize the air properly, which makes me feel out of breath sometimes. Add to that dry throat and maybe even dry mouth. I also tried to do a minor physical activity and almost found myself hyperventilating.

I have been there
New victim, I had a turbunate reduction back in January. I experienced the same symptoms as you. My breathing was totally off. I felt as though the air was just gushing into my throat and I had no control. I ended up on an anti anxiety med (almost weaned off now). I know how hard it is to just "calm down". The breathing problem has gotten better. However, I still have issues with burning and dryness on one side. I blamed myself for letting the ENT touch my nose because I had no problems with my nose. I went for severe tonsillitis. My guilt has now subsided. After all, the doctors are supposed to be the experts. I went through all the senerios like telling myself that I shouldn't have signed the consent and I should have got a second opinion. STOP telling yourself these things. You only did what you thought was best based on the information you had. Unfortunately, the doctors don't really talk about all the possible side affects. You can report this doctor by contacting your local medical board through your state's department of regulatory agencies. Take Care of Yourself

I can relate
NewVictim, I also consider what I had done the worst decision in my life. Three years ago I had a deviated septum fixed, and without my permission or knowledge he opened up my sinuses. I only thought he was going to fix the deviated septum. Anyway, I've had problems ever since. I think when they fix a deviated septum that does open you up much more than they lead on, or people think. I can't stand the openness. Not only has the openness been hard to handle this stupid surgery has effected my voice. Before surgery I was a semi-professional singer that already put out one CD. The reason I got the surgery done was to cut down on sinus infections and congestion/upper respiratory infections. I now realize I was just normal and should have just lived with it. Most of my problems were because of allergies. That stupid doctor has totally messed up my life. The surgery changed my singing voice by taking away a lot of my resonance. I hope you're not a singer. You talk about regret. I'm trying to go see Dr.Houser this Summer and see about possible injection to help fill in the space especially on the left nostril where my deviated septum was. It took me a few years to finally figure out what was going on. I just knew something wasn't right. This type of unnessary surgery needs to be put to a stop. Patients need to be informed of possible risks and consequences of such surgery. I didn't realize what was going on with my voice or my nose until i happened upon this site. How is your sleep? This crap has also affected my sleep. I hope since you're not far out from surgery some of your symptoms will improve. If you need someone to talk to about it I'm here. Try not to beat yourself up too much for getting the surgery. Like all of us on here you were mislead, and only thought you were getting something done to help you live a better and healthier life. It is not our fault. We were making a decision based on professional advice. I know you mentioned you almost cancelled the surgery. I did too. I was actually at the surgery center and almost walked out because my Mom just felt that they didn't know what they were doing. The surgery kept getting delayed. You don't know how many times I wished that I had heeded my mom's advice and walked out. I've had a very hard time letting go of my guilt. I know it's not easy to do. I've beat myself up pretty good over this issue. Like I said though we were mislead and misinformed and we made a decision based on professional advice we were given. I think that's why this site and what Dr.Houser is doing is so important. We need to help raise awareness about this surgery, and the possible risks of it. Hang it there and try not to blame yourself. Always on this site if you'd like to talk more. Gary