As a result of having an antibiotic-resistant case of chronic sinusitis, I’m having to get an endoscopic sinus surgery along with septoplasty, turbinate reduction, and a few other related procedures on the 15th….

and my anxiety is going nuts!

As of now, I’ve got severe pressure in my ears causing tinnitus, pressure behind my eyes, headaches, and all-over body aches. All of my sinus cavities are infected or so the CT scan shows- so I know I absolutely need to have this procedure, but I’m so worried!

At 51 years old, I’ve never had surgery before in my life.Never been touched by a scalpel. Essentially… I’ve lived in my safe little bubble all this time without having ever had to deal with anything even remotely close to this- and it’s driving me batty!

I’ve tried going over this with my ENT and even explaining to him that I’m on the spectrum, and but he’s incredibly dismissive.

Is there anyone here that’s got some positive energy they can send my way? Maybe some stories of similar procedures? Some advice? Or at least some reasons why I shouldn’t be so worried? I really could use some reassurance here.

  • NeuromancerEnglish
    7•6 months ago

    I’ve done it twice. It’s a miserable surgery but it’s not overly painful.

    Ask for something for the anxiety. Everyone is different but it’s common to feel panicky after the surgery. The old school way was to pay your nose with gauss for several days. Now they use sponges that dissolve. Either way breathing will feel abnormal till they are out. You’ll be a mouth breather for awhile.

    You won’t regret the surgery. It’s worth it. Most likely it’s not antibiotic resistant. Most likely you cannot drain which keeps the infection from going away.

    Talk to you doctor but a Navage can help after surgery. Normally they have you do something like a Neti pot. Make sure you used distilled water. You don’t want to take any risk after surgery.

    Take all your meds on schedule. People often say I don’t need x. It was prescribed, so take it.

    You’ll also have splints in for a few weeks. Once those come out, you’ll have a lot more pep in your step.

    If the surgery is opposed to an anti-anxiety drug, speak to your primary care.

    • @FalEnglish
      3•6 months ago

      Take all your meds on schedule. People often say I don’t need x. It was prescribed, so take it.

      This is shitty advice. If you’re prescribed pain pills, don’t take them if you’re in 0 pain or the side effects aren’t worth it if your pain is otherwise manageable.

      • @[email protected]English
        1•6 months ago

        You’re usually told to use pain medication as needed, but it can have side effects like reducing swelling, fever, blood clotting and so on, so I’d probably still ask if I can leave it out if I know I have a high pain tolerance.