Septoplasty - anxiety over breathing post op

[StripedDonkey]

I'm scheduled for a septoplasty and sinus washout in two weeks time.  Although I'm tense about the operation I am more worried about post op.  I am quite claustrophobic and even now - when I am able to breath a little through my nose - I can sometimes get small panic attacks - particularly at night - when I think too much about not being able to breath well.  I am worried that when I wake up and start recovering from the septoplasty that I get really paniced about not being able to breath through my nose - I know it will initially be packed and even when they come out it'll be swollen inside and will make it really hard to breath.  I know you can breath fine through your mouth but rational thoughts don't come into it when you get over-anxious; panic takes over.  I mentioned my fears to my consultant, and while he wasn't unsympathetic, all he could say was - I'll be able to breath through my mouth and I'll just have to get used to it!!!!  I really want the surgery to striaghten my septum and looking forward to help me breath more easily through my nostrils.  Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do or have had any experience of this?  By the way - telling me to practise breathing and relaxation is a no no - thinking about breathing just gets me more wound up :o)

[StripedDonkey]

Thanks very much for your comments.  I'm feeling a bit better about things now.  Just over a week to go :)

[tomsant]

If you are feeling very anxious about the anxiety you may have later, it is better that you be put on some anti anxiety med, inform your ENT or anaesthesilogist.

But breathing thro the mouth is no big problem. Most septoplasty patients go through the same. Some ENTs use 'septal clips" post-operatively; and some use special nasal packs  with a 'breathing tube' through it, don't know if it is available in your hospital or if your ENT is fond of it.

Any way it is no big deal. Try to smile at the new experience you are going to have !

Best,

Thomas Antony

[AshleyLynn]

Actually, I've had this surgery (amongst another 5 sinus surgeries, with several of them including packing) and it is NOT bad at all. You can breathe right through the packing.

The packing isn't placed in a location in which it would block your airways. You will have swelling, but it won't feel much different than having sinus congestion. Once everything goes back to normal, you won't believe the difference you'll have in breathing...it's a night and day difference!

Best of luck!

Ashley