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.
Never had this surgery but from 2 C-sections and a hysterectomy I suggest you have a bottle of acetaminophen tablets at home. Because there’s a decent chance you don’t need the stronger prescription opiate-type pain killers after the first day, and can avoid their side effects like constipation (Metamucil helps that one). It’s not a good time for aspirin or NSAIDS like ibuprofen because they’re blood thinners. Just be careful with dosing. Overdosing acetaminophen is dangerous. If the Tylenol isn’t cutting it, go back to the prescription.
Off topic but can you tell me more about your hysterectomy? My doctor has been recommending it for years but I’m scared.
In my case I’d had 2 C-sections earlier so they went in through the old scar. There’s other ways depending on the situation. I think the recovery was a little harder but maybe because you don’t get a baby as a door prize to distract you. And of course being older. I was perimenopausal, but kept my ovaries because they were healthy and would help postpone osteoporosis. You’re completely out, of course, so there’s some recovery from the anesthesia as well. I had learned from before that it’s really important to follow the rules about NO STAIRS and NO LIFTING until you’ve healed. Because you think it’s fine and then ZOINGO! it hurts! It’s also really helpful to figure out beforehand what you’ll need to get out of bed without using your abs at all. Something you can grab to roll over and get your foot on the floor, and stand using your back and arms, is good. There’s no point in creating scar tissue in there. Plenty of time for exercise later. Meanwhile you can start shopping for white pants, and pretty sheets!