All better

Today the day finally came that I have been dreading.  I got my splints inside my nose removed!  Since I first broke my nose at 20 years old (or something like that), I was terrified of having any surgery that would require I have nose splints.  I've heard horror stories!  Not sure what they are?  Well when you have a Septoplasty (deviated septum repair) they often put plastic "wedges" inside your nose to hold it stable while you heal.  I didn't need to have them the first septoplasty I had but when I woke up Friday, I did.  I also had a splint on the outside of my nose and stitches on my cysts removed from my scalp.

I have been nervous all week to have them removed. Sweet Uncle John offered to take me and Dr. S agreed I could "pre-medicate" myself before my appointment. Last night I just about had a panic attack about it and watched several videos to try to put my mind at rest.  One good thing is in all the videos, no one was screaming in pain so I tried to calm my nerves.  I took a little pain pill before leaving the house and went to face the fiddler.

You must realize I've been coming to see Dr. S and his nurses for over 15 years.  We know each other.  Michelle called me back and offered me a mint because she was going to spray some numbing spray in my nostrils and it tasted bad.  Excellent!  Dr. S came in.  I told him I was freaking out just a little and he assured me it would be fine.  He vacuumed out my nostrils, sprayed more numbing spray and took the exterior splint off which is really no big deal.  Then he asked if I was ready as he gave me a hand full of tissues.  He tilted the chair back.  I told him to do his thing and I would just keep my eyes closed.  He clipped the stitched inside (at the bridge of my nose) and then fiddled a little.  Then swoop....out came one.  Not too bad! Repeat on the other side and we were clear!!  He vacuumed my nostrils again...and the pressure is gone.  I can breath!!

Don't get me wrong, my nose still has lots of healing.  It is sore.  But I can now gently blow my nose, take Ibuprofen, and wash my face.  I still need to avoid bending over, sleeping on my stomach (my preferred way), and skip aerobic activity. And god forbid, don't hit the nose!  I will continue to heal over the next 6 weeks.  I hope I never need to have this surgery again.  It has not been fun.

Here is the before and after.  Can you see the difference?  I'm honestly not sure I do in the photos but I can see it in the mirror.  I guess the proof will be when the swelling is gone.  Like those yellow bruises under my eyes and the black in the corners?  Fun huh!

Before

Today