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Just back from my ENT post-op appointment where it's been confirmed the SMD laser operation I had in August has not been a success.  Initially, it was fantastic and I was able to breathe for the first time ever through my nose, but 2 months later the problem is back (coinciding with the central heating coming on now winter's coming).  The ENT surgeon offered me 3 operations:-
1) Turbinectomy, to remove part of the turbinates
2) Septoplasty for my deviated septum, and
3) Surgery on my large soft palate.

I was quite shocked to be offered all 3 operations at once and I also pointed out that I've heard the septoplasty and soft palate surgery aren't always that successful, as well as being painful.  He said the choice is up to me, but to save me having further operations he would do it all at once - yikes!  He also pointed out that due to me not being overweight, the palate operation is likely to be more of a success (not sure why!).  At this stage I've opted for the turbinectomy, seeing as the first minor turbinates op proved very successful at first.  I can, however, ring to op for the other procedures too, but I wanted to research them first and ask the knowledgeable people on this site what they thought.

I did learn today that I have sleep apnea due to the soft palate issue, a receding jaw and a large tongue base (no 'hope' for me is there? lol), along with the nasal stuffiness! 

Thanks for your time in reading my post!

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Kath, if you try to look for the same mask I have it's the FitLife Total Face Mask by Respironics and comes in two sizes only. I think you said you looked at one Total Face Mask by the same manufacturer that comes in one size only. You do breathe through your nose with my mask, but if your nose was full of packing I guess you would just breathe through your mouth. I find it very comfortable and it's not too expensive. In your situation I would try the oracle if I truly couldn't breathe through my nose so as not to lose the benefit of therapy. I have had to skip some nights after surgery on my head due to straps across suture lines and was none the worse for it, though I couldn't recommend it.
as an after thought
should the cpap treatment be disturbing any packing
and you do not want packing

try for a short time an oral device

i purchased one for emergencies should a power failer occur
Good idea. I just wish the surgeon wouldn't use packing like Dr Park's + Banyon mentioned :(
Thanks for your concern + advice, plus your PM which I've just replied to Mary


Mary Z said:
Kath, if you try to look for the same mask I have it's the FitLife Total Face Mask by Respironics and comes in two sizes only. I think you said you looked at one Total Face Mask by the same manufacturer that comes in one size only. You do breathe through your nose with my mask, but if your nose was full of packing I guess you would just breathe through your mouth. I find it very comfortable and it's not too expensive. In your situation I would try the oracle if I truly couldn't breathe through my nose so as not to lose the benefit of therapy. I have had to skip some nights after surgery on my head due to straps across suture lines and was none the worse for it, though I couldn't recommend it.

Hi!  I had the same surgery as you and had the splints~not packing.  Done on Monda and splints removed on Thursday.  Will be 3 weeks on coming Monday (today being Friday).  ENT said to resume CPAP but I am afraid to try.  How soon did you resume yours?  Thanks!

Banyon said:



Mary Z said:
Kath, so sorry your surgery was not a success. And I thank Dr. Park for his response about the further surgery.
The Oracle by Fisher and Paykel is a mouth only mask, with nasal plugs, which you would not have to use. As I remember it comes with two sizes of mouthpieces. I tried one about a month ago, but had leakage around the nostril plugs and so could not use it. I found the mouthpiece to be very comfortable, though.

Mary, Why not tell Kath about that total face mask you use? After nasal surgery, it should be much better than the oral mask, don't you think?

Kath, I would find a surgeon that doesn't use the packing. My turbinate reduction surgery and septum correction was done without packing and things went very smoothly. The doc used splints for the septum which were removed on the third day post-op and I was back to normal except for avoiding heavy lifting for another week.

I would not have the palate surgery.

Hi Ginny

This is an old discussion you've come on and was from my 1st operation which only worked temporarily.  I then went on to have the septoplasty and turbinectomy which has worked (been speaking to you lately on your own thread about your surgery).

After both operations I used my CPAP the same day and this was when I found the best mask for me - Respironics FitLife, which I still use.  I'm sure you have no need to worry about using CPAP as, like I said, I used mine on the day of both surgeries with no problems. Incidentally, how are you feeling re tiredness after having gone 3 weeks with no CPAP? 

I fell OK.  Have been on oxygen at night to avoid low O2 sats.  I am surprised I have not resumed the frequent urination at night as I had Pre-CPAP use.  I think I will begin trying 2 masks I have in mind (one being the one you use) and if no luck back to the pillows.  I would love the one you use to work~then I could forego the horrid chin strap monster!   I will try the pillows tonight!!!!!  Thanks for your response.

I know what you mean Ginny, as I hate chin straps.  I can't bear to be made to keep my mouth shut LOL.  The thing is, I can now breathe through my nose, but after being a lifetime mouth breather, it's difficult to re-train myself and I keep forgetting to practise. 

I love my FitLife as there are no marks on the face - it saves money on liners, nasal bridge pads and strap covers too!  Hope it works for you as well as it does for me and Mary on here.

Good luck, but am sure you'll be fine tonight.

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