Sinus surgery and polypectomy - discharged no instructions

[Anonymousemouses]

I had FESS and polypectomy yesterday (late afternoon), still less than 24 hours ago, so still feel wobbly from GA and not sleeping last night.

The surgeons saw me after the procedure, but I was still very groggy from the GA and can't remember precise instructions. The discharge letter doesn't say anything about the rinses. I've gone through it and the letter, there is definitely NOTHING and DH said he can't remember what the surgeons said as they were "talking to (me)", (even though I was groggy having just come round from GA).

I was given a bottle and sachet of paediatric NeilMed, was told there was only one sachet and I needed to buy more today. I have no idea when I am supposed to commence this or how many times a day! I've read various trusts instructions and they differ! Some say to start 24hrs, some 48hrs, some say 2x a day, some 6x a day!!!!!

The nurse tried to take my NeilMed as she said I needed adult, but when I told her the 2 ENT surgeons gave it to me, she said to buy adult (I haven't I bought more kids one, as that is what the actual surgeons gave me).

I was also given steroid drops to put in nostrils, not sure when to begin them.

I thought my nose had stopped bleeding as it was dry all this morning, until I bent over to get the drops, and it's started again.

Also, the rinse, it is ok to use boiled water from the kettle? I haven't got any distilled water and am not bloody going out (not allowed for a week), but unsure whether tap water needs to be boiled continuously for minutes or whether using the previously boiled water in the kettle is fine.

Ring 111 or the hospital, did they give you a number to ring? You need proper advice.

I would say boiled, cooled water would be fine.

You need to phone the ward or unit where you had the procedure. Your husband may have to go and collect an information sheet or some supplies. You shouldn’t need to go and buy things… just phone and tell them you don’t know what to do.

Unfortunately they don't supply more rinses, they said they needed to be bought, the drops were supplied (as prescription only).

I have phoned the ward, they are closed at the weekend, it was day surgery, the ENT department is also closed. We were told to go to A&E if there were any problems.

I'm not sure about calling 111, I worry they will tell me to go to hospital, when I really should be avoiding crowds and infections, plus I still feel shit. All I need to know is when to start the rinses, thank you all

So I tell a lie, I thought the day surgery number was on the letter, turns out it just goes to the general hospital switchboard for all three hospitals - there is no number DSU, there is NO number for ENT, but it does say they can only be reached Mon-Friday anyway.

The discharge leaflet has NO numbers, whatsoever! Stupid time to do surgery on a Friday, when it's then impossible to contact anyone, when you surely must start doing whatever before Monday!

I use the wash outs. And its a kettle of boiled water that needs to boil for five mins, cooled to body temp. Like others calling 111 for advice is absolutely fine. I had to do exactly that xx

Always consult with the doctor on your thoughts and in issues of doubt.