AIBU to not bother going through with this operation?

[ASDCFMUMMY]

Hi, back in 2019 I was referred to the ENT over my deviated septum, it was causing some problems like sinusitis (not often) allergies & slight post nasal drip. The ENT put me forward for a septoplasty.

Fast forward four years later & I get a letter for a Pre Op, I go get my bloods done then today they rang & said we can book you in this Wednesday for the Op. AIBU to just decide not to bother getting it now, it’s not causing major health issues, yes my nose is slightly crooked, aesthetically it’s not like a Barbie doll nose & the septoplasty won’t change my nose.

But I feel like it’s a waste of time now I’ve had four years to sit on it I honestly didn’t think I was ever going to get it & I think if I’m going to mess with my nose I’d rather go the whole hog & just pay to get a rhino/septo operation in one in the next few years. Not just my septum off the NHS because my septum is deviated.

Is it worth me just cancelling it? All that & id still be unhappy with the look of my nose anyway other than I can maybe breathe slightly better & not have a slight post nasal drip that’s only bothersome if I have a cold. TIA x

I probably wouldn’t bother of it is not causing you a bother.

Bit of a waste of a space for someone else that could have been seen from the waiting list OP. If you are going to cancel you should get your finger out so someone else can use the slot for something they need done.

My brother had an op on a deviated septum. He slept better, no longer snored and woke up refreshed. OP- you don't know how this will affected you later in life. If ENT has suggested you need/will benefit from the OP- why on earth wouldn't you??? To go through this all again in years to come when you do have issues seems bonkers to me. I agree with no wasting NHS services, but a professional has recommended you will benefit from this op!

It sounds far more like you are scared or trying to put it off!

@nats2010 Considering I’ve been waiting for four years then I get a phone call today out the blue telling me to come in on Wednesday, I’d say that’s not my fault is it.

Shocking waste of the NHS’s resources, cancel if you feel you must but I hope that if it comes back they make you wait twice as long.

I had a septoplasty and a turbinectomy, dual procedure. I can breathe through my nose now, whereas before it was impossible, completely blocked. However, I still snore, still have a post nasal drip and I'm still allergic. Having said that, I don't regret it as I can sleep a bit better now. The only operation left for me to do are my sinuses; I have no tonsils, no adenoids, my turbinates are reduced to a minimum and my septum is straight now.

But only you know how it affects you (or not anymore).

@CC4712 Great it worked for your brother it sounded like his deviated septum was causing him a lot more bother than it is me. I don’t snore & definitely have no problem sleeping. My nose causes minimal problems, I think if it was like your brothers they’d have roped me in a lot sooner. That’s why it seems such a waste. It’s actually not causing problems that are life altering. & definitely not scared. Had a couple of operations & was always fine.

Are you ok??

For the people saying I’m wasting NHS resources. I’d like to put that straight. My ENT was unreachable for nearly three years because Covid happened smack bang when I went to see him.

I haven’t once been able to get hold of him to actually tell him I don’t wanna go through with this. I went as far as going to my Pre Op so I could tell him myself & he weren’t there & the nurse told me to ring him. Which I have been nonstop & nobody answers I can’t even leave a voicemail. When someone rang today I told them I’ve tried to get in touch as I don’t think I want this operation & she said we can put you on another waiting list. It’s not for lack of trying. I’ve tried to speak to him about it.

@DoorstoManual Grow up.

Ignore all the hateful comments and do what you feel is right for you!
No one else is actually in your shoes.

Considering you've been waiting four years you have had adequate time to be able to decide what is best for you. You have come up with a list of reasons why it wouldn't suit you and that you will likely go private for further surgery than what you are being offered. You have asked for opinion OP. Good luck with whatever you decide. ENT surgery is not pleasant.