Does anyone have experience of functional endoscopic sinus surgery?

[RainSoakedNights]

Just the actual FESS - nothing extra. I’ve been told it’s just this for “mild thickening” of my sinuses (whatever that means!). I’m 26, I’ve never had any sort of medical procedure before and I’m just worried about recovery etc.

Bump - anyone?

I had the FESS procedure plus treating a deviated septum. I recovered well but for the first few days felt very blocked and had the odd nosebleed. I couldn't really breathe through my nose initially but they gave me steroids which dealt with the inflammation.

Yes I’ve been told to expect to be blocked up - but is that any different to what we experience before it 😂😩 from what I can tell it’s just like a heavy head cold?

@RainSoakedNights For me it was more than a heavy head cold and more than I had experienced from sinuses. But I had also had the septum done which involves shaving away part of the cartilage. That probably resulted in more bleeding.

Google seems to say the sole FESS is just the sinus pressure but then again, a lot of what’s coming up is from US clinics which are obviously trying to get patients through the door!

@RainSoakedNights https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17478-functional-endoscopic-sinus-surgery

Yes I’ve read all of these but because it’s American I’m not 100% on trusting it - they want people through the door!

I have and other nasal surgery at the same time so cant pinpoint recovery on just that section. The not breathing through your nose just made me very thirsty. different to a blocked nose from a cold.
It was fine, you will be fine. Good luck and dont fret x

Yes I've had it. It's not a major procedure. The GA made me dozy and hungry. I use Neil Med sinus rinses every day and it helps after the surgery to keep things clean and clear.

How did you find recovery? How painful was it?

Recovery quite quick. I took the surgery day and next day off but was back at desk (at home) after that. Not especially painful. You need a nose bandage on for a few days because of the bleeding. The more you rinse, the quicker it heals (use the salt sachets). The gunk that comes out with the rinses in the first week or two is quite something.

Oh really? I’ve been prepping for two weeks off work!!