Chronic rhinosinusitis, polyps and septoplasty: private surgery or NHS wait?

[Opal90]

Hello

I have lost my sense of smell and taste for over a year and have found it very difficult to breathe out my nose. GP thought it was allergies, nothing worked.

Eventually went to see a private ENT consultant at Spire who diagnosed chronic rhinosinusistis, left deviated septum and nasal polyps following an endoscopy. He put me on a stronger nasal sprays and steroids, they worked initially, nasal passages much clearer and less blocked but it’s now back to how it was and smell/ taste very intermittent.

Smell and taste comes back very well following prednisolone but obviously cannot be on this long-term.

For private surgery Septoplasty with standard FESS, it would cost me just over £7700, NHS ENT waiting list is 90 weeks. Has anyone experienced anything similar or had surgery with any success? Just not sure if I should do it or just wait

I had the same procedure and told my consultant I had private health cover. He said it will be him performing the operation whether it was NHS or private. I decided to go NHS and don't recall waiting too long. 90 weeks is awful though.

Have you tried Betamethasone drops (used to be branded Vistamethasone) ? Also a good antihistamine alongside. Fexofenadine is miles better than the bog standard supermarket ones and is now available without prescription. If these work they may get you through the wait and save you a lot of money.

I had the exact same combination of issues and had the op on the NHS- I had to wait about six months. It has improved the quality of my life immeasurably. Is right to choose an option for you?

Whilst I was waiting and post op the ENT prescribed Nasonex spray

I had a septoplasty and turbinate reduction for a deviated septum and recurrent sinusitis. I had private health insurance through work so got it done that way. It made a huge difference as I used to wake up in the morning feeling like I’d been punched in the eye.
I could breathe better straight after the surgery even with the pain and stitches. I have gone from multiple bouts of sinusitis requiring antibiotics each year to none in the last 6 years.
Can you see if they can put you on the list for cancellations / short notice appointments to possibly shorten your wait?