Recurrent sinus infection (and proposed surgery to correct deviated septum)

[Palmyra]

Hello to all, and sorry to have been gone for a stretch,

I haven't post much on the forum lately...and that's a good sign meaning my daughter's condition has been 'quiet' for a while. But, now back to reality and all things Weg.

Though she has been largely in a medical/RTX induced remission, she has been getting many recurrent sinus infections (we live in Texas, USA, home of every allergen known to mankind) to the extent that her local ENT is once again suggesting that she have her deviated nasal septum repaired. She had resisted such a surgery in the past, but the frequency and duration of infections is getting worse (and that can't be good for the lurking Weg dog).

Any experience here in the forum with such matters? I know that several have had saddle nose repairs, but wondering about deviated septum repair? Similar?

Thanks in advance,

Jane

[Dirty Don]

I had the septum procedure, didn't want it, didn't think I needed it. Afterwards, I could breathe sooooo much better thru that nostril! OMG! Now, as to how it's done may be a different story for many. I didn't have the usual kind in that I had no packing, no bleeding, and no swelling...the repair of the septum was done much simpler than the old way. The ENT actually clipped away at the deviation/cartilage until it was as close to normal as possible, then overlaid the operated area with its own mucous membrane. I only had minor bleeding thru the nose for one day, had NO swelling, no pain...and once it healed I have been so much better off. It also seems a few people on here are complaining of the allergy season coming on and the inability to tell the difference from the WG sinus damage. My ENT simply had me take Claritin for a short while after the surgery, and when I feel allergy symptoms coming on. It has made all the difference for me since the surgery, and so far this season I have relatively no allergy symptoms...and everything is blooming here in the desert now...of course, we're at 80 degrees now...hehe!

[pberggren1]

Jane, is the ENT saying the deviated septum is causing the infections?

[Palmyra]

Many thanks dirty Don, and very happy for your successful outcome. So, you did have your procedure done by an ENT....did you scout about and shop carefully before deciding to proceed with this particular surgeon? That is one of my concerns, as Alison's current local doc is near retirement and everything in his office is a bit antiquated.

Hi Phil!!! I hope this finds you happy. And the answer to your question is absolutely YES. She goes from one infection basically to the next, many times requiring lavage with suction (ouch!), antibiotics and occasionally a burst of pred to knock out the inflammation and infection.

My concern would be finding the local doc in Austin, TX that would have the skills with the newest/minimally invasive procedure to make the correction.

[Dirty Don]

[QUOTE=Palmyra;66552] So, you did have your procedure done by an ENT....did you scout about and shop carefully before deciding to proceed with this particular surgeon? That is one of my concerns, as Alison's current local doc is near retirement and everything in his office is a bit antiquated.

Yes...mine was done by a Dr. Lal @ Mayo (PHX clinic). I'm fortunate to live near them and am now a member of the Mayo family/team, so with the exception of my internist, most of my WG work is done by Mayo. Mostly cutting edge stuff where they can apply it. Ask the Vasculitis Foundation for ENT docs near you. Also, Phil is very knowledgeable about which docs are where...might ask him. Best of luck!

[pberggren1]

If I was having surgery on my nose I would want the best. Dr. Lebovics in NY is the best for this, but traveling might not be possible. I'm sure there must be some doc in Texas that would be half decent.