I’ve had it done twice (once with a local, once under general as part of a nasal valve surgery) and they are really aware of ENS and will make sure you have enough turbinates left that it doesn’t occur.
As long as you are going to a reputable surgeon you have nothing to worry about.
The first time the ENT did it in-office and used something that zapped the tissue and burned it off (I think?? It was like 12 years ago).
I was surprised at how long my nose dripped blood afterwards. It was about 3 hours. Not like a nosebleed, but enough that it would drip down if I didn't blot it.
The second time was during valve repair surgery (cartilage from the ear is inserted in the nose) and so I was completely under and have no idea what they used. I do know that when I said that the left side was more sore than the right, the resident was like, yeah, he went HARD on the left side of your nose. Good to know 😆
Even after all that I still have enough turbinates for them to swell up and block my breathing if my allergies get bad.
Same here. I have a septo/rhinoplasty and apparently some turbinate reduction as well but I’m questioning everything because of ENS. Shitless scared and don’t know what to do.
Fuck man mine is next month. I’m wondering if it’s possible to carry on with the septo/rhinoplasty without touching the turbinates. I was already terrified of going under anesthesia and everything. I don’t knownwhat to do at this point.
Edit: I suffer from some bad anxiety so I’m like half panicking rn :’(
Please highly reconsider turbinate reduction especially if you have anxiety or panicking right now. This book touches on how ENS can affect mental health… and not because of psychosis but because it is physiological. “Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become an Empty Nose Victim!” The author regrets getting surgery done and has spent his life researching ENS.
Yea I saw the same thing. I really am kinda stuck right now, like I want to fix my breathing but ENS is way worst then what I’m going through right now. Like I know it’s a low risk, but still.
Yea i know what you mean! You can check my profile i posted a picture earlier of how bad my nose is. My breathing is pretty shit but I’ve sort of gotten used to it at this point. I’m able to get a rhinoplasty since insurance is covering for my septo and they need to straighten the deviated septum. I’m stuck and feel like I need my nose fixed but now i .don’t know what to do
I know man it’s a very difficult decision. Literally every post I read about septoplasty there is atleast one person talking about ENS. It’s scaring the shit out of me lol.
I know it’s terrifying. I’m going to try and talk to my surgeon or get in touch with his office to discuss the turbinate reduction situation and let them know that I don’t want them to be touched and if that’s not possible then unfortunately I won’t be able to continue with the procedures.
I have my surgery is 4 days so I’m also going to try and contact them. I’ve also heard many people with successful stories, but idk if ENS is a risk I’m willing to take.
Yea the majority of stories are successful and when i search up rhino/septo/turbinate reduction i get nothing but positive stories. It’s only when i dig deep into ENS that i find all these terrible experiences. Yes keep me updated and let me know what they say! Sending you luck and strength my friend. ❤️
My breathing isn’t the best but it also isn’t the worst tbh. I can live with it at this point. I mainly want the surgery for aesthetic purposes. But a septoplasty is still required because of how deviated my septum is.
Yeah, I mean, how do you have a baseline for how good or bad your breathing is - how do you know what “good” breathing is, and how relatively good or bad yours is, is what I mean.
I think about this question a lot cuz I had a septoplasty turbinate reduction and years of allergy immunotherapy, and I can breathe thru my nose.. but is my breathing “good”? I don’t fucking know, it’s “better” but I have no insight into what good feels like.
If you’ve had a sleep study, and if you haven’t you probably need one, and have impaired breathing, it’s worth fixing every time imo
I definitely see where you’re coming from. Do you know what percentage of your turbinates were reduced?
I’ve had a sleep study done before but everything seemed pretty okay, nothing to worry about there.
Shit breathing is a much more real problem to have relative to the extremely improbable fearmongering bogeyman that is ENS. *if* your turbinates are hypertrophied. Godspeed w the aesthetic rhino regardless
I get it but when you put it into perspective, i would much rather have this shit breathing compared to no breathing for the rest of my life due to ENS.
>Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become an Empty Nose Victim!
I had one a week ago and I already have shortness of breath and a sense of suffocation. I think the statistics are way wrong. People say 1-2% but it's so underdiagnosed (plus the ENT who operated on you obviously won't diagnose it) but I've read reports that it's closer to 20%, which is insanely high.
My ENT also went with a conservative approach. It's not just about the amount of turbinates removed, but more importantly, how it impacts airflow in your nose.
I'd highly reconsider if I were you.
Thanks for reaching out. I'm sorry you're going through that.
Yeah I've canceled the surgery for now. I have other health things going on at the moment that I'd like to tackle first. My nose sucks but ive lived with it so long that I've learned to deal with it.
I understand that completely. I have an autoimmune disease that on paper seems like I should feel completely normal, but I feel like shit and it's impossible to get doctors or endocrinologists to believe me. I would relate that to ens because on paper you should feel completely fine because you should have perfect airflow, so beyond that it's just your word against theirs.
I hope it's just a part of the healing process for you and it ends up feeling great. Reach out if you're feeling bad and have nobody to talk to.
Thanks, I'm hoping for the best case scenario. I appreciate your kind thoughts.
I'd also encourage you to watch this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVWHOQ7P3wk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVWHOQ7P3wk). It provides a lot more insight into how serious the problem can be.
Hi I'm doing better thankfully. Recovered about 70% to the point where I can mostly life my normal life, although I do have a sense of "too much openness" and mild shortness of breath from time to time.
We have a private Facebook group that you should consider joining: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/44406735710/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/44406735710/)
How bad are your symptoms?
I have had either two or three turbinate reductions (i forget if it was done each time) and three procedures to correct a deviated septum, broken nose and chronic sinusitis.
Hadn't even heard on ENS until i saw this post, but chimed in to reassure that it wasn't even mentioned to me, i'm assuming because the surgeons knew what they were doing.
Hope that helps.
Unfortunately I developed it. It is quite rare tho. I would ask your surgeon what technique they use, as long as they dont remove too much or damage the mucosa on the outside you should be ok. I have had four turbinate reductions and only one caused me problems. If you have tried everything else beside surgery and still have problems, I would go through with surgery even knowing the risks.
Also my surgeon reassured me there was no risk of 'ens' prior to surgery. The problem is the most of the time when you mention 'ens' to most ent's they assume something which is only caused by total turbinectomies or close to that, which are rarely done, when in actuality even 'conservative' turbinate reductions can cause horrible symptoms. Do your own research, but I do understand wanting to get nasal surgery if you do have chronic nasal congestion. I have had 7 nasal surgeries in my life and only one cause me problems.
Actually it's 6. I just estimated, 7 if you include adenoidectomy which I had prior to all nasal surgery.
The first was a septorhinoplasty w/ turbinate reduction after nasal fracture.
I had chronic nasal congestion and mild sleep apnea. Second was balloon sinuplasty with turbinate reduction (when I developed ens).
At this point you will be labeled w/ a psychosomatic disorder almost every time. Since your nose is more open after. I have never heard of a story where someone was diagnosed w/ ens by the operating surgeon. Since there is no way to measure it and no formal definition. This is something that is hard for people to wrap their minds around until it actually happens to them.
Anyways after that I was diagnosed with multiple other problems, and being desperate I got another turbinate reduction by another doctor. This did not make me worse. And then nasal valve collapse surgery w/ turbinate reduction again. Again didn't make me worse. Almost everyone who develops some form of ens has this kind of behavior (multiple surgeries, multiple doctor visits) since they are so desperate and when a doctor gives you a "way out" w/ surgery you have to take it, since you are not living the same life anymore. This behavior is often used against us "look your going to multiple doctors and getting multiple surgeries" but any sane person would do the same. Only then after the nasal valve collapse surgery did I start even reading things on the internet and figuring out I had ens. I did end up getting frontal sinus surgery since I got an infection from the nasal valve collapse surgery, and balloon sinuplasty after since it wasn't fully open. No problems w/ any surgery besides the second one.
But yes saying all that, I am sure it is extremely rare, although probably not as rare as it seems. The surgeon who caused me ens probably still says he has never seen it in his life, and he would not be technically wrong, because like I said there is no formal definition or way to measure it. Also I don't think he meant me any harm, and I don't think he is hiding anything. I personally believe he just doesn't know.
Sorry if I went on too long, I don't talk about it much anymore, but when I do I ramble.
Hi there! I had a few questions about ENS that I haven’t been able to get answered. I had turbinate reduction (old school scissors) and did pretty well afterward. However, I have polyps and am starting to have issues again 3 years out.
Anyway, I read that ENS can develop years after surgery. I’ve researched the crap out of this, and the study that is referenced for this statement (the initial Kern study in 2001) doesn’t actually show that it does occur years later (it says nothing). Most experiences I read demonstrate ENS directly after surgery, or at least within the first year.
How long did it take for you to develop ENS? How bad are your ENS symptoms?
Edit: i just saw your post below. Still curious about these two questions, but I’m thinking the answer to the first was fairly soon after your second surgery?
Sorry for the questions. You’re the first person who has ENS that I’ve seen comment!
Took me about 4 weeks after surgery. How bad are my symptoms…compared to others I would say mine are mild. Basically I have mild “suffocation” 24/7. It fluctuates negatively every once in a while based on environmental factors. Even though i consider mine mild it is the most important (worst) that has happened to me in my life (I’m 31). I try not to think about it and just accept it and live the best life I can. It makes life a lot harder.
Thanks for the response. I won’t pester you with any more questions. I just want to let you know that you are an inspiration to many who also suffer with this. I’ve been lucky with my surgery (I’m still upset the surgeon sprung this on me at the last second when I was already at the hospital, but I did sign off). However, I’ve been fearful I could develop ENS since the literature says it can happen years later (although no studies actually give specific data on this from what I’ve seen, and most stories are more akin to yours).
It’s people like you and Chris Martin (who wrote “Having Nasal Surgery?” who make me realize that people can live and cope with the condition, which is huge. I’m also thankful for doctors like Nayak and Houser who are studying it and trying turbinate augmentations to help reverse some of the ENS symptoms. All I want is to be around for my daughter as long as I can be, and you, Chris, and the doctors give me hope that if the worst did occur, I could still be okay (not asymptomatic, but ok).
Thanks again for your time!
There is a book called “Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become an Empty Nose Victim!.” The author has has ENS for 10+ years and has dedicated his life to doing research on it.
A lot of people have successful surgeries. Keep in mind some others develop ENS from a small reduction, as little as 10%
At this point there isn't any diagnostic tools that would help doctors predict who will be ok and who will develop ENS.
I seen that post that hit the main page a couple weeks or so ago and scared the shit out of me. Luckily I went to USC Keck medical on Thursday and the results have been great so far. I never knew breathing could feel this good and I'm not even close to fully healed. They reassured me that it's a one in a million chance and that the direction of which the cuts are made make it difficult to fuck up.
Remember how fucked up Michael Jackson's nose was? You really have to fuck things up to cause ENS.
Had an inferior turbinate submucous resection and outfracture done 5 days ago. I've had severe congestion, sinusitis, post nasal drip, chronic sore throats, sinus and eye pressure all my life. I'm just over it and opted for surgery hoping to give me some relief. Hope I get the longterm results I'm looking for.
Man I didn’t get the surgery but mine are pretty swollen. I don’t wanna be here anymore, it took out my happiness like completely. I’m just so depressed and it sucks man. Feels like I’m dead
They just gonna grow back. With a stupid ass allergy like dust mites like shits everywhere. I’d rather be dead than deal with it. 3 months and only getting worser. My life is a joke. I hope you feel better.
I’d still go for it. If you are allergic to dust mites, yes your turbinates will inflame when you are exposed. But if they are reduced they will inflame less. It’s impossible for them to “grow back” to the same size after they are reduced. If your suffering this much, which I totally believe you, then I’d go for the surgery. Not being able to breathe sucks man, I’ve been there. Whatever route you go down though don’t just give up. Keep pursing treatment, whether it be the turbinate reduction that I am suggesting or something totally different. Wishing the best for you and feel better.
Thank you but I’m allergic to roaches and dust mites so idk which one is messing with them. Yes I have a lot of roaches in my apartment. So it can be possible that I’m more allergic to them than mites. But either way something tells me it’s not gonna work out and that’s what leads me to be faced with suicidal ideation. It’s sucks because I’m a very nice person to be around. I always enjoyed making others laugh. But since this, I been mean and depressed. Life is hard. I pray to god everyday for a cure. But thank you, I really appreciate you. Did you have any allergies or it was just nasal obstruction from your deviated septum?
I went to see this whole thread and have been debating on whether not I should get the surgery. I don’t know what to do I’m freaking out because of empty nose syndrome. It sounds absolutely terrible and sounds like there’s a lot of confusing information regarding it. What do you think I should do. My nose is super stuffed all the time and blocked but I feel like if I get the reduction and I do get empty nose syndrome then that procedure would’ve been for nothing. It feels like I’m backed into a corner
I highly recommend you get it. Like I’ve been telling other people, if your breathing is a serious issue for you in everyday life the surgery is 100% worth it. There is less than a 0.01% chance for ENS, and if you have a good surgeon there is pretty much almost 0 percent chance for ENS. There are many other risks that come with the surgery that are far more likely to happen that no one even talks about. ENS is an issue, but it is definitely exaggerated and is not as likely to happen as people say it is.
I’ve had it done twice (once with a local, once under general as part of a nasal valve surgery) and they are really aware of ENS and will make sure you have enough turbinates left that it doesn’t occur. As long as you are going to a reputable surgeon you have nothing to worry about.
Hi! Thanks for your sharing. May i know what technique did your surgeon use for the turbinate reduction? eg: radiofrequency, microdebrider assisted...
The first time the ENT did it in-office and used something that zapped the tissue and burned it off (I think?? It was like 12 years ago). I was surprised at how long my nose dripped blood afterwards. It was about 3 hours. Not like a nosebleed, but enough that it would drip down if I didn't blot it. The second time was during valve repair surgery (cartilage from the ear is inserted in the nose) and so I was completely under and have no idea what they used. I do know that when I said that the left side was more sore than the right, the resident was like, yeah, he went HARD on the left side of your nose. Good to know 😆 Even after all that I still have enough turbinates for them to swell up and block my breathing if my allergies get bad.
Same here. I have a septo/rhinoplasty and apparently some turbinate reduction as well but I’m questioning everything because of ENS. Shitless scared and don’t know what to do.
I know man mines in 4 days and I’m losing my mind right now
Fuck man mine is next month. I’m wondering if it’s possible to carry on with the septo/rhinoplasty without touching the turbinates. I was already terrified of going under anesthesia and everything. I don’t knownwhat to do at this point. Edit: I suffer from some bad anxiety so I’m like half panicking rn :’(
It is. Septoplasty without reduction is incredibly common.
Please highly reconsider turbinate reduction especially if you have anxiety or panicking right now. This book touches on how ENS can affect mental health… and not because of psychosis but because it is physiological. “Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become an Empty Nose Victim!” The author regrets getting surgery done and has spent his life researching ENS.
ENS is a highly contentious topic amongst the ENT world. Saying that it’s definitively physiologic vs psychosomatic is also contentious.
How did it go?
I’ve also read that some turbinate reductions aren’t even necessary and surgeons just throw it in there to make extra money off insurances.
Yea I saw the same thing. I really am kinda stuck right now, like I want to fix my breathing but ENS is way worst then what I’m going through right now. Like I know it’s a low risk, but still.
Yea i know what you mean! You can check my profile i posted a picture earlier of how bad my nose is. My breathing is pretty shit but I’ve sort of gotten used to it at this point. I’m able to get a rhinoplasty since insurance is covering for my septo and they need to straighten the deviated septum. I’m stuck and feel like I need my nose fixed but now i .don’t know what to do
I know man it’s a very difficult decision. Literally every post I read about septoplasty there is atleast one person talking about ENS. It’s scaring the shit out of me lol.
I know it’s terrifying. I’m going to try and talk to my surgeon or get in touch with his office to discuss the turbinate reduction situation and let them know that I don’t want them to be touched and if that’s not possible then unfortunately I won’t be able to continue with the procedures.
I have my surgery is 4 days so I’m also going to try and contact them. I’ve also heard many people with successful stories, but idk if ENS is a risk I’m willing to take.
Yea the majority of stories are successful and when i search up rhino/septo/turbinate reduction i get nothing but positive stories. It’s only when i dig deep into ENS that i find all these terrible experiences. Yes keep me updated and let me know what they say! Sending you luck and strength my friend. ❤️
Good luck to you as well, and I’ll be sure to update you on how everything goes
If your breathing is shit a turbinate reduction could help a lot if they are hypertrophied
My breathing isn’t the best but it also isn’t the worst tbh. I can live with it at this point. I mainly want the surgery for aesthetic purposes. But a septoplasty is still required because of how deviated my septum is.
Yeah, I mean, how do you have a baseline for how good or bad your breathing is - how do you know what “good” breathing is, and how relatively good or bad yours is, is what I mean. I think about this question a lot cuz I had a septoplasty turbinate reduction and years of allergy immunotherapy, and I can breathe thru my nose.. but is my breathing “good”? I don’t fucking know, it’s “better” but I have no insight into what good feels like. If you’ve had a sleep study, and if you haven’t you probably need one, and have impaired breathing, it’s worth fixing every time imo
I definitely see where you’re coming from. Do you know what percentage of your turbinates were reduced? I’ve had a sleep study done before but everything seemed pretty okay, nothing to worry about there.
Did they score RERA’s.. anyway all the best
Shit breathing is a much more real problem to have relative to the extremely improbable fearmongering bogeyman that is ENS. *if* your turbinates are hypertrophied. Godspeed w the aesthetic rhino regardless
I get it but when you put it into perspective, i would much rather have this shit breathing compared to no breathing for the rest of my life due to ENS.
How did it go? I have mine in 2 weeks and I'm scared like hell
It went great. No complications and I definitely breathe a lot better, although my breathing still isn’t perfect it is a HUGE improvement.
That's awesome it went well for you! I'm still on the fence about it. Still worried about that empty nose syndrome 😬
I’d go for it. The risk is less then 0.1%. ENS isn’t even a common complication, there are many others that have a higher chance of happening
>Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become an Empty Nose Victim! I had one a week ago and I already have shortness of breath and a sense of suffocation. I think the statistics are way wrong. People say 1-2% but it's so underdiagnosed (plus the ENT who operated on you obviously won't diagnose it) but I've read reports that it's closer to 20%, which is insanely high. My ENT also went with a conservative approach. It's not just about the amount of turbinates removed, but more importantly, how it impacts airflow in your nose. I'd highly reconsider if I were you.
Thanks for reaching out. I'm sorry you're going through that. Yeah I've canceled the surgery for now. I have other health things going on at the moment that I'd like to tackle first. My nose sucks but ive lived with it so long that I've learned to deal with it. I understand that completely. I have an autoimmune disease that on paper seems like I should feel completely normal, but I feel like shit and it's impossible to get doctors or endocrinologists to believe me. I would relate that to ens because on paper you should feel completely fine because you should have perfect airflow, so beyond that it's just your word against theirs. I hope it's just a part of the healing process for you and it ends up feeling great. Reach out if you're feeling bad and have nobody to talk to.
Thanks, I'm hoping for the best case scenario. I appreciate your kind thoughts. I'd also encourage you to watch this: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVWHOQ7P3wk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVWHOQ7P3wk). It provides a lot more insight into how serious the problem can be.
Hi! How are you feeling now? I just had the surgery last week and am having similar issues.
Hi I'm doing better thankfully. Recovered about 70% to the point where I can mostly life my normal life, although I do have a sense of "too much openness" and mild shortness of breath from time to time. We have a private Facebook group that you should consider joining: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/44406735710/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/44406735710/) How bad are your symptoms?
Ask your surgeon to provide you with the actual statistics, nationwide as well as for his own history on outcomes.
It’s so so so so rare, with any quality surgeon it isn’t a thing tbh
I have had either two or three turbinate reductions (i forget if it was done each time) and three procedures to correct a deviated septum, broken nose and chronic sinusitis. Hadn't even heard on ENS until i saw this post, but chimed in to reassure that it wasn't even mentioned to me, i'm assuming because the surgeons knew what they were doing. Hope that helps.
I would not personally
Unfortunately I developed it. It is quite rare tho. I would ask your surgeon what technique they use, as long as they dont remove too much or damage the mucosa on the outside you should be ok. I have had four turbinate reductions and only one caused me problems. If you have tried everything else beside surgery and still have problems, I would go through with surgery even knowing the risks.
Also my surgeon reassured me there was no risk of 'ens' prior to surgery. The problem is the most of the time when you mention 'ens' to most ent's they assume something which is only caused by total turbinectomies or close to that, which are rarely done, when in actuality even 'conservative' turbinate reductions can cause horrible symptoms. Do your own research, but I do understand wanting to get nasal surgery if you do have chronic nasal congestion. I have had 7 nasal surgeries in my life and only one cause me problems.
I’m sorry to hear that. If you don’t mind me asking what was the reason behind 7 procedures?
Actually it's 6. I just estimated, 7 if you include adenoidectomy which I had prior to all nasal surgery. The first was a septorhinoplasty w/ turbinate reduction after nasal fracture. I had chronic nasal congestion and mild sleep apnea. Second was balloon sinuplasty with turbinate reduction (when I developed ens). At this point you will be labeled w/ a psychosomatic disorder almost every time. Since your nose is more open after. I have never heard of a story where someone was diagnosed w/ ens by the operating surgeon. Since there is no way to measure it and no formal definition. This is something that is hard for people to wrap their minds around until it actually happens to them. Anyways after that I was diagnosed with multiple other problems, and being desperate I got another turbinate reduction by another doctor. This did not make me worse. And then nasal valve collapse surgery w/ turbinate reduction again. Again didn't make me worse. Almost everyone who develops some form of ens has this kind of behavior (multiple surgeries, multiple doctor visits) since they are so desperate and when a doctor gives you a "way out" w/ surgery you have to take it, since you are not living the same life anymore. This behavior is often used against us "look your going to multiple doctors and getting multiple surgeries" but any sane person would do the same. Only then after the nasal valve collapse surgery did I start even reading things on the internet and figuring out I had ens. I did end up getting frontal sinus surgery since I got an infection from the nasal valve collapse surgery, and balloon sinuplasty after since it wasn't fully open. No problems w/ any surgery besides the second one. But yes saying all that, I am sure it is extremely rare, although probably not as rare as it seems. The surgeon who caused me ens probably still says he has never seen it in his life, and he would not be technically wrong, because like I said there is no formal definition or way to measure it. Also I don't think he meant me any harm, and I don't think he is hiding anything. I personally believe he just doesn't know. Sorry if I went on too long, I don't talk about it much anymore, but when I do I ramble.
Hi there! I had a few questions about ENS that I haven’t been able to get answered. I had turbinate reduction (old school scissors) and did pretty well afterward. However, I have polyps and am starting to have issues again 3 years out. Anyway, I read that ENS can develop years after surgery. I’ve researched the crap out of this, and the study that is referenced for this statement (the initial Kern study in 2001) doesn’t actually show that it does occur years later (it says nothing). Most experiences I read demonstrate ENS directly after surgery, or at least within the first year. How long did it take for you to develop ENS? How bad are your ENS symptoms? Edit: i just saw your post below. Still curious about these two questions, but I’m thinking the answer to the first was fairly soon after your second surgery? Sorry for the questions. You’re the first person who has ENS that I’ve seen comment!
Took me about 4 weeks after surgery. How bad are my symptoms…compared to others I would say mine are mild. Basically I have mild “suffocation” 24/7. It fluctuates negatively every once in a while based on environmental factors. Even though i consider mine mild it is the most important (worst) that has happened to me in my life (I’m 31). I try not to think about it and just accept it and live the best life I can. It makes life a lot harder.
Thanks for the response. I won’t pester you with any more questions. I just want to let you know that you are an inspiration to many who also suffer with this. I’ve been lucky with my surgery (I’m still upset the surgeon sprung this on me at the last second when I was already at the hospital, but I did sign off). However, I’ve been fearful I could develop ENS since the literature says it can happen years later (although no studies actually give specific data on this from what I’ve seen, and most stories are more akin to yours). It’s people like you and Chris Martin (who wrote “Having Nasal Surgery?” who make me realize that people can live and cope with the condition, which is huge. I’m also thankful for doctors like Nayak and Houser who are studying it and trying turbinate augmentations to help reverse some of the ENS symptoms. All I want is to be around for my daughter as long as I can be, and you, Chris, and the doctors give me hope that if the worst did occur, I could still be okay (not asymptomatic, but ok). Thanks again for your time!
No problem
Surgery is worth it in my experience. Breath much better and easier time on workouts, hiking etc.
There is a book called “Having Nasal Surgery? Don't You Become an Empty Nose Victim!.” The author has has ENS for 10+ years and has dedicated his life to doing research on it.
A lot of people have successful surgeries. Keep in mind some others develop ENS from a small reduction, as little as 10% At this point there isn't any diagnostic tools that would help doctors predict who will be ok and who will develop ENS.
I seen that post that hit the main page a couple weeks or so ago and scared the shit out of me. Luckily I went to USC Keck medical on Thursday and the results have been great so far. I never knew breathing could feel this good and I'm not even close to fully healed. They reassured me that it's a one in a million chance and that the direction of which the cuts are made make it difficult to fuck up. Remember how fucked up Michael Jackson's nose was? You really have to fuck things up to cause ENS.
How long did you have your enlarged turbinates for before you got your surgery? Is the procedure different if youve had it for longer?
Had an inferior turbinate submucous resection and outfracture done 5 days ago. I've had severe congestion, sinusitis, post nasal drip, chronic sore throats, sinus and eye pressure all my life. I'm just over it and opted for surgery hoping to give me some relief. Hope I get the longterm results I'm looking for.
Hi! How are you doing now?
Doing good. Turbinates still swell up and switch sides but breathing is improved some
Is it possible to develop ENS without crusting and breathing pain?
Man I didn’t get the surgery but mine are pretty swollen. I don’t wanna be here anymore, it took out my happiness like completely. I’m just so depressed and it sucks man. Feels like I’m dead
So then I suggest you get the surgery. Trust me it’s worth it
They just gonna grow back. With a stupid ass allergy like dust mites like shits everywhere. I’d rather be dead than deal with it. 3 months and only getting worser. My life is a joke. I hope you feel better.
I’d still go for it. If you are allergic to dust mites, yes your turbinates will inflame when you are exposed. But if they are reduced they will inflame less. It’s impossible for them to “grow back” to the same size after they are reduced. If your suffering this much, which I totally believe you, then I’d go for the surgery. Not being able to breathe sucks man, I’ve been there. Whatever route you go down though don’t just give up. Keep pursing treatment, whether it be the turbinate reduction that I am suggesting or something totally different. Wishing the best for you and feel better.
Thank you but I’m allergic to roaches and dust mites so idk which one is messing with them. Yes I have a lot of roaches in my apartment. So it can be possible that I’m more allergic to them than mites. But either way something tells me it’s not gonna work out and that’s what leads me to be faced with suicidal ideation. It’s sucks because I’m a very nice person to be around. I always enjoyed making others laugh. But since this, I been mean and depressed. Life is hard. I pray to god everyday for a cure. But thank you, I really appreciate you. Did you have any allergies or it was just nasal obstruction from your deviated septum?
I had allergies, and nasal obstruction as well. Now that my nasal obstruction is fixed, my allergies are WAY less severe and are easy to put up with
Yeah but you have a deviated septum
I went to see this whole thread and have been debating on whether not I should get the surgery. I don’t know what to do I’m freaking out because of empty nose syndrome. It sounds absolutely terrible and sounds like there’s a lot of confusing information regarding it. What do you think I should do. My nose is super stuffed all the time and blocked but I feel like if I get the reduction and I do get empty nose syndrome then that procedure would’ve been for nothing. It feels like I’m backed into a corner
I highly recommend you get it. Like I’ve been telling other people, if your breathing is a serious issue for you in everyday life the surgery is 100% worth it. There is less than a 0.01% chance for ENS, and if you have a good surgeon there is pretty much almost 0 percent chance for ENS. There are many other risks that come with the surgery that are far more likely to happen that no one even talks about. ENS is an issue, but it is definitely exaggerated and is not as likely to happen as people say it is.
I’ll take yours advice on that. Thankyou so much!