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My name is Katie Little and I am 28 years old. I have experienced many nasal problems throughout my life, including two nose fractures and, over the last 10 years, have experienced significant difficulty breathing at night. I tried a variety of methods to alleviate my problem, such as nasal sprays, acupuncture, fans, Neti Pots, and various sleeping aids. While some of these approaches helped on a short term basis, none provided me with long term relief. Trying so many different approaches became time consuming, frustrating, and expensive.
During the last 5 years, I have gone to three different doctors for opinions regarding my problem, with all three indicating that nothing was wrong and that I should learn to live with this difficulty. I then became a fanatic in researching which enabled me to conclude that my problem might be a deviated septum. I talked with my mother who recommended that I see an ENT doctor at Mayo Clinic as a last result.
Within 24 hours, using Mayo’s website, I had an appointment with Dr. Grant Hamilton III, Senior Associate Consultant, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in the Otorhinolaryngology Department at Rochester. One of the first things Dr. Hamilton did was to use a scope to examine the inside of my nose. Dr. Hamilton immediately cited that I had a large bone growth, called a spur, inside one of my nostrils and that the bone growth was very likely the reason for my breathing difficulty and advised me that I should have surgery to remove the growth.
I am happy to report that surgery went smoothly with no surprises or complications. Dr. Hamilton and his medical team did a great job preparing me for surgery and informing me about what to expect after surgery. I was never afraid because I knew what to expect and everything happened as outlined. Dr. Hamilton has a great sense of humor and we laughed a lot. He made the procedure seem simple and not too serious. My parents are very involved and thought my operation was well planned and well executed with good follow up. They especially liked that Dr. Hamilton talked with them immediately following the surgery which lasted 2+ hours.
I am looking forward to breathing much better and have my nose splints removed this week. The medical team said my bone growth was unusually large, obviously the cause of my nasal obstruction.
I would like to share my conclusions with others: 1. Never give up on your health. If you believe you have a problem, be persistent until you get the right help. 2. Don’t hesitate to research your health problem. The internet helped me better understand the nature of my medical situation which gave me confidence to keep searching for an answer. 3. Don’t dismiss your medical problem because you are doing everything right from a health and wellness perspective: Your issue, like mine, may be congenital and it is important that you seek help.
Hey… hope your splints are removed now and you are better. i have same problem. M preparing for the surgery. Please share how is it after surgery? thanks.
Hi! Sorry for late response.
After the surgery it’s a little hard – I was always breathing through my mouth.
I had my surgery inside my nose – so nobody could see bruising
Everyday my parents would need to clean my nose area fr few days
Didn’t need so much pain killers.
Sleeping upright was so hard for me.
Spent lot of time at home – got so cooped up but I did casual walking on my street
I was off work for a week
Email me if you want more pointersf
Hi Katie,
I went through your post and must say it was very informative and pleasant to read.
When I was about 15 [20 now], an ENT specialist diagnosed me with a bone spur and he explained the procedure [don't remember most of it]. anyway i was a little scared and I didn’t took it. meanwhile another doctor gave medications [he didn't recommend the surgery] and it worked! I could open and breathe through both noses when i use it. recently during a consultancy with a doctor he advised me to take the surgery and now I’m rethinking it. So does it hurt! is there stitches involved? will nose shape change and finally: does the removal of nasal splints hurt? all these things still scares me. thought you could help.
My surgery didn’t hurt – I think my stitches were actually inside so nobody could see them. I was addicted to nasal sprays and using the neti pot just wasn’t enough for me to use on a daily basis. I am glad I had my surgery. But it does feel odd – I didn’t have to stay overnight but I felt tired the first week – the splints don’t hurt but when you feel your nose its odd having this feeling you know they are inside.
email me katielittle1183@gmail.com if you wanna talk more
Hi Katie. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with everyone. I was wondering how you are doing now that your surgery was almost a year ago. I have had two surgeries (not with Mayo) and still have issues. Doctors are recommending a third surgery, but hard to believe results will improve. Thanks again for taking time to update your posts.
Hi Joe! Sorry for not responding sooner.
I am doing ok – I still get stuffy noses. My doctor actually suggested I get tested for allergies which I am allergic to dust mites and have special bedding etc – I sleep on my side and part of my nose blocks up.
I am going to try to lose some weight this spring – be more healthy!
Did you get your turbinates reduced the 2nd time?
hi katy,
Not sure if you can help me but my 29 year old son with cerebral palsy and cognitive disabilities has severe nasal polyps and docs are saying surgery is needed. My husband and I are seeking an appointment at Mayo for their opinion. In the event sugery is needed my son will not be able to tell us specifically what he is experiencing.you said pain was minimal, correct?
Hello Joanne
Sorry I just noticed a posting. Mayo is fantastic! I didn’t feel much pain – I mean it is painful when they put splits up your nose (but I didn’t have nasal polyps) – I had a lot of swelling but it went ok in the end.
Hope this helped.