Post-op Sinus Surgery Instructions
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You may have mild to moderate facial, nose pain,
and possibly a headache.
- It is normal to have bloody-tinged mucus drainage
for several days
- Nasal blockage due to nasal swelling and
congestion
- Possible bloody tinged drainage from tear duct
- Clotting and debris in nose causing mild to
moderate congestion
HELPFUL HINTS:
- Apply ice to the nose for ½ hour on and
½ hour off while awake during the first 2 days following surgery.
You can continue to use ice on and off for your entire week after surgery
as it does help reduce swelling and decrease any bleeding you might have. If you are sleeping there is
no need to wake to ice your nose.
- In regards to nasal packing, you will have
dissolvable packing in the back of your nose, using your saline spray will
help dissolve this within a week.
- You will have 2 thin plastic splints on each side
of your septum if you had Septoplasty done. These splints will be removed at your
one week post surgery visit which was scheduled at the time that you scheduled your procedure.
- DO NOT BLOW YOUR NOSE FOR THE 1ST WEEK FOLLOWING SURGERY
- DO NOT USE A CPAP MACHINE FOR ONE WEEK IF YOU USUALLY WOULD FOR TREATMENT OF SLEEP APNEA .
- You may
use your saline to irrigate any debris rather than blowing your nose. You
can use your saline as much as every 20 minutes.
DAY OF SURGERY:
- Once discharged from hospital you will want to
pick up written prescriptions from your pharmacy of choice. At that time you will also need to
pick up a nasal saline spray. It is a good idea to buy several bottles.
- This is very important to help keep your nostrils
and sinuses moist. In turn, it
will be easier to remove your splints at your 1 week follow-up
appointment. Using the saline
spray will also help dislodge any retained debris you may have collected since the procedure, which will alleviate congestion.
- Try to use a
humidifier at nighttime.
- Pain medication will be prescribed; you may take
it as often as every 4-6 hours. It will be normal to have nasal and facial pain through the first
week. This discomfort usually increases for the first 3-5 days after the procedure. As the pain decreases
you may substitute the pain medication with Tylenol. Do not use Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Narcotic pain medication can cause constipation;
you may take over the counter stool softeners to help.
- We recommend that you stay with your head above the level of your heart as much as
possible. Try to sit, walk or
stand but rest when you are tired. Often pain medication will make you sleepy. Sleep with your bed elevated or in
a recliner if possible.
- It is not recommended to do any bending and
lifting heavy items for the first week. It can cause increased
bleeding. We recommend that
you refrain from this or any other strenuous activities. High activity
levels cause increased swelling, rise in blood pressure and possibly a
nasal hemorrhage.
- Avoid rubbing the nostrils and nose with
tissues. This can aggravate
the nostrils and can cause infection, bleeding and accumulation of scar
tissue within the nose. Be sure to place antibiotic ointment just inside the nostrils to keep this area moist for improved comfort. To use this you will
place a small slug of the ointment on the end of your finger or Q-tip and dab
around the end of your nostrils. Do NOT place a Qtip further in the nose than the cotton applicator. Use the ointment twice daily.
- Remember to sneeze through your mouth, like a
cough. You should avoid sneezing
for the first week after surgery.
WHEN TO CONTACT OUR
OFFICE:
- Mild blood-tinged draining from the nose after
sinus surgery is very normal. If you have a vigorous nose bleed that can
not be stopped with use ice/saline and mild pressure, you should call our
office.
- A fever (temperature greater than 100.4) for 4 days after
surgery is normal. Keeping yourself hydrated is a good way to help reduce
a low grade fever.
- A headache is normal after sinus surgery. If
you should experience a severe headache not controlled with pain
medication especially when combined with blurred vision, high fever, mental confusion or a stiff neck, you should contact our office immediately.
If you feel you have a true emergency, call 911 or
go directly to the nearest emergency room.
You can contact our office @
919-859-4744. The answering service will page the
provider on call and you should be contacted within 30 minutes.
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