Neti Pot post septoplasty etc.

[zou]

I've searched the list and can find no information on this topic so thought I'd just put it out there.


I was wondering if anyone here used a neti pot to help with congestion post op and what your experiences were.

I am scheduled for upper, lower, septo and turbin. on December 12 and was wondering if anyone else had any experiences using a neti pot post op. I don't see that it could be cause any problems related to the jaw surgery as it only effects the sinuses. However, how long does it take for the nasel passages to heal and can the use of the Neti pot assist in any way?

[Arvensis]

I I cordially invite you to join the "Lovely Season for Scalpels" club. Your surgery date is 5 days before mine, and we're both going to be drinking our Christmas.

I'm hoping for just an upper, septo, and turbin, but there's currently some talk about whether it will include lower as well.

I've used a Neti Pot before, but not after anything like this. It's my understanding that we're not supposed to blow (?) for a time after because it could do something bad. But I have no idea. Neti pots are probably nicer for 2nd week or so.. I've heard septo is no fun the first week, and probably don't want to put all that water up in fresh places.

Welcome to the LSFS club!

[zou]

Thanks for the replies.

I did ask my OS about it and he had no idea what a neti pot was. However, once I explained it he said that once the packing is out that I can do whatever I'm comfortable with, EXCEPT, blow my nose for 3 weeks.

I think I'll try it and/or some saline in week two to help clear out any of the old yukkies that might be stuck after the septo.

[december08changed]

what can happen if you blow your nose?

[Arvensis]

I'm pretty sure we won't want to know what happens;) Just don't do it. OH and sneeze with your mouth open, I heard.

[december08changed]

I blew my nose the day after by accident, i just remember a lot of blood.

[shani]

blowing your nose post any ENT surgery can dislodge any clots and cause bleeding, in the case of jaw surgery, the pressure can also have an impact on the healing plates. so basically dont do it

[Brandyleigh35]

I used a neti-pot daily prior to surgery. MY doctor told me NOT to use it for no less than 3 months. I wasn't allowed to blow my nose for 2 months, and if I had to sneeze I was told to sneeze through my mouth only. When I started blowing my nose again things still didn't feel quite right, so I was very gentle.

I'm currently just a little over 6 months post op and just started using my neti-pot about a month ago. I would talk to your doctor but I would not recommend it. My doctor said that blowing your nose can force air under your skin and interfer with healing. Your sinuses will be pretty tender for awhile.

Brandy

[zou]

I think I will talk to my friend who had major nasel surgery and who used/uses a neti pot religiously. I figure I'll go along with whatever her ENT told her since none of my doctors seem to have an opinion on the subject.