when to worry? - General Health Message Board

twizliz · 03-12-2006, 06:37 PM

I had a septioplasty/turbine reduction and sinus opening surgery done last week. It took them 14 tries to get an iv and I had to be under general anesthia for longer because they decided to put me out to put the iv in (they said that the veins are better then).

I've had a hard time since the surgery... really bad pain where it happened and just feeling unwell. I had the packing and splints out and I thought I would feel better, but I'm not. In fact, I feel the same as I did when it was done. Although as time has progressed, the right side of my face has become number and number. The ENT said he had never had that happen before and that he'd been doing it for 20 years. Of course that's gonna make me worry (I can't smile properly and my speak is affected) also, the past couple of days I have had a low grade temp, sore throat and a slight rash across my face and cheeks.

I know I should call my dr tomorrow, but I don't know what one to call.. especially because the ENT didn't know anything about the numbness. Time for a second opinion? Or get checked out because of the low grade temp and stuff.

Sorry that was a long post, please respond!

o_janus_o · 03-13-2006, 06:02 AM

I would definetly get a second opinion. Just because he's never heard of numbness doesn't mean that it's not really happening as you well know. I'd talk to whatever doctor you feel like listens to you the most. And please as soon as possible. If you can't get in soon, you might want to consider going to the hospital. That makes me very worried for you.

Good luck.

kehorner · 03-13-2006, 09:02 AM

The numbness is most likely a nerve thing. The fact that it's getting worse is worrisome. If the nerve was damaged in some way after surgery, then it should stay the same and eventually get better. Getting worse probably means that you have increased swelling that is compressing the nerve somewhere. Your doctor should definitely be concerned about it, especially if it is an abnormal result. Temperature is also bad. So definitely get yourself in to see somebody.

twizliz · 03-13-2006, 11:24 AM

Thanks you guys for your responses. I'm not sure what to do. My ENT is a very smart man, but he doesn't have the best bedside manner.. but I'm afraid if I go to another doctor he will be all like 'why did you go somewhere else?' (I have follow ups with him for the next month). I'm thinking about giving it one mroe day before I call him.. when I woke up I took my temp and it was 98.8 (I usually run low, esp. when I get up).

If there is swelling around the nerve, would it be helpful to ice it? I wasn't told to use ice after the operation...the oddest part is that it feels like a sinus infection on the side that isn't numb, but I was on a strong antibiotic following the operation.

Any help would be great

twizliz · 03-13-2006, 01:03 PM

I called my ENT today and the receptionist totally blew me off. She was like "You should not still fill sick, Elizabeth (my full name) and you should be up an around by now." then she sighed loudly an was like "I'll talk to someone I guess to see what's up." After being on hold for 10 minutes I finally hung up. I called my primary care dr. because obviously something is going on, and if I want a second opinion about my nose, I know I will have to have a referal. My primary care office was so wonderful, they were like 'that wasn't nice of them at all, poor dear, I can hear it in your voice that you're not feeling well. Of course we'll see you here and help you" I'm just so upset about how the ENT treated me. Because I know if I had waited until Friday ( a follow up) and still didn't feel well, he would have yelled at me about not telling them sooner. Is it okay to get a second opinion from another ENT even though they weren't the ones to do the operation.