About to have adenoidectomy, septoplasty and turbinectomy...what should I expect?

gcsjr

Obviously it depends on how severely deviated your septum is but the septoplasty is probably going to keep you at home (not necessarily in bed) for about a week. Adenoidectomy is usually just a couple of days but sometimes takes longer in adults. They'll probably prescribe something for the pain (tylenol 3 which has codeine in it or something similar). You'll definitely be sore and uncomfortable for at least 3-4 days.

I'm curious about one thing - why the turbinectomy? I ask because removing too much of your turbinates can cause more problems than it solves by leaving your sinuses too open and can lead to something called Empty Nose Syndrome that is really awful (go to ****pedia and type in "Empty Nose Syndrome" for more information). That doesn't mean the removing a very small amount of the turnbinates will cause a problem but if they're talking about removing a significant percentage you might want to reconsider - I'm not sure what percentage would be "safe" but there are definitely some potential long-term implications if they remove too much.

magard927

thank you for your response, very helpful...

to be honest I'm not sure at all whether I'm getting a turbinectomy...I just know that they are doing something with my turbinates...so take that as you may.

Also, what is Tylenol 3? A pill or a cough syrup type of thing?

gcsjr

Tylenol 3 is a pill - looks just regular tylenol (round white tablet) but contains codeine.

If you're not sure why they're doing something to your turbinates PLEASE ask them before you let them do it, it's not worth the long-term problems it could cause if you're not sure why the doctor is doing it.