My Septoplasty and Turbinate Reduction Journey (Recovery, Empty Nose Syndrome, and more)

[@mcm248]

Thank you for your heroic testimony, man. I found your video the night before a procedure and after reviewing the evidence I can say your words likely saved my life. You rock

[@BenNeynens]

Great, thoughtful video, and great that you've given such extensive responses to people's questions and comments 👍👍

[@FloraDolce]

I have never heard of something like this before. I’m very glad you feel better and your anxiety episodes have diminished. I send you all of my support, life can get scary and there’s a lot out there that can make those feelings worse, you seem to have a huge community and most importantly your family around to support you, I really hope you continue to recover well.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@FloraDolce you’re lovely. Thank you for the kind words and support

[@FloraDolce]

@@ChrisPetrone Thank you, really. This past two weeks have been kind of hard for me, and the comment you made about not thinking about hurting yourself but the thought of becoming someday into someone who would act on that, it really got to me. I think that is what I am going through. I understood.

[@izvintage]

I’m so sorry you and other people have to experienced this. I pray that your recovery continues to improve and you get back to feeling normal for good.

[@BunnyChick08]

I'm so sorry that you've been going through this. It's very scary, and it's great that you have such a strong support system to help. Also, giving yourself a fighting chance by looking at anything you could do to alleviate the symptoms.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@BunnyChick08 feeling really good the past week. Not perfect, but definitely at a point where my life feels normal again. I think it’ll just keep getting better and better :)

[@michael45413]

Hey guys, I hope this would help some people but I have fixed my nose congestion about 75% naturally by eating healthier foods, regular exercise, and also taking beetroot powder, which opens up my nostrils somehow! Definitely do everything you can naturally before considering the surgery.

[@TanyaTorres-c1t]

This is awful that you have been dealing with this. Hoping for many more good days and that you will be back to the old Chris soon! Sending love and good thoughts your way :)

[@smarra41]

Thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry that you had to go through everything that you did. I hope that you continue to heal well and recover in no time.

[@ryancordle7444]

Sorry you’re going through that man. Hopefully you’ll feel back to normal soon.

[@robvanhove3602]

My ENT doctor suggested a turbinate reduction for the first time a few months ago. After some research on Google, I only learned about empty nose syndrome, after which I booked a new appointment to discuss this, just to be sure. Of course the ENT doctor reassured me and said that he had only experienced this once or twice in the beginning of his career. (literally: if you read a book about plane crashes you will certainly never fly again) Well, I have already watched a few videos about empty nose syndrome but after seeing this one I decided to try all alternative treatments first and if If these do not help, I will certainly never consider a turbinate reduction again. Thanks for sharing and the clear explanation! Hopefully you are doing well in the meantime.

[@ChrisPetrone]

thanks, I'm basically 95%-100% now. I feel excellent. It was a traumatic 2.5 months though.

[@GACHA_MIKE]

Love ya babe.....so glad to see you and hear that your moving forward and getting better ❤❤

[@Dudu98]

this is a very well articulated video, I relate totally with what you described about your nose problems, I literally have the same issue. I am nearly 2 years out of surgery and initially I couldn't sleep at all and needed heavy medication, but now I only take low dose mirt and I feel like I regained slight sensation after 3 stem cell injection. I am planning on getting an infracture and continuing with the stem cell treatment. I am happy that you are better now, it gives me hope too.

[@LaurenColeman89]

Thanks for being vulnerable with us in hopes of it helping others. So dope!

[@timcepin3386]

I have been to the mental hospital three times because of this 40 minute procedure.

[@ricericebaby7494]

I just got my septoplasty/turbinate reduction surgery done a few days ago and still recovering. I actually asked my ENT doctor about ENS during my pre-op. He said his patients don't get ENS because he is just shrinking the size of the turbinates with a needle, but he keeps the whole turbinate in tact. He explained that people get ENS when a doctor cuts into the turbinate to reduce the size that way. He basically implied ENS is not possible if you shrink the turbinates from the inside and leaving the outside alone and intact. He also said with septoplasty, if your deviated septum gets fixed, that will automatically start shrinking your turbinates but it takes years to reduce them to normal side if you decide not to go for the reduction.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@ricericebaby7494 I’m sure you’re going to be absolutely fine, but there is always a risk of ENS. The newer, lower-risk methods can cause it and this has been well-documented.

[@luzvasquez7995]

Did you get radio frequency turbinate ablation?

[@ricericebaby7494]

@@luzvasquez7995 I did. So far, i'm recovering pretty well.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@luzvasquez7995 no, submucosal resection

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

Chris I’m so glad your with family and not alone

[@kimc555]

You fast for 12 hrs to reduce the chance of vomiting during surgery and in recovery. I’ve never heard of it. I can’t imagine experiencing those symptoms. Glad to hear you are coming out of it.

[@Sun_powered]

I had my septoplasty operation and turbinate reduction few days ago and I feel great. Made it in private hospital in the United Kingdom. It's really good, I don't fell any pain, my nose is a bit blocked now but it had been worse when I have had flu or something like that.

[@piyanutrose9785]

I had it done this morning too in the Private hospital in London. I feel fine, it wasn't as painful as I thought,it would be

[@lgbtscenes]

@@piyanutrose9785 that's great you decided to do it. It's been two weeks since mine and I can breath using two sides of my nose now! Wish you all the best :)

[@piyanutrose9785]

@@lgbtscenes Thanks a lot for the positive review and reassurance😊I made the right decision to have it done I think and all the best to you too.

[@atiyamemon5216]

I just had today my surgery, it's totally painless procedure done under general anesthesia, later on pain killers and antibiotics are give IV drip .. So Guys who need this surgery do not think much just go for septoplasty

[@DriveForShow]

Thank you for sharing.

[@ezrawings5613]

Ahh.. I have a Septoplasty scheduled for TOMORROW, and I just came across this video. I wasn't evening searching, and it just popped up on my feed first thing in the morning.. I have done some research before, and I have been feeling pretty confident, but now I am quite nervous. 😓 I really don't know what to do... I do wanna get this surgery done. My breathing is awful, and it has gotten worse with time. The sprays and medicine never really helped me. That's why I am getting the surgery. It was recommended by my doctor. 😭😭 WHAT DO I DO NOW??!! I will definitely discuss this with the doctor before the Septoplasty, but he seemed quite positive when he recommended the surgery. I hope you start feeling better soon, Chris, and thank you for the information. 💕

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@ezrawings5613 with a septoplasty alone (no turbinate reduction) you should have basically zero risk of ENS. However, there can be other complications of course. There’s always some risk with surgery. Remember, the majority of people have a positive experience, especially if your septum is jacked up and needs correction. My advice is to get a second and third opinion and take the choice of doctor very seriously, even if it means spending more money out of pocket. This is your body we’re talking about. If you buy a house, for example, it’s a big purchase but worst comes to worst you can always sell it or something. With your body, the changes are permanent - period. Now, I’m not saying you should cancel or postpone. Only you know what’s best for you. But, if you do decide to cancel or postpone, don’t feel bad. Doctors deal with that sort of thing all the time. Put your health first. If you’re getting a turbinate reduction, I’d say you need to fully exhaust all other options first. Empty nose syndrome is rare, yes, but we don’t know how rare. The best doc in the US (Nayak) says he gave 3 turbinates ENS out of 1500 patients. (One-sided ENS). That means the rate is 0.2%. And that’s for him. He’s one of the top guys. Now imagine your local ENT. Probably not as good. Maybe a 0.5% chance? Would you get on a plane that had a 0.5% chance of crashing? I don’t think you’ll get ENS, but if you do, your life as you know it is over. Period. Be careful. I personally think turbinate reductions should be restricted to only when the patient’s life is at risk (cancer).

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@ezrawings5613 I suggest joining the Facebook group “septoplasty/deviated septum surgery sucks balls”. It’s a group where people share advice on their recovery. The title is a little misleading cuz most posts on there are very positive. But remember you’re embarking on a months-long journey. Doctors lie. They’ll say 6 weeks you’ll be 100% and that’s simply not true. For some people, they feel amazing 2 weeks later. Actually, I felt awesome 2-3 weeks post-surgery, and my ENS symptoms didn’t start until week 7. If I didn’t get those symptoms, I would have had a really easy recovery. Now, at 19 weeks post-op, I’m 90% well and only getting better, Thankfully.

[@thinline8504]

Yea. I had 4 surgeries. it's very rare, but it could happen. I recommend doing research, and never going to an old doctor who uses OLD APPROACHES. you should be fine though. ENS Is def a thing, but it's rare.

[@mimisaysboo]

Thank you for this video, I’m getting ready for a major surgery on my nose and sinuses. Lucky for me, my issue is my nasal passages are too narrow so we have widen my nostrils in addition to the septoplasty and sinus surgery. I had been planning to have them leave my turbinates alone anyway as I didn’t have a reason for them to be touched anyway and this made me feel confident in that choice.

[@HaleyFisher-qf4nf]

I used to watch videos of Dr. Nayak doing nose surgeries if we’re talking about the same doctor. I’ve always said i would want to see him if i ever get to have septoplasty surgery and a nose job.

[@ChrisPetrone]

He's highly regarded

[@forbandyson8921]

I went to an ENT since I've never really been able to breathe through my nose, and every time I asked about complications they said there weren't any possible. When I mentioned ENS they just said they've never had it happen before and I'm strongly considering just cancelling the surgery which is scheduled a bit over a month ago. It was really nice hearing your perspective since I had a coworker who also had the surgery and didn't mention any issues, but I think as you've said, I haven't tried nearly enough to fix the issue without surgical intervention. I think I'll cancel it for now and just reschedule it if I really feel it's necessary since I'm barely into my twenties.

[@ChrisPetrone]

Just don't let anybody operate on your turbinates! Other than that, you should be okay. You may just need to get on an allergy regimen. Like a certain spray or something. Lots of those medicines only work if you do them every day and they start to kick in after a few weeks. Really take lots of time to figure it out. Don't rush anything especially if your situation is tolerable.

[@forbandyson8921]

@@ChrisPetrone Yeah, I've been on allergy immunotherapy for 3 years now to very little in terms of results, but since I don't really experience much pain from not being able to nose breathe I'll cancel the surgery for now

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@forbandyson8921some people say their nose surgery was super beneficial, but others end up with this debilitating condition (which I don’t have, to reiterate, but have been experiencing some symptoms of as I heal). I say exhaust every other option you possibly can including changing diet and environmental factors, etc.

[@user-gu7jsu3]

Radiofrequency or coblation is not permanent solution. bone removal without removing the soft tissue inside of the turbinates is permanent, and it's the safest way, according to my surgeon.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@user-gu7jsu3 I wouldn’t do any methods if I could go back

[@Alpha_Omega_1541]

Thanks for sharing your story. My nose has caused me nothing but trouble. There are days when both nostrils are completely occluded, no air movement at all through my nose. I have no sense of smell, never have. Breathe Right strips were a game changer, but not perfect. About two weeks ago I discovered intake breathing strips, even better than the breathe right strips. Over the past few months I’ve been considering having surgery, but after seeing this video, I think I am going to pass. ENS, there has to be some type of reflex that is being triggered. Kind of like the mammalian diving reflex or how the respiratory chemoreceptors act in people with severe COPD.

[@ChrisPetrone]

idk the specifics of your case, but surgery could potentially help - just avoid turbinate surgery. If a few docs all thought u needed something other than turbinate reduction, then maybe that's worth considering. Turbinate reduction (or outfracture) should be an absolute last resort. Other nose surgeries seem to have no risk of ENS (or very very very very low risk of it). I think i heard people having ENS-like symptoms with a septal perforation, that went away when they got it fixed, for example

[@iuvalclejan]

Can you link the reference about the papers that hypothesize why some patients get ENS and others don't, having to do with a certain vein (or nerve?) that some have, and some don't?

[@1977jmarton]

They don’t want you to eat before anesthesia in case you vomit and choke while under. I asked when I had a liver biopsy last year. Glad you’re on the mend. Sounds scary as hell.

[@ThePassportPapi]

Thanks for this video bro im 10 months in and this has been the worst decision of my life. I urge anyone out there to AVOID touching the turbinates. Look at the past and all the dumb shit doctors thought was smart.. 20 years from now we will be looking back at this surgery and laughing at how dumb it was to do

[@Pesso121]

Great video!

[@paulbustion1291]

I saw the part of the video where you said that almost no person should get a turbinate reduction surgery, I saw you explain your reasoning. It makes sense to me. In my particular case, I probably have to choose between mouth breathing for the rest of my life, or getting a partial turbinectomy. My turbinates are so enlarged, and I have tried every possible means of shrinking them other than a turbinectomy. If the choice was between mouth breathing the majority of the time for the rest of one's life, or getting a partial turbinectomy and risking empty nose syndrome, is it better to mouth breath? That is not a rhetorical question, I am open to the idea that I should just resign myself to mouth breathing for the rest of my life. I don't think that there's a plausible way other than a partial turbinectomy that I will ever be able to breath through my nose the majority of the time. I've tried changing my diet, using a neti pot, hot baths, exercise, holding my breath repetitively for intervals to force the turbinates to shrink, sometimes in repetitive one minute intervals. None of these methods have worked. If the choice is between mouth breathing or getting a partial turbinectomy and risking empty nose syndrome, no other realistic options, would you say that it is better to just resign one's self to mouth breathing?

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@paulbustion1291 I most often see the word turbinectomy used to describe slicing of the turbinates. This should never be done. The most conservative method of turbinate procedure would be out-fracture, which does not actually reduce their size but pushes them to the side a bit. The next safest would be either submucosal resection or radio frequency ablation. I’d recommend you continue to research more conservative methods including using medicated sprays very very consistently for several weeks. Some of them take a lot of time to kick in. I’d also get your home vents cleaned and try air purifiers. I’d also even consider moving to a different state, city, climate, etc. I’d also consider changing your diet and experimenting with what might work. If you’ve exhausted all options over the course of many months or a couple of years, then maybe consider a slight turbinate reduction. The key is to make sure it’s very slight, and you may even consider starting on just one side. I’d also suggest going to the absolute best Ens-aware ENT you could possibly find. Pay however much money it costs. Only go to the absolute best. Get several opinions. Do not rush this process. It may seem uncomfortable in the now, but it’s better than a life in hell from ENS. It does sound like you may be the type of case where turbinate reduction would be a good idea. But take all the precautions I listed. And remember this is not medical advice. I’m not a doctor. These are just my personal opinions on what I would do.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@paulbustion1291 does using Afrin help you significantly? (Don’t use it consistently, but try it just two sprays in each nostril and see how u feel that day as a test)

[@june6777]

How are you feeling now? Do you still have ENS? Please respond, im going to get septo and turbinate reduction soon

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@june6777 I’m basically 100% now. Some mild issues in the morning but nothing like before. I live completely normally now. I still wear a nose strip to sleep though and occasionally keep it on during the day. But I have my life back.

[@mohitsinghal2166]

@chris my doctor suggested me septoplasty having dns, sinus surgery for chronic sinusitus and tubinoplasty, my main concern is nose remains congested blocked and having reduced smell can sense strong odours or sonething just under my nose. Can these surgery help in these symptoms or instead lead to empty nose syndrome and other complications.

[@timcepin3386]

I’m in the midst of scheduling an appointment with Dr. Nayak. I don’t think anyone can help me.

[@Lizzied1301]

I didnt know this is what caused ENS. My son just had septoplasty (2 days ago) and reduction of turbinates.. this is scarying me shitless. I am soo worried now! I only pray that he comes out fine, because his turbinates were pretty enlarged.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@Lizzied1301 they never bring it up as a possibility. If they did, people wouldn’t do the surgery. The informed consent patients give is so rarely actually informed. It is rare, though, so I’m sure your son will be fine. Definitely don’t search out issues if he’s feeling fine. If he begins having issues, Dr. Nayak and Dr. Citardi are the ones to go to. Maybe Dr. Das. (These are If you’re in the US)

[@scottyridehome3394]

I have a septoplasty and sub mucosal turbinate reduction surgery coming up on Monday. I have now recently hard about ENS and I’m so terrified. I struggle terribly with health anxiety. Should I just tell them I absolutely do not wish to have my turbinates touched and go through with the septoplasty?

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@scottyridehome3394 look, I can’t make health decisions for you, but I’d go back if I could, and I’m actually probably better in terms of airflow than before surgery, but the anxiety and annoyance isn’t worth it. I got a turbinate reduction when that wasn’t truly what I needed. They do work for most people, don’t get me wrong, but I’d never advise a loved one to get one unless it was an absolute last resort

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@scottyridehome3394 just know that you can never go back. Are you absolutely sure beyond a shadow of a doubt you need a turbinate reduction? Have you tried reducing allergens in your diet and environment? Have you tried nasal sprays daily? Sometimes they need weeks to work. You can always wait longer but acting too fast is permanent. Canceling is no big deal. Happens all the time and they’re used to it. Get several opinions. Spend the extra time and money. It’ll be worth it.

[@gretagevorgyan9516]

Hi brother you right you the best my doctor did it vivear and reduce my turbiat little big I got sick I can sleep all night what can eat what can we do now

[@iuvalclejan]

The Italian surgeons (ask me for references) claim that micro-debridement of the front and center parts of the inferior turbinate, down to the sheath around the bone, allows regrowth of the turbinate, but with good cells. They claim no ENS if the debridement is done that way.They say partial removal leaves damaged cells, with no regrowth, whereas any procedure that involves heat also damages cells so they don't regrow well. Can we trust their reporting on ENS (one paper looked 4 years post-op but maybe not a big enough sample size).

[@timcepin3386]

I’ve been thinking about your video a lot today. I think you’ll be fine. Try to eat as clean as you can though.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@timcepin3386 the past few days, I’ve been basically back to normal. Not exactly, but very close. I’m still a little too open and it’s a little hard to relax sometimes, but overall I have very few issues now and things seem to be getting back to totally normal

[@timcepin3386]

Sounds good.

[@luzvasquez7995]

A doctor said it might take 6 to 8 months for the nose to get use to the new air flow. I am at 8 week post op, with severe dry nose and throat, open nose and chest pain. Would never get this thing done again.

[@leot_rey]

Is this the case for a simple septoplasty? Or is it really only a risk when you get turbinate reduction? I’m due to get a simple septoplasty in a couple months.

[@ChrisPetrone]

I'm fairly certain you can only get empty nose syndrome when the turbinates are operated on. You should double check with your surgeon and make sure they don't operate on them.

[@ChrisPetrone]

I’d always leave surgery as a last resort. If you have a good life right now, I’m not sure I’d risk nose surgery. But, if it’s really jacked up and messin with your quality of life, then just a septoplasty alone would be much much much much lower risk of ens, if any. Of course, with any surgery there can be risks. Please do plenty of research

[@athleticboy]

Did you go for a microdebrider submucosal turbinate reduction?

[@ChrisPetrone]

yes, and I suggest nobody ever gets a turbinate reduction. It's always a dice roll

[@thatbouytrippie]

I'm 26 days in after surgery experiencing anxiety attacks for the first time 😭

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@thatbouytrippie still very early. Try not to worry too much yet. But yea, it’s scary for people because your body has been changed. I’m sure you’ll be fine in time

[@thatbouytrippie]

@ChrisPetrone For Sure did the same surgery when I was 12, now(18) 6 years later the bone grew back but I trust my specialist 🙏

[@luzvasquez7995]

What type of turbinate reduction did you get?

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@luzvasquez7995 bilateral inferior turbinate submucosal resection with microdebrider. There is no fully safe method of turbinate surgery. Period. People have gotten ENS from every type including outfracture and the incidence is underreported. I advise everyone against turbinate surgery

[@timcepin3386]

The wait to be treated by Dr. Nayak is six months. A patient can be added to his cancellation list.

[@timcepin3386]

*Patient/appointment cancellation list.

[@timcepin3386]

If Dr. Nayak wants to do another turbinate reduction on me, shall I let him?

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@timcepin3386 I really can’t say because I don’t know your specific situation

[@sugubondlysugubondly]

I only got septoplasty and plastic surgery(rhinoplasty)and didn't have turbinate reduction, but I ended up having ENS-like symptoms.

[@sugubondlysugubondly]

I wish there's more medical studies about ENS caused by septoplasty.

[@healthyisbeautiful8720]

I bet your turbinates were touched

[@ChrisPetrone]

For how long did you experience those symptoms? Also did you check your surgery report? They may have been reduced without your knowledge. You can message your doc and they have to provide it to you

[@sugubondlysugubondly]

@@healthyisbeautiful8720 The doctor told me that he pushed off my turbinates while the surgery.

[@sugubondlysugubondly]

@@ChrisPetrone It's been 15 months since I got these symptoms. I didn't check the medical report. Okay. I will try. Thank you for letting me know about it.

[@anr87]

In 2021 i made this surgery, septum and turbinate, and after that i was bad for 6 months, i tought i have ENS, but maybe was atrophic rinitis, but for 6 months i had some kind of brain fog, and for the first 3 months i was sufocated becouse of the condition of my nose, i dont know what happened but today is better

[@donniemoder1466]

You seem really sensitive. The running the hand through your hair tick kind of makes me think that. It is really noticeable and you may need therapy to stop it.(Cutting your bangs shorter and combing the hair back in front may help you.) Also I had local anesthesia for my turbinate reduction, not everyone has general anesthesia for nasalnl surgery, the septoplacy requires the general anesthesia. I think surgery swelled your nose up and your nose has not yet recovered and calmed down from the trauma of the procedures you had. You may feel a lot better in a couple months after the tissues heal more and the nerves in the nose calm down. Total of 3 months. Dryness does not mean you have ENS and it may be a bad side effect of the surgery, but not ENS. I don't need distilled water for my room humidifier. I use distilled for my cpap machine but not the room humidifier. Do you have ENS? Sounds like you don't and you are scaring people watching this unnecessarily.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@donniemoder1466 I don’t experience dryness. I’m currently 4 months and 1 week post op, and I’m experiencing issues like a fight/flight state when I breathe. I don’t know if it’s ENS or just part of the healing process, and I hope it goes away in time. I’ve done tons of research on this and I now know that turbinate surgery is far riskier than we are led to believe. Go listen to the podcast Dr. Nayak did this year. He said we don’t fully understand turbinates and how you can do the exact same surgery on 1000 turbinates but a small number of those will end up with ENS

[@Pesso121]

Take your vitamin D3 with K2 and Magensium glycinate.

[@thinline8504]

went to doctor.. oh you need surgery again.. I'm like I just had a rhinoplasty. I still can't breathe. I was jolting up, getting like 3-4 hours a sleep, nose was dry.. I was like a second surgery? no thanks I'll live with a nasal strip lol

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@thinline8504 ask for the surgery summary and see if they reduced your turbinates. Whatever u do, don’t get a second turbinate reduction

[@thinline8504]

@@ChrisPetrone doctors don't listen. In addition to my many problems in my 30s... I also have facial paralysis from wisdom teeth extraction which cause me to develop TMD lol..I just wear a snore guard which helps my airway little, and nasal strips, and sleep with a fan, and humidifier on 24-7. I always tell my girlfriend if I was soo religious I would have taken my life at this point.. see no point in living.. 🥹

[@Pesso121]

Expand your maxilla and you won't have a collapsing nasal valve.

[@timcepin3386]

Are you experiencing crusting? I am.

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@timcepin3386 fortunately, no. I would say to look into (excuse my probably incorrect spelling) rinopanteina, Xlear, ponaris, medical grade sesame oil

[@valerievilla5862]

Hm ur def scaring ppl away from a procedure . I have had a successful procedure done…

[@ChrisPetrone]

@@valerievilla5862 everything I said is 100% verifiable fact. Period.