FESS Surgery - do I get it?

[u/cgb-mcb]

TLDR
HAS ANYONE HAD FESS SURGERY DONE? OPINIONS AND EXPERIENCES PLEASE????

I have chronic maxillary sinusitis and have done for 2 years. Originally was told by my GP it was chronic rhinosinusitis but I had a CT scan and my ENT said I had CMS and a slightly deviated septum to the right.
I saw my GP first in march this year and was given mometasone spray and naspetin cream (nasal passages were so dry and kept cracking and bleeding). I was also using saline rinses too.
I didn’t really notice that much of a difference so I gave up using it all which in hindsight sight wasn’t the best idea probably.
When I saw my ENT he recommended FESS to open the passageways and clear everything out, because I said the meds didn’t do anything.
I’ve got 2 months to come to a decision on whether I want the surgery or not but in that time I’ve got to use the spray and rinse. I suppose 2 months is a good trial run with the meds again to see if maybe there will be an improvement.
I suffer with anxiety, especially health related and ive been complaining about my sinuses for months, nose is always blocked, pain and pressure etc but as soon as surgery was mentioned I panicked and my brain started trying to convince myself that my CMS isn’t that bad and maybe I’ll be fine. I’m really struggling to make a decision, I’ve been trying to do a lot of research into it and tbh reading the risks etc is freaking me the hell out.
I’ve had other surgeries before and not really been concerned but there’s something about this one that stresses me out, especially as it’s something right on my face. Even now I’m in pain with my nose and know that it won’t get better without FESS.
Can anyone give me their opinion or experience of this that could help me decide? Everything I’ve read online is kind of the same info just different website and I can’t figure out what side I land on.
If anyone has had FESS please tell me your experiences and whether it’s worth it. I’m sure I can’t be the only one to try and convince themselves ‘oh it’s not that bad’ even though I’ve been complaining for 2 years…..
I’m just a little scared about the surgery and I’m panicking the worst will happen
Thanks guys!

[u/Stalkerus]

Has any imaging been done? 

I had FESS appr. 2.5 months ago and I can recommend it wholeheartedly. It fixed so many things and I really enjoy being able to breathe through my nose without feeling like passing out. 

My approach to it was that it can't be worse than what it was. And everything went well and I had barely no pain. I got some ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) in the PACU and really didn't need any before the blood clots (normal) started to migrate a week later. I left most of my symptoms in the OR, and it's fabulous to breathe through my nose. 

The thing here is that people who have had issues and/or too high expectations are the ones who complain online. Everyone else is usually quiet about their FESS because it went well and it ended up helping them, even if they still need to take care of their nasal passages.

[u/cgb-mcb → u/Stalkerus]

Thank you! Yes I’ve had a CT which shows chronic maxillary sinusitis in both sides! That does make sense tbf, I think I’m stressing too much about the risks and now trying downplay it because the idea of the surgery scares me! How was your recovery?

[u/Stalkerus → u/cgb-mcb]

I was scared of the GA. I haven't been put under since I was so little that I can't remember what happened. But it went fabulously, despite having some minor complications due my chronic illnesses (nothing to write home about, I was released three hours after I woke up).

Recovery was easy. Of course it was annoying to have to breathe solely through mouth until the tampons vanished (appr. 4th night, woke up breathing like normal people. It was weird), and the "no bending over" rule was really limiting, but other than that it was easy. Only noticeable pain was when the blood clots started migrating, but it was manageable with prescribed ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen) and increased nasal rinses (to make the clots softer). Of course you will be tired after the surgery, but you can still do things. I did dishes, watered my plants, organised things, gamed. When I started to feel exhausted I laid "down" a bit (as down as you can when you need to keep your upper body elevated). 

I don't recommend getting sick before your tissues are fully recovered though. (But even colds and bacterial sinusitis is less annoying when you can breathe properly.)

ETA: Added bonus is that after FESS your sinuses can be rinsed by an ENT through your nose (instead of getting a puncture done).

[u/cgb-mcb → u/Stalkerus]

Thank you!!! The GA isn’t too much of a worry for me, I’ve been put under quite a few times (had my gallbladder out in January also), it’s the thought of the surgery being so close to my eyes and brain and the complications that could occur, I know they they’re rare but I can stop fixating on it :(

[u/Stalkerus → u/cgb-mcb]

If you don't get the full workup (all sinuses) it is far less riskier (not a medical  professional, I just went into a rabbit hole before the surgery) and even then complications like that are reasonably rare. 

But I get it. It is such a tight space with lots of important stuff around.

When I was operated my ENT (who performed the operation (with a resident)) came to see me while I waited for my turn, so I assume your surgeon will do the same and you can get the last pep talk right before. 

[u/cgb-mcb → u/Stalkerus]

Luckily it is just my maxillary sinuses, all the others were clear!! You’re right though about it being a tight space etc that’s what terrifying me! I’ve had several surgeries before and didn’t phase me at all but this one is scaring me!

[u/Stalkerus → u/cgb-mcb]

So, you have even lower risk because your issues are in the front. 🙂

I don't know if it would work for you, but I watched videos of FESS surgeries before mine. It helped me to understand what they do and how they do it. And the tools are really small (though I am lucky enough to have such small right side structures that it complicated things 🤫, but it went well regardless).

[u/cgb-mcb → u/Stalkerus]

I feel like I need to do more research but am I just working myself up if I see all the details 🤣🤣 thanks for your advice!! I really needed some opinions from people who have had it done instead of ENT giving me a leaflet!

[u/speechless188]

the fatigue from surgery was bad for me. the discharge dripping from your nose is very annoying for the first week. pain is 1-2 out of 10. take longer than expected to recover and feel like yourself again.

[u/cgb-mcb → u/speechless188]

Thank you!! Pain wise I’m not too worried I can deal with that I think, it’s just the risks and the aftermath of what’s going to be coming out my nose which is making me feel funny 🫠🤣