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Rib graft nose surgery: I feel like I'm suffocating as I'm not getting enough air—how can I fix this?

justmeLucyAug 23, 2018
Hi! I had septal reconstruction with rib graft one month ago and since then I feel that I don't breath enough air especially when I lay down to sleep. After this happens I start to yawn, suffocate and have rapid heartbeat. It first happened the first days after surgery, then I felt ok and after one month the suffocating feeling came back. What should I do? My doctor told me everything went fine with the surgery.

Answers (1)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dr. Michael Elam, MD (retired)
Board Certified Otolaryngologist
Answered on Aug 25, 2018
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William Portuese, MD

  A thorough internal examination the nose is  required to make a determination about  having a deviated septum.  If the deviated septum is significant enough, then medical necessity must be documented prior to undergoing elective septoplasty surgery.   Preauthorization with your medical insur...

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Michael Elam, MD (retired)

Dear Jay, See your surgeon for a follow up intra-nasal examination so that he/she can provide a proper diagnosis and if necessary treatment plan. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

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William Portuese, MD

 If you only have a very slight deviation and no nasal obstruction, then there is no medical necessity to perform the procedure. Best to leave well enough alone.

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Farhad Ardesh, MD

I’m not sure why a nerve in your cheek will be affected by septoplasty alone. This seems unusual. Please go visit your surgeon

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Regina Rodman, MD

It's hard to answer what is happening without an exam.  I would highly recommend returning to your sinus surgeon as soon as you can.  She or he can look in with an endoscope and get a better idea of what is happening.  You certainly should not be feeling worse after nasal surgery!Best of lu...

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Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS

You need to see your doctor to evaluate what's going on.  Don't rely on advice from strangers on the internet.

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