Septoplasty/rhinoplasty - New York, NY

5/21 - Had my surgery today!!! I was so excited and nervous, but it really went smoothly. I had it at North Shore LIJ hospital in Long Island and the surgery was done by Dr. Turk. A description of the sequence of events... First I got to the hospital around 8 and went through the admitting process. I saw a PCP for pre-surgical clearance, so all I had to do was take a pregnancy test. Everything went extremely smoothly. I was shocked at how nice and efficient the staff was. After they confirmed I was without child, I was given a gown to change into and went through my medical history with the anesthesiologist. Then Dr. Turk came to talk to me and my parents. Then my parents left and the anesthesiologist gave me something to relax while the wheeled me into the OR. After that, all I remember is sliding over onto on operating table and someone placing the oxygen mask on my face. Next thing I know I was waking up in post op. The pain... was considerable to be sure. But they gave me some pain meds that seemed to help. Dr. Turk came to speak to me again and told me everything went great. Then I started dozing off a little, I was very groggy. The nurse suggested that my parents go to lunch and come back. When I woke up the nurses brought me some saltines and ginerale and gave me some Zofran in the IV to help with nausea. Then Dr. Turk actually checked on me again and changed the dressing below my nose. My mom came back to stay with me and shortly after that I felt up to getting dressed. In all honesty, I was surprised at how loopy I was after the surgery. I was probably in post op for 2 hours-ish before I felt well enough to leave. But once I got home and took a Vicodin, I felt pretty good!

I have to say, Dr. Turk was very nice from the time I met him at the consultation, but I was still very impressed with his bed side manner throughout the surgery. My parents were impressed as well, and they are some tough critics! He also called me this evening to check in. Hopefully the results are good so I can give him a glowing rating! I am sure they will be!

5/22 - day after surgery, pain is still considerable but easily managed with presriptions. Swelling and bruising is much worse in spite of icing. Doctor's office has assured me that this is going to be the worst day for swelling and bruising.