Over-the-moon Thankful - Perforation Repair (Septum)

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Oakley Smith - What I can say that I never thought my nose would be able to be repaired or ever feel/return to a "normal" state again, but approximately 4 months post-surgery, here I am and I'm unbelievably grateful and forever thankful to Dr. Oakley Smith.

I have always had sinus issues since I was a child, and I was prescribed a nasal spray from my family doctor that worked well for approx 1 1/2 - 2 years. When I went to refill the prescription in fall 2017 - the medication was on back order across Ontario. I was then prescribed a nasal powder to be inhaled as an alternative. The side effects included a dry nose - however I was told to use it regardless to see how it worked. It didn't - it completely dried my nose out and worsened the interior of my nose. I wont go into too much detail as it is quite gross - but the powder inhaler cause my nose to dry and scab worse than when I began treatment. It actually became so bad that there was a small hole in my nose which grew at a frightening rate - due to me waking up each morning with a completely blocked nose and trying to clear it in the shower. My family doctor then had to referred to a specialist - that specialist basically told me there was no hope. I then returned to the specialist for approximately 3 more check-ups that seemed like a complete waste of time (literally, as the hole grew larger) and I was mortified when I was told I'd probably have to live with the condition and use vasaline or other creams for the rest of my life.



Finally, in the summer of 2018, he recommended Dr. Oakley Smith. I had to wait a couple of months for an appointment (which is understandable) but I was able to meet with Dr. Oakley Smith in fall of 2018.



This is where everything began to change for the better. I remember that I was extremely nervous to meet with Dr. Oakley Smith, because I knew that if he told me it were impossible to fix my nose, I'd be extremely upset and overwhelmed. I did not want to live with this condition. The second, the very second, that I met with Dr. Oakley Smith - I was at complete ease. He was very kind, honest - and patient! That was something that I respected a lot about Dr. Oakley Smith, is his patience with his patients. He was clear, concise and honest about the repair surgery and told me the probability of whether or not it would work - which varies based upon different patients and their conditions etc.



My mother and I left the appointment and we were extremely happy, I was exceptionally happy as I'd actually felt like I was in good hands and felt there was a good chance Dr. Oakley Smith was able to fix my poor nose.



I met with Dr. Oakley Smith on March 1st 2019 and had my 4 hour surgery, I woke up from that surgery and spent another 4 hours recovering, and left the hospital that afternoon. While I was recovering, Dr. Oakley Smith met with me and explained how the surgery went and the next steps etc.



My recovery was smooth and speedy, and I actually only took my prescription medication for 3 days, then rested for 2 weeks until swelling subsided and I was able to return back to work. I've met with Dr. Oakley Smith and his staff several times throughout this process and my recovery, with one more appointment this fall.



All I can say, is that if you're looking for a surgeon who knows through and through exactly what they're doing, somebody who is kind, honest, and patient - answers any and all of your questions - and does absolutely phenomenal work, then I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend Dr. Oakley Smith and his staff. This was a nightmare and I'm not sure what would've happened to my poor nose had I not been recommended to him - he literally rebuilt the interior of my nose, and as a bonus - it honestly works better than before. I can actually breath through both sides of my nose and I'm not exaggerating when I say that my quality of life when it comes to my sinuses is much much better. I'm also glad I don't have to live with the embarrassment of a hole through the interior of my nose as well.



Dr. Oakley Smith and staff - Thank you so much for all that you do and for all you continue to do for your patients. Thank you for always being a quick phone call or e-mail away, as well (Receptionist Beena is wonderful).