Post Op Day 9

Hi Everyone, 
It's been 10 days since surgery! All in all the experience was not as scary as it could have been. The first 2 days were the absolute worst, thanks to the pain killers. But I cannot be more grateful for my family and all the messages I've gotten from everyone! 


Anyhow, I wanted to share more details about my experience after cast removal. Since Thursday, I've been really stuffy and really swollen. It's not hard to become discouraged when looking into the mirror and seeing your nose so swollen and well, large! But it takes time. The yellow bruising has mostly faded away yet my skin is acting strange. I've had a sunburn like reaction on my skin, peeling and feeling pinchy. I'm trying to return to my regular skin care routine, but with my nose still extremely tender to the touch, it's not all possible. 


When I yawn, cough, or even rub my eye I can feel the tenderness on the inside. It still feels as though it's not connected to my face yet. Everything feels tight. My lips feel plasticy when I smile and I'm kind of freaking out that my smile looks so different now that my top lip is so much more visible now that my tip isn't hanging over it


************ I don't have any good pictures right now, but tomorrow I see Dr. DeRosa for another post op. I was originally supposed to see her this coming Thursday but due to the swelling, she wanted me to go tomorrow. Apparently she had to leave some sutures in because the swelling prohibited her from getting to them. Update soon! 

Cast Be Gone!

Yesterday I had my cast removed!


I was nervous for the big unveiling! I woke up completely off any meds for pain with my sore throat dissipating. No more bloody draining, just regular nose runniness (minimal). 


For the first time yesterday, I dressed up in skinny jeans and boots (I wanted to wear my heel boots but was still somewhat hobbling and didn't want to chance breaking something else aside from my nose). It felt great to dress up and get some air. When I went in, Dr. Derosa applied some "de-gluer" to loosen the cast and the tape under it. She then gently removed the cast, which did not hurt but felt weird since my nose was still swollen. Upon the removal, which felt terrific, we discovered that my nose was bright yellow from bruising. She said it was very, very swollen and that I needed to watch my activity level and  salt intake. 


Still keeping my salt intake to 1200 mg a day and keeping my activity level to a minimum, the swelling should eventually start to go down. Lastly, she removed the stitches, which pinched and made my eyes water. Everything is healing well aside from the swelling, so I have to see her in a week. She wants me to take more time off work, which made me nervous but after what I had done I'm not going to argue. 

I will definitely add some better pictures since it is my ONE week today!

I can definitely see a huge difference compared to PRE-Op. Dr. DeRosa did a great job and I know I will be so happy. It's so strange because my nose actually looks more natural than the nose I was born with. My nose NOW looks more like the nose that my mom, aunts and uncles have. I couldn't be luckier that everything went well! 

Right After having the cast removed

Tuesday-Thursday Post-Op Day 5

It's been a few days!

First I just have to say: SNEEZING! I sneezed more this past week than I have the entire year. Through my mouth, no big deal. Felt really good to sneeze, oddly enough!

Between Post Op Day 3 and Monday's picture post I was so exhausted from the Vicodin and remaining anaesthesia that I basically pooped out for the past few days. The Tylenol was wearing off way before I could take the next dose. So I used my ice pack on my cheeks to get through the remaining hours. Also, coughing at night and throat sore. Teeth definitely hurt really bad. Black eyes (more like really, really dark brown and yellow..no blue). 

Can't see extent shiner but they're there!

Re-Cap:

Post Op Day 4: Tuesday was still difficult for me pain wise since my throat really started hurting and my teeth felt like they got whacked with a hammer.  My appetite was on and off, seriously sick of blah foods. Craving salt. Bruising is very yellow now, as is tip of my nose through tape. Nose itching. Going exactly 5 hours without Tylenol before pain returns. Still had drainage, reddish/yellowish but inside of my nostrils much clearer. Felt air through my nostrils for the first time in my life...surreal and amazing! <3



Post Op Day 5: Wednesday, lasting 9 hours without Tylenol. Took Last dose of Tylenol at 4 pm. Felt way better, tried walking around the house more. Still felt weak. Much less drainage from nose. Throat getting really itchy. Wanted to rip cast off...and tired of sleeping upright!

Pictures

A few hours post op, still out of it

In recovery looking like death

 Morning 1 after packing removal

Day Two - Bruising

Day 2 side

Day 3! Feeling better

Post Op Day 2 & 3!

Hello everyone! Yesterday I was too out of it to post anything so I will combine day 2 & 3. Yesterday (Sunday) I was still in a moderate amount of pain but I did not want to keep relying on Vicodin for relief. At 12:30 am, I took Tylenol for the first time; it definitely worked but took longer to kick in than Vicodin. Also, while taking the Vicodin, it was obvious that I was high beyond belief as you can see from the text below…

Other things I noticed was my appetite. I got sick of eating bland and squished foods almost instantaneously. I think when I got home and was still flying high, I asked for a giant chocolate cake! The Popsicles I bought tasted really disgusting and way too sweet. I started to get little sharp and pulling pains on the inside of my nose, which mostly lead to itching. Hopefully this is attributed to the healing process. The cast is also starting to itch and I keep dreaming about ripping it off! However, I've been sleeping really well considering how stuffy my nose is. I also started sneezing on day 2. I just kept my mouth open and it didn't hurt at all. Another pointer is not to get overheated! I had 2 blankets, sweatpants, and a fleece on and my body started getting really hot and my temp went up to 100. As soon as I took off a few layers, my temp has been normal since. Overheating also increases swelling in the nose, and boy does it throb! 

About 3 times a day, I've been cleaning my nose with hydrogen peroxide soaked q-tips followed by a good layer of Vaseline. This feels heavenly. There is still drainage from both nostrils, but with way less blood than Day 1. Now it's more of a yellow-ish fluid. It is rather annoying to always be holding a tissue. The pain is now becoming a nuisance and is settling in my teeth. My throat is sore as well, and I've been coughing a bit. My throat feels very dry. 

*A piece of advise to anyone who may have this done in the future, don't assume what you will want to eat after the surgery. I thought I'd want Popsicles and Jell-O but those are way too sweet for me and actually make me gag when thinking about it. Just be sure to always have ice chips available. I had chocolate ice cream for the first time today and it felt great, nice and cold. 

I am creating a new post after this one with just photos. 

Post-Op Day 1!

Hello everyone, I wanted to post last night when I got home but was too "doped" up on painkillers. My team was unbelievable and cannot thank the doc and nurses enough for treating me so well. Working at the same hospital in which you have surgery definitely has it's perks, but I think they would be awesome regardless. 


When I arrived at the hospital, I got my IV and met with the anesthesiologists. I made it very clear that I did not want to be nauseous when I woke up, and they gave me a patch for nausea. I kissed my Dad and Nana and off I went! The last thing I remember saying was "this doesn't look like theOR on Grey's Anatomy!" Then I started laughing hysterically. And out I went!


My surgery was scheduled to take 4 hours, but took almost 6. Dr. DeRosa wanted everything to be perfect so she took her time, which I am really happy about.


When I first woke up, I was being wheeled out of the OR and felt an immediate burning in my nose. It was at this point that I proclaimed "It feels like someone put cyanide up my nose!" The next thing I remember was the nurse giving me two shots of dilaudid and eventually some liquid percocet. 


I did feel a bit nauseous and very warm. Luckily I did not get sick. I arrived in the recovery room at about 2:30 pm and stayed there until a little after 5. At that point, all I wanted to do was sleep. 


Kami and Charlene came down to visit me, which was really nice. I even saw Sarah and Marcio when I was being wheeled out to the car. I got into my aunt's van and home we went. I was in and out of it during the ride. I was still somewhat nauseous but it became more tolerable. When I got home, I think I had some cold water and peach jello. I took a painkiller and went to sleep. I woke several times during the night but considering, I slept really well. 3:30 am was probably the most painful, but I kept my cool and took a painkiller. 

Just after arriving home

This morning I woke up and got ready for my first post-op with Dr. DeRosa. I was in moderate pain, so I took a pill. I got into the car just fine, but when we got to MEEI, I started to get extemely nauseous and was dry heaving (ew). This was only because I did not eat with the vicodin. Dr. DeRosa then took out the packing, which I have to say barely hurt at all. I'm not sure why everyone makes a big deal out of it, maybe I have a high tolerance? 

First morning
Now I am cleaning my wounds with hydrogen peroxide soaked q-tips. I then apply some vaseline to prevent the blood from crusting and also to aid in healing. I still have the cast on, which is already beginning to itch a little. My next post-op is scheduled for Thursday! 

'Twas the Night Before Surgery..

Tomorrow is the big day. This experience is so extremely surreal! It may not seem like a big deal to other people, but it such an important event for me. I won't get all emotional, but I feel like this will only add to my confidence, having a "new" nose. 

I already picked up my prescriptions so I will be able to come home straight away after recovering. They weren't expensive at all at $12. I was prescribed painkillers and antibiotics. I hate taking medication so that will be a challenge. I was advised by Dr. DeRosa that I could also take extra strength Tylenol if I am able to tolerate the pain and will only have to take the antibiotic once a day. 

In my nose, there will be packing and splints. Externally, a cast will be placed. The packing will be removed at my 1 day post-op. After surgery, Dr. DeRosa will give me (and my aunt who will be there) instructions on how to care for my nose. I have Vaseline, q-tips, saline spray, and hydrogen peroxide ready.  I asked Dr. DeRosa if removing the packing would be painful, she said If I adhere to her regimen, it should be fine.   

I stocked up on jello (peach and cherry!) Acai, pomegranate, and goji berry Popsicles as well as soft ice packs. I am prone to migraines, so the ice packs will definitely come in handy if that occurs. Sometimes the ice packs are the only things that help me with any kind of pain. Since I have no idea what to expect, I'm not even going to bother worrying about it. 

My biggest concern isn't pain, it's how the anesthesia affects me. ie will I be nauseous, crazy, emotional..etc. Again, it's not worth worrying about. 

As for other preparations, I have a load of laundry going and my outfit picked out. My favorite blanket (yes I'm 27 and I have a favorite blanket. It's soft and pink) will be ready for me on the couch when I get home along with 3 pillows. 

Surgery is scheduled for 7:30 with a check in time of 6 am. That means I'll be up by 4:30 am! 

My father and Nana are taking me to MEEI and my mother and aunt will be there when I wake. It will be nice to have everyone there. 

I am saving Game of Thrones season 1 episodes 5-10 for next week, so that's something to look forward to. I'm not sure if I'll be able to read a book but I have plenty to choose from. 

I am getting tired and need my sleep, so I'm signing off! Until tomorrow! I will post pictures and an account of the whole experience as soon as I'm fit. 

Goodnight! 

Pre-Op

After my first appointment with Dr. DeRosa and lots of pondering, I decided to make my second consultation appointment. During this meeting, Dr. DeRosa explained the goals of surgery, which would enhance my breathing and give me a smoother profile. She would be widening and rebuilding the cartilage while reducing the length of the tip. 

Left

Right 

From below

Meet & Greet With My Nose

My name is Alexis. I am 27 years old and 3 days away from experiencing a septorhinoplasty. 

It has taken me approximately 10 years to make this decision. Contrary to what my family reassured me of while growing up, I knew from an early age that my nose would be something I would struggle with throughout my life. As a young child, my nose seemed to fit my face, despite it's distinct familial shape that was so kindly passed along by my father's more than generous DNA. 

First Grade

Just as with any relationship, my relationship with my nose ebbed and flowed through periods of peace, love, and war. Up until around the 8th grade, my nose and I got along just fine. I didn't seem to notice it and neither did anyone else. When I turned 12 and entered my last year of junior high, puberty started to wreak havoc. My hair suddenly turned frizzy, but only in the front, I got braces, and was terribly skinny, no matter how many Twix bars I ate. 

It didn't help that I had a tongue like Gene Simmons!

Enter insecurity. With no fashion sense and kids who were my "friends" making fun of my nose, my self confidence pretty much plummeted. I felt like I didn't fit in and would never look like the other girls. Some of the names I was called: Gonzo, Snuffleupagus, La Birdie, Hook-nose, Ramp-nose, big nose, and ski-slope nose (which made no sense). There were more but luckily I don't remember. 

Enter high school. Thankfully, I don't remember being made fun of for my nose in high school, not outwardly anyways. 

Growing my confidence 11th Grade 

Senior Year

After high school, I eventually stopped caring about my nose and started focusing on the way I dressed and the way I carried myself. I began to like my nose and started putting makeup on my eyes to change the focal point of my face. Heck, I even got a lip ring at one point! (that didn't last more than a Summer). 

Several years of college later, I began having terrible allergies. My nose was stuffy to the point that I would wish for it to be runny, just to relieve the pressure. I used nasal sprays, allergy meds, and hot steaming water; I often had to take Advil after Advil to alleviate the debilitating migraines that often settled in my cheeks and nose. 

I remember even the common cold would make me panic because I couldn't breathe. My nose felt as though someone had tipped my head back and poured concrete up my nose, let it harden and sealed it in with apoxy. This is the way I described how I felt every time I was sick or had bad allergies. Also, mouth breathing had a terrible impact on my physical activity. I would (and still) get short winded after running for just one block. 

Since physical activity induces the swelling of nasal tissues, walking would be my main form of exercise if I didn't want to feel as though an elephant were sitting on my chest. 

2006

In 2006, I made an appointment with an ENT doctor as recommended by my PCP. She did a catscan of my sinuses, which came back negative for any pathology. However, she was the first to tell me that my nasal passages were extremely narrow, but I did not have a deviated septum. She prescribed the usual nasal spray and allergy meds and told me that I would benefit from surgery. Oddly enough, I reacted with surprise. I never thought anyone would suggest surgery for anything other than aesthetic reasons. Stunned with this news, I quickly went out of the office and home to research. 

This researching soon dissipated as I thought "I'm not changing my nose for anyone!" "This is me and I am the way I am!" Little did I know that my pride would soon be the least of my worries. 

A few years later, I started waking up in the middle of the night, drooling like a bull dog. I would often wake up gasping with dry mouth and the image of someone holding my nose shut with their fingers, or even a clothespin. 

I consulted with a close family friend, who had experienced having a deviated septum and had surgery to correct it. Her daughter had the same procedure for the same reason. According to them, the surgery was life changing and they highly recommended their plastic surgeon. I made an appointment soon after. 

It cost me $150 to have a plastic surgeon to the stars tell me that no procedure would ever help me breathe, and that I had a big nose that pretty much made my face look ugly. He advised me to have a rhinoplasty and restalyne lip injection. I knew then and there that he was not "The One". 

In 2010, I started a new job at a major Eye & Ear hospital, well known for it's specialists. Since I worked in Ophthalmology, I asked several colleagues if they could provide the names of any ENT specialists since my breathing was not getting any better (and I'm sure they were very tired of hearing me complain!). I was told to see Dr. Stacy Gray. Eventually she examined my nose and again, recommended surgery and that it would in fact help me breathe. 

Dr. Gray then had me set up and appointment with Dr. Jamie DeRosa, whose specialty is facial plastics and reconstructive surgery. Upon meeting her, I instantly knew that she was confident and knew her noses. She explained that my nose was very narrow and that as I age, the "walls" of my nose would collapse even further. She put to me mildly that my nose did not in fact fit my face. The way she explained this did not humiliate me or make me feel defensive about my nose. I just knew that she genuinely wanted to help. Dr. DeRosa proposed that I think about having surgery to help my breathing AND my self confidence. Though I knew my answer, I went home to discuss my prospective procedure with my family...

Present Day