So I broke my nose driving the demolition derby car a few weeks back. After swelling subsided things still didn't look great so surgery was scheduled. Now, I've had this surgery (for the most part- slightly different with my infection and first surgery) before so I honestly wasn't that nervous. I also know the surgeon, Steve, very well and I've been with him in surgeries before. I know he's thorough, takes his time, and does a great job. I also knew the anesthesiologist and have worked with him in the OR. There is certainly an advantage to knowing people there because they planned and coordinated around my schedule (the ENT I saw the Saturday I broke it had surgery on days that didn't work as well for me so I went with Steve's schedule- Andy said he wasn't offended) and I did ask some special requests for my pain meds after surgery as well as for my anesthesia during the surgery so I would be able to wake up quickly and go back to work two days later (had surgery Tuesday morning, Wed was a holiday off, then went to work Thursday and Friday). They were very accommodating, and honestly I don't think it could've gone better. I woke up tired, but not feeling drugged up and unable to focus (though I did forget to put on my bra before leaving the hospital while dressing myself- opps!). I did NOT have a rhinoplasty though, which is a "nose job" where they change how your nose looks. My nose looks exactly the same externally now as it did before (don't believe rumors!!), but now the inside is a little different.
(Side note- There were some nice "bonuses" about having surgery when I did. I had just gotten back from hiking Havasupi two days before surgery. Honestly the only thing (besides a few blisters) that hurt were my calves. When I was being prepped the nurse said that Steve wanted me to wear compression socks (totally normal) and that she'd be putting some things under my calves to help prevent blood clots. Well she put under my calves this machine I'd never seen that puffs up and then deflates. It moved up and down around my calves just massaging them for an hour and a half! I also was slightly dehydrated from my hiking, but guess what?! They give you a ton of saline. A massage and instant hydration for my hiking woes all fixed while getting surgery- who knew?)
Holly picked me up from surgery and I went back to her place to crash. Kade was so so so stinkin' cute to me! He said, "Aunt Nattie we have a bed just your size that you can sleep in", and he held my hand and walked me back to the guest room. He also told me I could have anything I wanted and that they had Gatorade, and pudding, and ice cream, and yogurt and that he could "make some noodles" for me (hahah his mom did later though). I told him I just felt like sleeping, and he said, "OK! I will read you a book then" and he did, He sat next to be and stroked my arm and my hands. He also would lean over and push up my otter pop for me and he held my water cup and periodically would lean it over for me to take a sip. He said, "Aunt Nattie, when I hurt my tooth I felt just like you- my face hurt all over- but I had an infection! You shouldn't go breakin' your nose though" hahah. He told me more than once that I should be careful with my nose and also got out his human body book and showed me the nose and explained parts of it were "sensitive". Seriously, seriously it was so incredibly sweet. My sister was amazing for providing all that stuff for me and cooking up stuff for me afterwards and letting me stay (I knew she would be, which is why I asked her), but Kaders just doted on me. I know it's because that's how they get treated too and are good kids to help others when they are hurting. My brother-in-law drove my car home for me and I slept propped up at home. A friend kindly loaned me her humidifier and my roommate was amazing to always keep it filled up for me. My roommate was also sweet to ask what I needed and was very attentive. She ended up having to clean out my Havasupi backpack- thanks Kristina =).![]() |
| see! same outside but straight again |
On the 4th of July Holly and the fam came to my place to have a BBQ. I was kinda tired and my nose was bleeding internally a little (or it felt like it so I had to keep my head back), but everyone just put it all together and made it work- thanks guys. My mom was in town and stayed here and cleaned my entire house and did all my laundry- thanks so much! I honestly have the best family and friends. I had the packing taking out a few days ago by one of the other ENTs because once again they catered to my scheduled, which I appreciate greatly (thanks thank Kent) and oh my heavens I can breathe through my nose! I appreciate nose breathing sooo much! The things you miss that really do matter =). He made the comment at the end about my nose still building up "crusts," which I was aware would happen. Then he said, "If the crusts start to build too quickly come on over. I'll pick your nose anytime." I laughed and said, "Not many colleagues would say that, but I appreciate it!". Such good help! All in all my recovery has been going well and quickly, and I've been blessed. My sister-in-law and nephew also had surgeries recently, and I've been praying for them to heal quickly as well. Thanks to you all. I'm hoping so so so much that I never ever have surgery on my nose again, and yes, I've been online shopping for facemasks- seriously- I mean that seriously =).



That looks painful! But I think it’s worth it. Your nose looks fine, like nothing had happened. I’m glad that you recovered fast and you have no visible scars in the face. It’s a good thing that you knew a great surgeon, and that you’ve got your family and friends to help you throughout the ordeal. Be careful now when driving. :)
ReplyDeleteTerry Bayer