PATIENT STORY

Abdul’s Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

I’m such a fan of Annakan’s work. I’d had the same procedure ten years previously, and there was a marked difference in the quality of the surgery. From a surgical perspective, the operation was brilliant and extremely precise.

I’ve had a long history of sinus issues. I’m asthmatic, which improved as I got older, but about 10 years ago, I started developing nasal issues with really horrible headaches and lots of congestion, which meant I couldn’t breathe properly.

It started as sinusitis, but one of the side effects was the development of nasal polyps. Polyps are tissue growths that extend up the nasal passage and can cause significant distress. It was affecting my sleep, but also my performance during the day.

I had sinus surgery previously to improve the symptoms, but then, about two years ago, the condition reoccurred. Nasal polyps can often recur between five and ten years, and they came back with a bang.

Sinusitis is an excruciating condition. The sinuses are located around the nose, eyes, and cheekbones, and this area experiences significant facial pressure, which can cause headaches. There was also constant congestion, accompanied by a considerable amount of mucus generated as a result. It got to the point where I was in meetings or on calls, and I would have to keep a tissue box right next to me, constantly switching the camera off on Zoom to blow my nose.

It wasn’t a pleasant experience. The impact on my daily life was massive. Annakan explained that there was a scale for sinusitis, and mine was pretty severe.

When I got to the point that my condition wasn’t being controlled, I first consulted a GP. They prescribed antibiotics, but it wasn’t a targeted treatment, so I started researching my options.

BOOK A SINUS SURGERY CONSULTATION

My consultation for sinusitis

I found Annakan Navaratnam and checked him out online. You can only assess what you see from other people’s testimonies and your research. I contacted his office and arranged a consultation at The Clementine Churchill Hospital.

At the initial consultation, he performed an endoscopy to check my nasal passages. He explained I was at a fairly advanced stage, and we discussed my treatment options, including the sinus surgery, which I was familiar with. We also discussed not having surgery and using medication.

Based on the information he gave me, I decided to go down the surgery route.

In preparing for surgery, I had X-rays, and it was discovered I had a deviated septum. Annakan was surprised that I was able to breathe normally through both nostrils. As it wasn’t causing any discomfort, it was decided not to combine sinus surgery to remove the polyps with a septoplasty to straighten the deviated septum.

My sinus surgery experience

The entire experience was fantastic, and I couldn’t fault it. Everyone at the hospital was wonderful and I received excellent care.

I’m such a fan of Annakan’s work. I’d had the same procedure ten years previously, and there was a marked difference in the quality of the surgery. From a surgical perspective, the operation was brilliant and extremely precise.

The first time, there was a lot of pain, but this time, there was hardly any discomfort at all. Annakan had prescribed painkillers for afterwards, but thankfully, apart from the odd paracetamol, I didn’t have to take anything.

Following the post-surgery instructions

Additionally, a key indicator of a good experience is what happens after the operation. The care I received in the immediate post-surgery period consolidated my sense that things had gone well.

My advice to other patients is to follow the aftercare instructions religiously. You have to put in the effort, so I was very attentive to ensure I made a full recovery.

I was advised to perform regular saline washes. Initially, you do it a few times a day, and that can be quite a gory process at the beginning as there is all sorts of gunk coming out. That’s coupled with steroid sprays.

Then, once you’ve moved out of the critical recovery period, you enter a more normalised BAU state, which involves a combination of daily nasal washing and drops. Unfortunately, I was advised to stop taking these measures after my initial surgery, which may explain why it recurred.

As Annakan explained, surgery isn’t the cure. The cure is the ongoing care. Life gets busy, so even if you can’t do the nasal washes regularly, it’s essential to continue with the medication.

I had the operation in mid-April. I was braced for my recovery to last a good few months, as it took about six or seven months to recover last time fully. This time around, I felt normal within a matter of weeks.

I do a lot of physical activity, particularly running, and one of my biggest concerns was when I could start running again. Annakan said, follow the instructions, and hopefully you should be back within a few weeks. He set out a timeline for me, and true to word, I was back out running and training again. I am symptom-free, and there has been a definite improvement in my lung capacity.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Annakan. You have Annakan the consultant, who provides excellent medical care and attention, but you also have Annakan the person, who is approachable, knowledgeable, and exudes an air of confidence. Personally, I think it’s quite important to have both halves together. I hope this resonates with others as well.”

SEPTORHINOPLASTY SPECIALIST

The surgeon’s perspective

Endoscopic sinus surgery has changed drastically over the last ten years. New techniques and advanced equipment have enabled more comprehensive surgery with improved outcomes and a better overall patient experience.

However, surgery is only part of the treatment. Abdul has exactly the right approach to managing his condition. To achieve the best improvement, sticking to the correct regime of medication is essential. In addition to removing disease from the nose and sinuses, the surgery opening the passages to the sinuses to enable medication to be delivered to the right areas.

By consistently taking his medication, Abdul has the best chance of keeping his nasal airway clear and avoiding further surgery. He has been a model patient!

LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNAKAN

Abdul’s Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

I’m such a fan of Annakan’s work. I’d had the same procedure ten years previously, and there was a marked difference in the quality of the surgery. From a surgical perspective, the operation was brilliant and extremely precise.

My consultation for sinusitis

My sinus surgery experience

Following the post-surgery instructions

The surgeon’s perspective

Kind words from our patients

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