Sinus surgery?

[Gumps]

I'm frequently congested and the ENT has recommended 3 options.
1. Flonase spray.
2. Allergy testing=(more medication if I'm having a reaction.)
3. Surgery to remove what ever it is that makes snot.

I took the spray for about a year and have been off for about 6 months. The spray seems to do about 80 percent of the job then declines until the next dose 12hrs later.

Allergy testing would only lead to more drugs so surgery seems like a better option in the long run. So is cutting at my sinuses a safe plan? Is this surgery like changing the oil and I shouldn't worry too much? Could I be taking a risk that may be too big for a person who aspires to fly professionally? How often does a surgery like this lead to complications for a pilot at physical time? I have no desire to risk my ability to fly at all, but right now I'd be calling in sick a couple of times per month due to sinus congestion.

[My Flight Surgeon]

The surgery really works well and with new endoscopic procedures is pretty simple. No longterm impact on the flying. Just report it at the next physical.

[Gumps]

Thank you for the input Doc. I will follow up with my progress for those interested. (When I get the guts!)

[Gumps]

'Had a Septoplasty/ turbinate reduction on Monday, got the splints out today. Feel loads better. I read on a few other message boards that the splint removal was painful but I had no pain at all post op at any time. This spring will be the test on my sinus's and tonight will be the test on my wife... (To see if I still snore, you perverts!)

[CirrusMonkey]

"Turbinate reduction"? You mean bringing the levers back for a descent?

I am glad to see in your post that the surgery went so well. I suffer from sinus problems as well and have been thinking about having the surgery. Your post helps!

[Gumps]

Yeah, the technical description is, "Septoplasty with Bilateral inferior turbinate out fracture."

Today is surgery day +5. I am healing well and will go back to the Doc. on the 3rd of April for the final check. Right now my sinus's are draining and the only congestion I have is in the morning for a half hour or so until I blow every thing out. Prior to the surgery, if I woke up congested I was screwed for the day. -And that was pretty much every day. For the for-see-able future I think I will still have a lil' bit-o-snot to deal with but I shouldn't get that "Stuffed up nose, but can't blow my nose clear." symptom any more.

FWIW before the surgery I tried:

1. Over the counter meds.
2. Flonase.
3. Neil MED nasal rinse.

These three were all partial solutions to my problem, but I did not want to be dependent on a constant cocktail of chemicals and a daily ritual.