Sinus drainage and pressure after cauterization (Page 4)

Hello,
I am curious to all of you if it was worth it and if you would do it again? I read all the posts (so happy I found this site). I am taking my 14 yr old to get cauterized on Wednesday (yes day before Thanksgiving)The scheduling nurse said nothing about this not being a good time to do it. Here's the thing, my son only gets bloody noses when he is hit on the nose. (doesn't have to be hard). Since he just started wrestling and likes to box, it has become very problematic! I really don't want to tell him to quit but now am wondering if he should really do it. I would ask this of his Dr., but we have not met yet, I just barely made the appointment. Thanks

Ok, so my son had his nose cauterized on Wednesday,so 3 days ago. He has had none of the problems mentioned. No black mark, no sinus pressure, no pain. He has said he has some running of the nose but that is it. Yesterday was Thanksgiving and he was able to eat no problem. He will see the Dr. in 2 weeks so hopefully it will be successful and will not have anymore nose bleeds. fingers crossed. Thanks for all the info.

did he have it done by silver nitrate. I had that and i've had it by electrode. The silver nitrate did not work for me personally, but it did slow it down a lot. I just had it done with the electrode and if all goes well i should be fine.

I had cauterization by electrode on Wednesday. It is now Friday. The only ting that hurt was the needle to numb my nose and a little pain when the numbing wore off. It doesn't hurt at all. All I have is obvious swelling and pressure in my sinuses. NO PAIN AFTER.

Hello, I had my left nostril cauterized yesterday via silver nitrate. Had an amazing post-nasal drip for all of yesterday after it was done. Sinus and jaw pain/pressure was moderate as well. Slept breathing through mouth most of night and felt better today. How much pain u get afterwards will depend on where the cauterization takes place inside in the nose. If it's in an obvious place in the front cavity then you'll likely experience less pain overall. The further back the source of the bleeding is may make things a bit tougher to deal with during and after the procedure. Most folks will have bursted vessels right on the septum which makes it easier for the doc to do his work, and on you afterwards. Good luck to everyone who has to deal with it and have a great 2012!

I had a cauterization in 1999, so bad now with my breath, I've pain in my head now every day, I regret this day...

Had cauterization done on December 28th, Today January 10th, I had a short nose bleed, maybe 10 mins. Is this something I should be concerned with or was it just maybe my nose dried out.

I had my right nostril cauterized 6 days ago after the first nosebleed since end of June 2011. At that time, I was taken to the ER by ambulance; the nose was plugged; then I had a "nasal rocket" installed where a balloon is inflated and then you are sent home for THREE DAYS with it in place!!!! Let me tell you, I had open-heart surgery September 2010, and this was just as bad. I still had to have my nose cauterized.

Then another incident March 2012 where I had the entire right nostril cauterized. It burned like hell, as expected, and left me with a black-lined nostril for my husband's 50 birthday bash (lovely!). When I got home after the procedure, all I wanted was ICE CHIPS as my mouth and throat were on fire!! As stated by others, I had the clear nasal discharge for the next 2 days; my nose, jaw, teeth, and gums were SO PAINFUL that I had to use ice packs!! Even as of 6 days, my teeth and gums still hurt! I have been wetting Q-tips with warm water and very gently wiping the inside of my nostril in order to rinse out any residula mucous. I use AYR nasal spray religiously, and use it more often right now.

Today I called the ENT to ask if all this was "normal", and was told they don't think my teeth and gum pain are related, and that perhaps I have another issue, like an infection in my gums that would require antibiotics. !!!!!! I plan to send them the link to these posts as PROOF that these symptoms are what occurs in the majority of nasal cauterization cases!

Also want to mention that yesterday I took ONE Tramadol that I had from previous dental work, and it completely took the 'edge' off my pain. I am reluctant to take over-the-counter meds due to the blood-thinning issue. My nose still really hurts, and I must be extrememly careful when applying facial moisturizer. I am also sleeping in an elevated position. MORAL OF THE STORY: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF ICE READY AT HOME, AND REQUEST PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDS FROM YOUR ENT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THEIR OFFICE!!

I had my right nostril cauterized 6 days ago after the first nosebleed since end of June 2011. At that time, I was taken to the ER by ambulance; the nose was plugged; then I had a "nasal rocket" installed where a balloon is inflated and then you are sent home for THREE DAYS with it in place!!!! Let me tell you, I had open-heart surgery September 2010, and this was just as bad. I still had to have my nose cauterized.

Then another incident March 2012 where I had the entire right nostril cauterized. It burned like hell, as expected, and left me with a black-lined nostril for my husband's 50 birthday bash (lovely!). When I got home after the procedure, all I wanted was ICE CHIPS as my mouth and throat were on fire!! As stated by others, I had the clear nasal discharge for the next 2 days; my nose, jaw, teeth, and gums were SO PAINFUL that I had to use ice packs (even on day 5)!! Even as of 6 days, my teeth and gums still hurt! I have been wetting Q-tips with warm water and very gently wiping the inside of my nostril in order to rinse out any residual mucous. I use AYR nasal spray religiously, and use it more often right now.

Today I called the ENT to ask if all this was "normal", and was told they don't think my teeth and gum pain are related, and that perhaps I have another issue, like an infection in my gums that would require antibiotics. !!!!!! I plan to send them the link to these posts as PROOF that these symptoms are what occurs in the majority of nasal cauterization cases!

Also want to mention that yesterday I took ONE Tramadol that I had from previous dental work, and it finally took the 'edge' off my pain. I am reluctant to take over-the-counter meds due to the blood-thinning issue. My nose still really hurts, and I must be extrememly careful when applying facial moisturizer. I am also sleeping in an elevated position. MORAL OF THE STORY: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE PLENTY OF ICE READY AT HOME, AND REQUEST PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDS FROM YOUR ENT BEFORE YOU LEAVE THEIR OFFICE!! Oh, and "Dipping Dots" alleviates the pain somewhat, too

After having a nasty sinus infection from before X-Mas '11 to the end of January, I finally got better only to have recurrent bloody noses for the 1st time in my life. I had the 1st cauterization done about 5-6/wks ago and it was quick, painless, w/little side effect that were all gone by the next day. After about a week the grey/black scab/thingy came out. For 1 week straight after that, I had 1 massive bloody nose a day that would take 20-30/min to stop. Those finally stopped but I still had minor ones and spotting. So I had my 2nd cauterizaion done this past Monday. The post nasal drip lasted the entire day. I wasn't told not to blow but knew better and just did so gently to get what would come out. Ever since it has alternated between stuffy and runny. The runniness in a sense keeps it from being dry in there so that is a plus. The teeth/jaw pain has been tolerable w/tylenol but I took advil the 1st time not knowing better and look where that got me. The sore throat happened before the end of the 1st day and is still ongoing. I can eat and drink though so I am pretty sure it is from the drainage. I have had some spotting but no bloody noses so far. I use a neti pot once a day to flush everything out through gentle blows. For the runnyness (sp?) you need to just make a kleenex cork and allow it to soak it up like a sponge to prevent blowing. Much like all of you, I was told nothing but humidifier and ointment after. I used a humidifier and and a spray the first time but this time I just use a moisturizing gel in the morning and the ointment @ night as to not to disturb the area more than necessary. I am hoping based on your overall experiences, I'll be in the clear within another day or two. Oh one footnote-- I did have some of the black stuff on my face the 1st time and it came off within a week through normal washing and shaving. Bottom line-- both of these experiences were completely different from one another. 1st one was pain free w/no side effects and this time was deeper and in a wider area so the procedure, while still quick, was more painful and resulted in multiple side effects. Whether you need time off from work will vary based on your experience. Also my Dr. said he would never do both sides @ once for fear of burning a hole through your nasal wall. In any event, best of luck to you all and hope some of this helps.

Wow. You gotta wonder why doctors never read this stuff to learn what really happens to patients.

After recurring nosebleeds (almost always at night, almost always only from right nostril), dr. couldn't find an obvious spot of origin. He cauterized a "possible" spot three weeks ago: no lasting pain, no runny nose, no stuffiness.

I had another one today. This was "higher up". (I had told him the first time that I was really sure it wasn't from the septum.) Very painful, both at the time and afterwards. Took Tylenol, and that seems to help some. Nostril is now stuffy and runny. Dr. said that the numbing spray couldn't reach the higher spot. So the camera can reach there, the cauterizing rod can reach there, but they can't reach there with something to kill the pain?!?!?!

First, it's ridiculous that doctors are not providing the info on what to expect and what should or shouldn't prompt an immediate call to the doctor's office. It would be simple enough to hand the patient a sheet of paper with the info.

Second, it's annoying that doctors still don't seem to understand that we are not all the same, and do not all have the same responses, and some are not going to respond the way the textbook says.

Best wishes to all for a speedy and complete recovery.

I just had my nose cauterized with silver nitrate today at 4pm that burned, because not enough lidocaine, they did not tell me about the CONSTANT clear dripping from my nose. Everytime it drips I run to the bathroom thinking it's blood. I was told buy the nurse the dripping could go on for day to a week...YUK....I do not know what is worst.....He did tell me to buy Bacitracin and use it twice a day and smush it around with a kleenex on the outside of my nose. Never even got a paper on the aftercare....what's wrong with these DR's. Thank gosh for my pharmacist..he answers all my questions..God luck everyone..Hope I can sleep tonight...any suggestions ????????? I am praying it works and I do not get anymore nosebleeds at least for awhile....

I just had my nose cauterized with silver nitrate today at 4pm that burned, because not enough lidocaine, they did not tell me about the CONSTANT clear dripping from my nose. Everytime it drips I run to the bathroom thinking it's blood. I was told buy the nurse the dripping could go on for day to a week...YUK....I do not know what is worst.....He did tell me to buy Bacitracin and use it twice a day and smush it around with a kleenex on the outside of my nose. Never even got a paper on the aftercare....what's wrong with these DR's. Thank gosh for my pharmacist..he answers all my questions..God luck everyone..Hope I can sleep tonight...any suggestions ????????? I am praying it works and I do not get anymore nosebleeds at least for awhile....

I had two cauterization done in my right nostril recently, the last one being this past Friday, the 27th. I did have a running nose for a while, but other than that (which didn't bother me much at all), no pain during the procedure or afterwards. I did get a brown spot right outside my nostril both times, but was able to scratch it off after 2-3 days. My doc put a small piece of cotton inside my nostril with bacitracin on it and told me to change the cotton everyday for 4-5 days. The scab that is forming this time around is quite big, but I was told by a WebMD that usually bleeding from the inside (back of nose)involve a larger area from multiple vessels, so that's probably why the doc swabbed more silver nitrate this time as compared to last time. The spot where I had the cauterization the first time, which was closer to the front of my nose, hasn't bled at all so I'm hopeful that this time it'll work as well! ^-^

These reports are so helpful. I had no idea what I was getting into. The ENT did not numb the area at all. The pain was horrible. My nose was throbbing terribly, and then he wanted to go in again to do two more spots. I told him I needed some time to let the throbbing stop, and he just left me alone in the room and saw another patient and came back to do two more areas. My eye was tearing and it was very painful. He gave no aftercare instructions other than to not blow my nose for a day.

I had horrible sinus, jaw and nose pain. Even my jaw was swollen two days later. I was shocked and did not expect it to hurt so much. Two days later, I have a fever and am going to my allergist because I suspect I have a sinus infection. I would avoid this procedure if at all possible. I also blame the ENT for not using a numbing solution and for not giving any follow-up instructions.

Hi

I got my nose done earlier, there is a trickle of blood coming out nothing much, is this normal? thanks

Can anyone tell me how long the nose should run for? I got mine done yesterday and its still running clear fluid.

Had silver nitrate treatment on both nostrils yesterday and feeling no pain. My Dr kindly saw two other patients whilst my nose was going numb so didn't feel a thing. I was told there could be a little post op bleeding.
Day 2. After applying prescribed medicated cream this morning to prevent drying out, I sneezed and dislodged silver nitrate grey looking clot/ followed by a small bleed. Although I was told there could be a little bleeding during the healing week, I would love to know if the silver nitrate treatment is "all over and done with" in 5 mins in the Drs chair OR must it remain in the nose to continue "killing off the blood vessels?"

The clot would have been the scab that was supposed to form around the site. I would imagine you will be fine as another scab will form. You need to avoid doing anything that will disturb this one. No harm going back to the doctor to check the site as he may wish to do the cautery again.

I had both my nostrils cauterised, 3 days ago. (NHS) I was told, after the operation, that my nose would be back to normal, after two weeks. That I should NOT blow it for 2 weeks, but just dab and take pain killers when needed. It is very uncomfortable right now and feels very much like a cold on top of it. Having been very dry over night, I've just been stood in the shower, which has loosened things up .... I think I would like to stand in the shower for the next 5 days, because it really helped.

I had my nose cauterized yesterday and I am so glad I found this forum, I do see a re-occurring theme here! None of us were told what to expect after! That has happened to me a lot during this past month of nasal procedures. I thought it was just my doctor, but it seems like it's happening everywhere!

Glad I found this site. Have just been cauterised twice (in UK): Fri 17 August after 7hr nosebleed in left v top nostril - very frightening experience. Can you imagine the state of my hands/arms having to keep my nose pinched for all that time! No anaesthetics (didn't hurt much - just kind of tickly and bringing tears to my eyes) and was sent home without much advice and no nasal cream, just take it easy for a couple of days. Found this site and learnt about blackening of nostrils. Sun 19 Aug woke at 4am with other (light) nosebleed - lasted 2 hrs with ice pack on neck and forehead. Mon 20 August at 11am another nosebleed, so another trip back to A&E - light nose bleed for 3 hrs, which right on queue started gushing just before being seen by ENT specialist - very scary! They put painful nasal balloon on my nostril and I was admitted having to stay for 3 days in the end - was given full battery of blood tests - everything normal (incl clotting function). Had to sleep half sitting up. This nosebung had to stay in place for 48 hrs - I needed painkillers to cope with the pain/discomfort and my blood pressure shot up - not good! 22 Aug they deflated nasal balloon to check bleeding had stopped and after 3 hrs the balloon was removed and I was cauterised again - the previous site was redone plus another dodgy vein. This time I had more questions post-op and was given good advice: swallow/sniff the draining mucus with head held back, rather than leaning forward. This may take 5 days - nose will be bunged up as if you are having a cold. Touch your nose as little as possible. Absolutely no hot drinks/food (let things cool down first), no alcohol, no exertion - no lifting, straining, all for 7-10 days, no hoovering, housework. Gentle walking OK. Was given Naseptin nasal cream, and so far so good - 5 days and no bleeds yet, keeping my fingers crossed. I don't want to go thro that nosebung/fear of bleeding to death hell again!

I had my nose cauterized for the third time today. Helpful hints do not blow your nose. This is what causes headache and toothaches. It will run just dab it. Also use ocean saline spray. You can only find it online. Vit k-2 , biorutin and magnesium will help. Needed third had only small area left otherwise getting better. 12 hrs of dripping. Leave the crust inside it will come out when ready. Doctors wont say anything unless you ask

Agreed. Doctors won't say anything unless one asks! It's called personal responsibility. I asked. Doctors said don't blow nose for 4-5 days. Keep it moist. Use Ocean saline spray (found mine at grocery store).

Had my left nostril done on Friday. The procedure itself wasn't so bad, just burning sensation, but afterwards, when the numbing meds wore off it hurt like hell. Pain meds, thank you. I was advised to use Ocean saline frequently during the day, and Vaseline with a Q-tip twice a day to keep the area moist (someone I read had a doctor suggesting using Vaseline using a fingernail...BAD idea in general-- DO NOT USE YOUR FINGER...SHEESH!!!!) I haven't yet had another nosebleed, but have been advised the nasal passage was so bad it could have to be done again, which I will do. BUT, I will say, I did it on a Friday and am sure glad I did. No WAY I could have gone to work the next day or even today!

Best to everyone. Not a pleasant procedure, but I had profuse nosebleeds twice a day, like turning the faucet on full blast, so anything is an improvement over that!

I got my right nostril cauterized this morning and it was painful! The doctor numbed my nose 2 different ways and then burned two blood vessels. At first it didn't hurt at all and then after about 30 seconds I felt a lot of burning. My nose has been stuffy ever since this morning and it is driving me crazy. I have pain in my right jaw, right gums/teeth, and by my right cheek bone. After all the research I have been doing I hope that the pain actually is gone after a few days.

My doctor told me to stay away from ibuprofen, aleve, excedrin, etc. He told me just to take tylenol for the pain, nothing else. I put an ice pack on my jaw for a while and that helped my jaw a little bit.

I have been sneezing too from the pain which actually made it feel better and more cleared out a little bit. The dripping nose and not being able to blow it for a week is driving me crazy! Hang in there everyone!

My 14 year old son had both nostrils cauterized with silver nitrate today. I thought our biggest concern was the horrid black stains on his nostrils and beneath his nose and on his lips and fingers. The nurse practitioner who did this never warned us about anything. I didn't even know she was going to do the procedure before we went in. She didn't give him any numbing agent, nor did she recommend aftercare painkillers or ointments of any kind. He was sneezing a lot during the procedure and afterwards right in her office. He had congestion before we went in, so I asked her if it was okay for him to blow his nose and she said yes. This is all very baffling. The only thing she recommended was that he not pick his nose and to see an ENT in the next few weeks. I sure hope he doesn't go through the head and teeth pain afterwards, I also hope he didn't inhale that horrid stuff while sneezing! Once it stains your face, does it continue to corrode? I hope not! Maybe it's a good thing he sneezed it out after all. I'm hoping it won't be as damaging now that he did. This is scary.