3 months ago Prof. Harvey performed my full frontal sinus and septum repair operation. The result is fantastic and even better than I expected! I can now breath and my taste and smell is returning. I was quite nervous about having this operation at 70 years of age. I have had sinus problems all my adult life, using various sprays over many years, with very little success. Prof. Harvey felt this operation would really help and we talked through all aspects including risks, recovery and post operative daily sinus wash to help with my allergies. Prof. Harvey has made my life so much better! Thank you. .
Posted Date : 05/01/2022
Anonymous
I started getting nasal polyps when I was 28 years old. I was actually diagnosed with Samter’s Triad which is a combination of having nasal polyps, asthma and aspirin sensitivity. I was getting endoscopic surgery to remove the polyps every 18 months. This would give me about 6 months sinus relief where I could breathe somewhat comfortably. Then my sinuses would be blocked again, full of polyps. I had the most aggressive kind.
I have had 8 operations over 15 years including my first with Professor Richard Harvey. The last 2 operations before Profssor Harvey were 4 years apart which was a huge win from doing it every 18 months. Maybe due to diet changes, experimenting with new medications and removing dust mites from my environment (was allergic to them). These were the few of many precautions I took to live a normal life. The constant struggles of blowing my nose constantly everyday, not sleeping solidly for more than 4 hours and having no sense of smell was slowly eating away at my hope for finding a permanent solution.
I was skeptical when I first met Professor Richard Harvey. After many years of seeing so many different specialists, it was hard for me to believe Richard could deliver a result that was better than what I had experienced. Richard suggested a procedure and was in providing a solution which would help maintain clear sinuses and prevent polyps from returning. He even mentioned the possibility of smell returning.
After some careful consideration, I decided to go ahead with the procedure. It was a big decision as I felt I had put my body through many operations and prescription drugs and was slightly concerned to do another procedure which was more intrusive than previous ones.
4 weeks after my operation, my sinuses were very, very clear. At the time, I did not get excited. I thought to myself, let’s see if it remains this way. Richard told me after my first post operation consult, that my smell would come back. Within a week, it did. Not only could I breathe clearly but I could smell again and therefore have some flavour when eating food. But again, I wasn’t going to get excited as I wanted to see how long this would last for.
1 year after the operation, not one single polyp has returned and I still have my smell. Except for when I get a cold which is the normal experience one has!
The quality of my life is much better and I feel normal again. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and can finally relax from the pressures of finding solutions, natural or alternative. Interestingly, since the operation, my white blood cell count has dropped back to normal range indicating that I am less allergy prone. My overall health has improved significantly.
Zoran.
Anonymous
Very happy with the operation and thanks again Richard
Regards
Khalid
Anonymous
wonderful and thorough surgeon. fully explained the procedure and allayed all my concerns. I can now breathe comfortably and also sleep through the night. My previous Ent surgeon was dismissive of my concerns whereas prof Harvey actually listened. Highly recommended
Anonymous
For many years I had what I thought to be sinus issues and post nasal drip and blocked nose and bleeding and crusting issues. I had been to the Dr on many occasions for infections which would then travel down to my chest and then having to use endless nasal sprays and antihistamines with little relief and I felt exhausted from antibiotics being taken for the endless infections. I finally saw a lovely specialist who saw nothing too out of the ordinary on my CT scans but when he looked up my nose he was shocked to find a large septal perforation. He said that the only ENT surgeon that he would allow me to attend to have it repaired was Prof Richard Harvey. I followed his advice and saw Prof Harvey and he fully explained the procedure that he would need to do to close my septal perforation. I arranged for the surgery to go ahead and I had been told that I would look totally normal when leaving the hospital because the work to be done is all inside the nose and that I would have very little pain. I found this to be very accurate. I awoke from surgery and had no pain and my husband drove me home shortly after the surgery. Yes I experienced extensive swelling within the nasal passages for the next week and there was a bit of pressure but I had no pain and certainly didn’t require any pain meds other than the occasional Panadol. I did experience a fair amount of blood dripping from my nose so I used a nasal sling which took care of that and I was not allowed to bend over because that would create more pressure and bleeding. However I was up and about and feeding and rugging the horse and walking the dogs and doing the usual household chores and as the swelling went down with the assistance of a week on steroids and strong antibiotics to cover me I began to get air through my nasal passages. It did take a few weeks before I could breathe properly but I got better and better each day. I am very glad that I went ahead with the surgery. Since then I have had no infections and no nasal crusting and no bleeding and my nose continues to feel better each day. I continue to use saline nasal flushes and that is very helpful. I do have some very mild numbness within the right nasal passage were the flap to cover my perforation was performed and a tiny spot behind my two upper front teeth but this is something that will fade with time and it in no way concerns me or bothers me. I also find Prof Harvey to be one of the most personable surgeons that I have ever met. He is delightful and extremely informative and shows great empathy.
Anonymous
I have had sinus problems for many years. After using steroid sprays, antibiotics & antihistamines I was feeling constantly tired, sick & irritable. Dr Harvey diagnosed me with non allergic rhinitis & recommended that I use capsicum spray. I thought that was weird but decided I had nothing to lose by starting this treatment. This was in May. I know feel wonderful- my breathing is clear, no headaches, I have lots of energy & cold, hot, windy weather, air conditioning, & fragrances etc no longer bother my nose. I use the sprays for a few days every month when I feel my old symptoms returning. For me Dr Harvey has been a miracle worker.
Deborah Drexler