Handling regret for not doing this sooner?!
Context: 1 week post-op, had splints out today and HOLY. Is this how everyone else has been breathing their whole lives?!
I'll skip the operation / recovery chat because it's been well covered, but wondering if anyone else has struggled with the psychological side of this decision, and wishing they'd done it sooner?
I didn't realise my septum was deviated til I was 30. Went through the NHS system in the UK and waited a long time for a surgical date, which was then scheduled 9 days before a trip to France (1.5hr flight), two weeks before a long haul flight to Indonesia, from which I was moving to New Zealand. My surgeon advised the recovery dates were too tight and I cancelled the surgery. Figured I'd got this far without it.
In the following years it bothered me on and off, depending on how much attention I gave it. I was in the runup to leaving a job at a tech company when they suddenly offered private healthcare. I was so focused on leaving, and had mentally shelved the idea of surgery, that I didn't even consider pursuing it.
Fast forward another few years and after getting fixated on my breathing again (and the asymmetry I think it's creating in my face?!) I've just self-funded the surgery at 38. I know I'm only a week into recovery but I am kicking myself for not doing this sooner, for taking the conservative advice in the first instance, and not prioritising it when insurance cropped up.
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is today. I know. But, anyone else?!
PS. My recovery tip? Mouth wash! My teeth felt so fuzzy from all the mouth breathing and my top lip was hard to move up enough to brush well. Also a travel pillow to keep your head upright whilst sleeping :)