British Snoring & Sleep Apnoea Association

As an ex-nurse (who used to work on ENT) i had an idea what was in store when my consultant suggested a septoplasty. Being recognised by some ex-colleagues i hoped i wasn't going to get the 'well you know what happens don't you ..'. I was pleasantly surprised.

Everything almost went to plan. The only fly in the ointment was a patient who turned up to hospital and scheduled to be operated on after me. They had turned up to hospital, were all prepped and decided they didn't want the operation. So the surgeon and anaesthetist had to run around sorting them out. Most apologetic for them starting late i was gassed, operated on and returned awake to the ward later than anticipated (which worried my wife).

So, was it worth it? Definately yes. Anything i didn't expect? Well i have far more blooded bogies up my nose than i expected and it is difficult not to stick my finger up and pull them out. The nasal bolsters (with ties, not adhesive tape) do help. Also - the first time i had something to eat (toast ), it stuck to the back of my throat and i did a great rendition of barry white. Apparantly i have a narrow laryngopharynx and the tube scraped it when being intubated. These really are nothing (to me anyway) and i hope my snoring dissapears - if not, then another operation may be needed.

Advice for other people? Well if you have any doubts talk to your GP, consultant or ask to speak to an anaesthetist well before the day of your operation. It's not just the surgeon and anaesthesthetist who is affected by a decision to cancel - oh and a cancellation costs the NHS about £500.

Happy Crimbo folks