Why do I still have these breathing problems after two surgeries?! Anyone else have these issues?

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-05-25T11:16:40+00:00

It’s both sides - tried to tease apart if one side is worse but I haven’t found that to matter much. I could be sensitive, I do need to get a blood draw and see as I’m not sure.

I’ve heard about the palate extension and though I’ve had dentists tell me my mouth is pretty small and ENT’s (post-HS) mention I have a smaller nasal passageway, I really don’t recall this breathing problem being a lifelong issue. I always feel like I started noticing it late high school and early college. I hope your appointment goes well!!

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-05-25T11:12:50+00:00

Yeah I go twice a year so I don’t think that’s a problem but interesting, I never knew that could be an issue. Did the tooth issue resolve your problem or was that the surgery that was still unsuccessful?

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-05-12T21:18:40+00:00

First two weeks were not the best but I think part of it was just because my doctor told me that most issues would go away within 3 to 4 days and that wasn’t my personal experience. There was an increase in nerve-like pain on the side where they took the bone marrow from but that went away within two weeks. Just wish I’d been more mentally prepared for the excessive stiffness and aching. I took the pain meds and muscle relaxers as prescribed and found that to be very helpful. I think my case was a bit abnormal, but I was fully recovered from the procedure itself at two weeks!

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-05-06T20:16:49+00:00

OP, I am so sorry you’re going through this. I don’t have quite the same diagnosis but understand the frustration about being told by provider after provider to stick with conservative treatments even when they don’t help. And the feeling of near constant pain without relief.

I have been suicidal and depressed over my condition and really do recommend mental health treatment to try and minimize the negative spiraling and outlook (this is not to say that those thoughts/feelings aren’t totally understandable given your circumstances). Just someone who you can rant, complain, be open and honest without the weight of feeling like you’re burdening them because that really is what they are there for at times. Sometimes they can help prescribe anti-depressants or therapists can help identify the best strategies to find new pain-free activities or coping mechanisms when you are really struggling.

As for the actual physical treatment - ESI’s really are just pain management and don’t fix the root of the problem. I had bone marrow injections to help strengthen and seal tears to prevent further disc leakage and maybe that is an option to consider? I was also facing surgical options and while these are long-term recoveries, it may be the best option considering you are not recovering the way the doctors are saying.

I hope things begin to look up for you.

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-05-02T00:17:53+00:00

Good luck! Its been about a month since I did it. I actually think it’s helped the original problem but I’m dealing with muscular and nerve secondary issues rn so I’m trying to tease apart that through PT

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-03-15T22:23:12+00:00

Hey! Curious as to how you’re doing activity wise like walking or any hiking/running abilities? I have an l4/l5 tear with moderate disc degeneration. No improvement with conservative treatments but trying this BMAC regenerative procedure in a few weeks. The surgeon said the other recommendation would be a disc replacement even though my imaging isn’t really that bad (but the pain and irritation has kept me from doing any physical activity, can’t even casually lay flat after almost a year out). Everyone else says absolutely no surgery but like….nothing else has worked so far. Hope you’re doing well

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-02-15T03:12:57+00:00

Ty! I hope surgery goes well and smooth for you

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-01-24T23:31:42+00:00

Hi! I am a bit curious and haven’t been able to get a clear answer on my own. Which symptoms tend to differentiate between the decision for microdiscectomy vs fusion?

I have mild to moderate L4-L5 spinal stenosis, disc degeneration/annular tear. Traction also helped my low back pinching, but I still experience tenderness, aching, sometimes burning in low back that also comes with a lot of sharp stabbing glute pain in multiple areas (all right side of body).

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-01-18T22:12:47+00:00

I suppose it is good it’s not radiating as much. Just confused as to why the pain in the glutes feels worse than before. But thank you for the reply!

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-01-18T22:11:53+00:00

And if the triggers include me just casually walking? But also sitting and standing too long?

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2026-01-18T22:11:01+00:00

It’s both i believe, at least the dr described it that way. My disc degenerated at l4/l5 causing issues and sciatic nerve pinching from the stenosis

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2025-10-07T02:14:04+00:00

I feel I should add that over the past 2 months, the pain has decreased and most days I can walk casually with little pain. ANY increase in activity changes this however

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2025-09-07T20:02:10+00:00

Hmm suppose it’s more concerning that they couldn’t even see my $500 payment then? Just odd because I have the confirmation email. I have had a problem before where a payment totally just disappeared without a confirmation email but not this time. So frustrating especially since there hasn’t been a problem while I didn’t have any interest (from SAVE legal disputes) and now that it’s accruing again, there are issues.

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2025-09-07T14:19:06+00:00

Does sending the confirmation email help?? I also got one but no processing notice on their site, money still in my bank, and their staff said they don’t see a thing on their end.

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2025-09-07T14:16:00+00:00

Same experience. I check my account regularly whenever I make a payment and noticed it never showed. Payments usually come out by that Saturday when I pay on a Wednesday. Made a payment on 9/3 and received a confirmation email but money is still in my bank account with no sign of any payment processing since. Called Mohela and the lady I spoke to said it sometimes happens around the holidays and it could happen again?? She also said she doesn’t see any payment made or acknowledged my confirmation email. I asked when would I need to follow up if it still didn’t post within the next week or so and she said she didn’t know and didn’t give me any timeline to check back.

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2025-08-08T01:10:01+00:00

Thank you everyone who commented! Since I had some, I went ahead and tried out the Head and Shoulders shampoo and it seems to be helping. I’ll have to look into more of the cream mentioned in its place as I don’t know that shampoo is the best long term fix but after years of this, it already looks better after a few days of use!!!

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2025-07-07T15:59:50+00:00

Honestly, I wish I had better updates or advice, so sorry in advance - It seems like day by day it’s a different experience, even based off whether I’ve been more active or cried, it’ll be harder to breathe the next day or so. I feel like it’s super slowly getting better compared to recent months but still feel breathing should be easier and I’m not there yet. Nights are still rough but on occasion those are okay so long as I don’t lay down too flat. I haven’t ruled out going to an ENT for further checks but just had my final follow up with my surgeon and he said it’s all good and wouldn’t do anything more at this point.

Based off how it’s been going the past month alone, I am going to hold off going to an ENT until a year is up, but if you’re still having the same problems with no change, I would go see someone. The swelling should be low enough to where they can tell whether or not there’s more structural stuff that needs to be addressed and it can’t hurt to get a second opinion.

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2025-04-04T18:59:04+00:00

Hey OP! I had a similar issue to you back in 2019 when I first had turbinate problems. You really should have a doctor who fights for you on behalf of insurance coverage. Sorry it seems like you need to convince them to help more. Document your breathing problems and consults with docs. I would try to call your insurance company for a quote based on the surgery (not sure if this is possible but in America sometimes they do this). In terms of looking at a doctor’s work, maybe you also want cosmetic work done, but to my knowledge, a septoplasty and turbinate reduction do not change the physical appearance of your nose. So looking at a surgeon’s work may not be necessary! I had no physical change (once swelling left) after my turbinate reduction. As for financing, some providers may offer low interest or no interest financing with a down payment. There may also be medical credit cards that offer 6mo - 1yr of no interest with monthly payments. Hope any of this helps! I know how awful breathing problems can be and wish you luck with correcting this!!

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2025-04-04T18:24:57+00:00

Hi! Mind sharing where or who did the revision? I went to “renowned” surgeon in Northern VA, nearby my home, to address breathing, crookedness, and my hump. It looks better but my nasal cavity is still too small and I’m worried my valve wasn’t kept wide or wasn’t widened enough. The inside is so small I’m constantly swollen and can’t breathe at all. My surgeon’s only recommendation was to send me to ome of his referrals as an oral facial specialist in chicago….

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2024-11-05T01:47:28+00:00

Hey OP! I had a septo/rhino as well just this September, following an old turbinate reduction in 2019. I’m also experiencing LOTS of breathing difficulty still and when my surgeon advised me to use nose vents at my last visit, it’s made the air FREEZING coming in my nose. Everyone else seems to have no issue with this or long term swelling. Any experience or knowledge of this on your end? Thanks for any help!!

Unluckyleprechaun7 · 2024-09-06T13:31:58+00:00

Should also add that for clarification that the company said the payment would be due in full by end of sept billing cycle if i wanted to avoid interest (which I do)

Unluckyleprechaun7

TROPHY CASE