Septum issue

[s8t5hx]

I noticed over the past year or so that the front of my septum on my left side has eroded. I saw the doctor about this in sep 05 to which he said there was nothing to worry about. He said there was a small infection in the passage and prescribed me with some cream. I was still concered about my nose towards the end of last year. It feels very sensitive, and whilst not painful makes me feel like someone has scratched a chalkboard when I touch it. I decided to see the Doctor again amongst other issues and he implied that I was overreacting and that the only way to rectify it was to get rhinoplastry, which he found amusing to tell me as though I was worrying over nothing.

He checked the passage again and told me that nothing was rotting away, he had no explanation as to why it had rotted away and that there was another infection that was not related, that was further up the passageway of my nose and he prescribed more cream.

Out of curiosity, I decided to check a drug that I have been taking on and off for the past couple of years for acne. I don't know why I decided to check it, but I did. I noticed that one of the side effects was nasal erosion. What I want to know is, would I be eligible for free nasal surgery to replace the missing cartlidge. It is something that bugs me and when people see it (when I rub my nose or something) people stare and ask questions. Someone even asked if I was taking cocaine!! I am fed up of the bone like part of my nose being partially exposed and even though it is not visible straight away, it is very sensitive and when i scratch or rub my nose it can be seen. I just want to know if there is anything that I can do as even though I questioned the doctor, he did not decide to check what I was being prescribed or what I had been prescribed. I only want to get this fixed, but I cannot afford to pay for surgery. If anybody knows anything more about this, pls help.

Thanks in advance

[whowhatwhy]

I'm sorry to hear that you been having a rough time over this, it's never easy to ensure that other people, including doctors, actually take things like this seriously enough and address all of your concerns. Unless you have an arm falling off sometimes it can be hard to convince someone that an issue that appears so small and insignificant to them is actually effecting your life.

I am only going on memory here, but I think that it is possible to get operations such as Rhinoplastry carried out under the NHS. If it can be shown that your physiological well-being (and to a certain extent, physical well being...through induced depression) is being effected by this physical attribute then there are grounds for NHS plastic surgery. Such is the same for women with breast size / shape problems...breast implants are offered under the NHS for certain cases. I see no difference in principle in this. You should make sure that you doctor is VERY aware of how uncomfortable you are about the condition and discuss this with them. And if you don't get along with them then ask to see another in the practice.

I hope you manage to get some good advice on this, sounds like you need a very small procedure to resolve this...keep at it , good luck and let us know how you get on.

ps a good chum of mine is a GP (used to be a surgeon) so if you still need some impartial advice i can ask his opinion.

[sqad617]

It is not uncommon for the lower part of the nasal septum to protrude, and in so doing so may become infected or "irritated" due to the prominence of it. This can be rectified on the NHS without undergoing a "full blown Rhinoplasty", as a smaller proceedure Septoplasty can be effective.

[s8t5hx]

Thanks very much for the answers!! Much appreciated. Going to book an appt with the doctor later today.

Thanks again