Two Weeks After FESS Surgery
Hello everyone, I'm a 25-year-old female, and I underwent surgery around two weeks ago for my sinuses. Pre-operation, my anterior and posterior ethmoid sinuses were almost entirely filled, leading to persistent headaches and a general sense of discomfort for several months. However, even two weeks post-surgery, I’m still experiencing pressure and headaches. My ENT seems a bit unusual and doesn’t directly address whether this is typical for recovery. I’m curious to know if anyone else has had experiences with the healing process for ethmoid sinus issues. I'm beginning to worry that this procedure might not have been worth it.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 11:50:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned two weeks after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), especially if you're still experiencing pressure and headaches. Your symptoms can be part of the normal healing process, but monitoring them is important.
Explanation: After FESS, it’s common for patients to experience residual pressure, headaches, or even mild discomfort as tissues heal and swelling reduces. It can take several weeks to a few months for the sinuses to fully clear and for symptoms to improve significantly. The surgery helps by opening up blocked sinuses, but the healing takes time, and it’s typical to still have some symptoms during this period.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Management: Focus on keeping comfortable. Consider using saline nasal sprays to help clear your sinuses and reduce any irritation. Staying well-hydrated can also promote healing.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your headaches and pressure levels over the next week. Note any changes or if new symptoms develop, such as fever, increased pain, or changes in your nasal discharge (like a change in color or smell).
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Follow Up with Your ENT: If your symptoms persist or worsen over the next week, it’s important to communicate this to your ENT doctor. They may want to evaluate you again to ensure that healing is occurring as expected and rule out any complications, such as infections.
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Rest and Recovery: Prioritize rest, as your body is working hard to heal. Avoid activities that could irritate your sinuses, such as heavy lifting, excessive bending over, or exposure to irritants (like smoke or strong scents).
Remember, it's common to feel frustrated during the recovery process, but most patients see gradual improvement over time. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for guidance.
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