Posts by Alex Moore62

Brenda Sanders16 said:Hopefully everything turns out fine; I'm hoping—if luck is on my side—to get scheduled for surgery in October. I have to admit, I'm terrified; I've never been in a hospital before, let alone undergone any kind of surgery. Please, just tell me if you're happy with your nose job (if you had one)—I might look into fixing that too, though I'm a bit anxious about how I'll end up.🙂.
Thanks for all the answers; you've helped me so much.

The nurse handles the scheduling—she certainly did for me—and she just looks for the first available slot. If there's a specific time that works better for you, don't be afraid to ask if it's possible; in fact, aiming for a later date might actually be easier since those slots tend to stay open longer. I should mention, you aren't obligated to blindly accept the very first opening they offer; see if you can negotiate a time that actually fits your life. She’ll flip through the appointment book, and you two can pick a date together. 😉

Don't let the idea of surgery scare you; it really isn't as daunting as it sounds. Honestly, I’d do it again if necessary (and maybe even if I wanted to 😁 to fix a few other things—though strictly functional stuff, I have no interest in cosmetic changes). Just be prepared for the fact that you won't be able to breathe through your nose for a while until they remove the packing, and you might deal with a sore throat if they have to intubate you. But all of that passes quickly, and the most important thing is managing any discomfort, resting, and keeping up with your food and water intake. 😉

As for cosmetic work, I haven't had any aesthetic procedures done, so I can't really weigh in on that. My tip was only slightly raised—barely noticeable—simply because the doctor decided it was necessary for better airflow and whatnot. I didn't deal with any bruising or anything like that, and my tip actually looked quite a bit more lifted immediately after the procedure than it does now (it settled down a bit once the swelling subsided and everything found its place), which made my nose look significantly narrower for that initial period.

I don't check this thread as regularly as I used to, so I'm not entirely sure what your exact plans are—ultimately, the doctor will make the call, and that decision dictates how long and difficult your recovery will be. He’ll definitely do a good job with the aesthetics; I know he performs reconstructive surgeries for medical issues as well, so he clearly knows his craft. 👍

Brenda Sanders16 said:I tried booking an appointment with Paul Sullivan88 back on July 7th, 2010, and I’ve reached out to Taylor via both email and phone regarding her clinic, but every single time they tell me there isn't an opening left this year.
It just doesn't make sense to me; the exam only takes ten minutes, yet I'm determined to see him.
I actually have an acquaintance who works there as a nurse, and she mentioned that getting in with him is impossible right now, though nobody will give me a straight answer as to why it suddenly became such a hurdle. I really can't afford to wait until 2011 just to get on the schedule.
When I was asking around, people kept saying Paul Sullivan88 is the best, followed by Taylor, and then Brady. I've been following your posts, which is why I leaned toward Taylor, so thanks for getting back to me. Did you ever have them perform a corrective procedure, and how was the outcome?

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with Dr. Smith either, so don't sweat it 👍, because he's excellent.
As for Taylor, she’s likely just completely underwater this year; she carries an enormous patient load and handles incredibly high-stakes, complex cases, like oncological surgeries.
If I may offer one bit of advice: try to schedule any surgery during the colder months, like winter, rather than in the middle of summer. It makes the recovery process much smoother and helps minimize the risk of complications.
Best of luck 🙂

Brenda Sanders16 said:No, I didn't misunderstand you. I sent an email and she told me that Taylor doesn't have any openings for an initial consultation, and that you can book with other doctors in July or August.
I'm seeing Brady in May (for the first checkup).
Thanks for getting back to me; I was also just wondering if you had any additional corrective work done or if it was just the deviation.

It seems a bit strange to me that you can't get an initial appointment with Taylor anymore. I know someone who tried to book a first visit with him just ten or fifteen days ago, and they couldn't get a slot until late August—back in 2010, of course.
Maybe try calling them directly to see if you get a different story, or perhaps head down to the VA Hospital in person to inquire, depending on where you're located.
If you ask me, you should hold out for Taylor. He’s incredibly skilled, so don't let the wait discourage you. He performed my surgery, and there isn't a chance in hell I'd choose anyone else.

John Jackson7 said:It all started when my wife finally lost her patience with my snoring and pushed me to see an ENT specialist; he suspected sleep apnea and sent me for an overnight sleep study, which confirmed that I was actually suffocating during about 10% of my sleep, leaving me completely drained every single day.

I had surgery on my ribs about ten days ago, and the recovery process has been a long, pretty miserable slog.
I checked into the hospital on Monday, had the procedure on Tuesday, and was discharged by Wednesday.
For the last ten days, my diet has mostly consisted of water and whatever painkillers I can stomach.

Oof, hang in there! 👍
Which surgeon handled your case, and what are they saying regarding the success rate of the procedure?
I’m honestly starting to think about backing out of the surgery altogether.

Jason White26 said:Hey everyone!
For nearly fifteen years now, I’ve been stuck in this relentless cycle of seasonal colds, recurring strep throat, sinus congestion, and those pounding headaches that just won't quit. It’s reached the point where I’m popping antibiotics three or four times a year just to stay functional. Every single winter, I find myself walking on eggshells—avoiding cold drinks, obsessively checking the weather before stepping outside, living in constant fear of a draft. My friends have long since made it their mission to poke fun at me, joking that I live my life under a glass bell jar just to stay upright. For the longest time, I honestly accepted this as my reality, convinced I was simply predestined to live such a fragile, cautious existence. 🤷 It’s a bit surreal to think that after fifteen years of seeing the same doctor, they’ve finally decided to hand me off to a specialist because they suspect my sinus issues are more than just a passing nuisance. It feels like a strange milestone, isn't it? To have a medical relationship that spans over a decade only to reach this point where the primary care physician admits they've hit a wall and needs someone else to take the reins. 😲
So, I finally made the trip down to Miami to see a specialist, Dr. Sunara. After running through the usual checks, he informed me that I have some kind of deviated septum causing issues and sent me off for a battery of follow-up tests, specifically looking into allergies and conducting a rhinometry. The results came back indicating a mild sensitivity to dust—which, according to the doctor, isn't exactly cause for alarm—but the rhinometry confirmed the deviation, showing that my right nostril is significantly more congested than the left.
Following that, I headed back to see the specialist—Dr. Poljak this time—and after he combed through my test results, he mapped out a two-month course involving Aerius tablets and Flixonase spray. He also went ahead and scheduled a nasal surgery for early May, since, in his professional estimation, it’s looking like an inevitability at this point.
I’ve been spending some time wading through all the various accounts of that surgery, but I don't let them weigh too heavily on my mind. At the end of the day, those stories are nothing more than subjective snapshots, deeply colored by individual temperament and personal perception. What actually interests me—the part that carries any real weight—is the aftermath, the long stretch of life once the procedure is finally behind you.
So, how does the recovery actually play out, and just how long am I looking at before things feel normal again?
How much time am I actually going to have to spend on medical leave, and when can I realistically expect to get back to work?
Will I end up looking like a youthful Frankenstein for the foreseeable future? 😁
Is there any chance I'll be dealing with lingering side effects after the surgery, like my nose running constantly for months on end, or persistent pain in my nose and head? Basically, when can I expect to actually feel like a normal person again?

If you’re actually considering surgery in Miami, you really ought to do your homework regarding which surgeons are worth your time. It wouldn't be a bad idea to seek out a second opinion from someone heavy-hitting—someone with real authority in the field—before making any final calls. You need to be incredibly specific with your questions: ask them exactly what they intend to fix through the procedure, what the absolute best-case scenario looks like, and just as importantly, what the worst possible outcome could be. Don't leave anything to chance.
If you find yourself needing surgery, my honest advice is to stop playing the guessing game with your health. I spent several years just trying to manage the symptoms and waiting for the "right" moment, essentially hoping the problem would resolve itself through sheer luck. Now that I’ve finally gone through with the procedure, it’s painfully clear that I should have done it much sooner; the relief is significant, and looking back, the delay was entirely unnecessary.
Even so, you're likely going to keep running into trouble whenever the temperature drops, mostly because you seem to be one of those people who is just biologically sensitive to the cold. I deal with the exact same struggle, and my doctor has been pretty blunt about it—telling me there isn't some magic fix or lifestyle change that can actually alter how my body reacts. It’s just one of those things you have to manage through sheer caution, like making sure you don't accidentally breathe in that biting chill that sets everything off.
There shouldn’t be any leaking following the procedure. Obviously, in the immediate aftermath, you might experience some bleeding or a bit of a runny nose, but think of that as the body simply clearing things out—it's a standard part of the process. Of course, heavy bleeding is a different story entirely and isn't what we're looking for. As for pain, you might feel some discomfort for just a few days right after the surgery, though honestly, some people don't feel much at all. It’s nothing to lose sleep over. If it does start to ache, just take something for the pain; there is absolutely no reason to suffer through it, especially since being in pain makes it impossible to get the rest you need to recover properly. Just be smart about it and avoid anything that might thin your blood—like Ketonal—because taking those types of medications after an operation is strictly off-limits.
Since we’re talking about general anesthesia combined with brain surgery, you really have to consider the sheer magnitude of the shock this puts on the body. It isn't just a minor procedure; it's a massive systemic upheaval. You need to give yourself permission to truly decompress—no pushing yourself, no straining, just pure rest. Plan to spend at least a week just lying low at home, focusing entirely on eating well and letting your system stabilize. Once you've had that time to recover, your doctor will evaluate how you're doing during the follow-up appointment and decide on the next steps based on your actual progress.
I’d suggest setting aside about a month for this and trying to steer clear of crowded spots and high-stress situations leading up to the surgery. You really need your immune system firing on all cylinders so you don't end up catching some random bug or infection right when you shouldn't.
Best of luck 👍

Ronald Cook17 said:I suspect high-end private clinics actually vet their patients for cosmetic procedures much more strictly than public hospitals do. They aren't reckless enough to take unnecessary risks. If something goes sideways with a patient in a private setting, the entire practice faces ruin; if it happens in a public hospital, it’s just another day at the office.
It follows that private clinics ought to possess—though many certainly don't—every bit of life-saving equipment, anesthesia gear, and the guarantee of a full medical team standing by during surgery. It's fundamental. Having the right staff and the right tools is everything. From what I gather, surgeons working in the public system aren't even permitted to perform elective cosmetic work in the hospital unless the patient pays an extra fee, and even then, they rarely have the luxury of time since actual emergencies always take precedence. Ultimately, the whole situation is a total mess; you have private facilities that are better equipped than our top-tier hospitals, and then you have public hospitals that fail to meet even the most basic standards.

I think the crux of the matter lies in that phrase "ought to"—and that applies equally to both the private sector and the public hospitals.
Broadly speaking, our healthcare system is in a coma, stuck in a state that should be unthinkable, but that’s a much larger, more harrowing saga that requires urgent overhaul.
God forbid anyone falls seriously ill without having a massive bank account to back them up. 😢

gentlemaker46 said:The clinic I went to actually documented everything, so I have the paperwork to prove it. Honestly, though, I’m terrified of going back there; if the doctor didn't catch this mistake the first time, I doubt he'll know how to fix it now. I want to demand my money back, but I have no idea how I'd ever actually get it. To be blunt about doctors in major hospitals—the ones who actually know what they're doing usually run their own private practices. In the hospital setting, they just hand the scalpel over to interns so they can get their hours in. So, the options are basically non-existent. I could sit here and cry for years, but I'm still paying off the cost of this nose. If only I had a nose worth paying for in the first place... it's just awful.

It’s like Ronald Cook17 said: you can't just spiral into despair; you have to take concrete steps to resolve the situation. Your first move should be trying to claw back the money you handed over, because the job wasn't completed—all you've gained is a new set of problems and expenses created by his incompetence. On top of that, you're looking at more anesthesia and another surgery, which is a massive shock to the system. This isn't just a financial hit; it's a physical and psychological one, too. You're essentially taking on extra health risks just to undo the damage from the first procedure.
And by the way, how are you still paying for your nose? WHY would you continue making payments for something that was botched?

Regarding those interns in the hospitals—you get exactly what you negotiate for. If you make a solid agreement with your surgeon that he will be the one performing the procedure personally, then you don't have to worry about being a training tool.

Rebecca Gomez37 said:Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't shy away from Ostojic. He definitely has the skill to fix this, but it’s incredibly infuriating when you deal with all those people who try to talk you out of what you want until you feel like you're losing your mind.
Once he realizes he's dealing with someone who actually knows exactly what they want, he'll pivot his approach just to make sure you walk away satisfied, so don't back down.

From what I gather, the issue isn't that he didn't give her the specific look she was going for; it's simply that the execution was sloppy and lacked any real quality. In my opinion, there's no point in dragging this out with him and risking an even bigger disaster.

Ronald Cook17 said:Of course it’s not wise to return to the exact same surgeon for a revision if they refuse to admit the first procedure went sideways. It usually suggests they lack the expertise to actually fix what was broken. That said, it’s equally misguided to insist that only hospital-based surgeons can handle corrections; that simply isn't the reality. We all know that doctors in public hospitals rarely perform these kinds of procedures because aesthetic work is almost exclusively handled in private practice. Not every hospital doctor is a specialist, nor is every private practitioner dishonest. We shouldn't generalize; it’s not about where a person practices, but how they practice. Besides, even Dr. Jurlina, whom you seem so fond of mentioning, operates in the private sector.

I am not claiming that only hospital doctors possess the skill to fix a mistake, but I am firmly convinced that hospitals tend to adhere more strictly to established medical protocols and professional standards. Even if things don't go perfectly, a hospital has specialized teams ready to tackle any complication or crisis that arises mid-surgery, allowing them to act instantly to save someone's life or health. If something goes wrong at a private clinic—like that one we read about where they apparently couldn't even manage a simple needle or provide proper local anesthesia, let alone have an anesthesiologist on hand—I fear the outcome would be disastrous. You'd likely find them calculating the liability of transporting you to a hospital before they ever think about saving you. That’s the scenario that truly terrifies me. And to top it off, you're expected to pay a fortune for the privilege.
That is why I chose a hospital; it was both for the advanced equipment and staff readiness should a crisis occur, and because I felt certain about the quality of the physician. To be fair, I did seek a second opinion from another highly regarded specialist recommended by a different hospital, who confirmed that the proposed plan was indeed the correct course of action.
Personally, I wasn't aware that Jurlina works privately, mainly because he never used those subtle tactics many others employ—redirecting patients toward private practice under the guise of avoiding long wait times at the hospital. I actually respect him for that; he never pressured me, nor does he seem to do so with his other patients.
Where does he practice? Is he operating out of a private clinic? Which one?
If I were to choose a private option, my intention would still be to have the actual surgery performed in a hospital setting. In other words, I would only consider a doctor who maintains a private practice but performs their surgeries in a hospital, specifically for the reasons I just mentioned.

Rebecca Gomez37 said:Why doesn't she just go back to Ostojic, take a firm stand, and demand he fixes the mess he made?
She should lay all those facts out in front of him; honestly, I’d even bring up legal action if he continued to ignore everything.
We aren't some mindless dolls they can just play with as if we have money growing on trees!

But why would anyone ever return to people like that? 🙏
In my opinion, it wouldn't be particularly wise for her to step foot in that same doctor's office again. If he had possessed the skill to do it right the first time, he would have.
I wouldn't let someone like him touch me with a scalpel again, even in my wildest dreams. Who knows what kind of disaster he might cause during a second attempt? The only logical path is to pursue damages, demand a full refund, and file a lawsuit.
It makes much more sense to head to a major hospital to see a specialist who comes highly recommended—someone who will give you an honest assessment of what can actually be repaired—rather than being lied to by a private practitioner who is just looking to bleed your bank account dry.

Joseph Hughes7 said:I went to Johns Hopkins Hospital for a consultation with Dr. Martin Jurlina based on a recommendation.
The guy spent maybe three minutes looking me over before telling me the whole thing has to be done under general anesthesia.

And then he drops this bombshell: he isn't responsible if the procedure fails. I was just standing there thinking, WTF! 😲

When I tried to press him on what he meant by that or how the surgery would actually go, he just shut down—acting like he couldn't hear a word I was saying.

So where does that leave me? Do I go to a private specialist, like Dr. Ostojić, and shell out a fortune $2667 for the surgery, or do I gamble on a surgeon who acts like he couldn't care less about my outcome?

Does anyone have any actual experience with this doctor at Johns Hopkins Hospital?

Look, our own experiences with Dr. Jurlin have been nothing short of excellent. 🙂
I ended up seeing him after wasting years bouncing between various ENT specialists, including some over at Vinogradska. I spent years being poked and prodded by doctors who didn't seem to achieve anything, yet nothing felt better than when I finally saw him.
What really set Jurlin apart from the rest was his thoroughness—something no one else had bothered to do. He went beyond the basics, ordering everything from allergy blood work to sinus CT scans and nasal endoscopy. Based on that complete picture, he prescribed a truly modern course of treatment. It was immediately obvious to me that he was the real deal, unlike the people I’d been losing time with previously.
He recommended surgery, though I hesitated at first. Since he had gone off to specialize in maxillofacial surgery at Dubrava, I wasn't quite ready to chase him there for the operation. Once he returned to the Salata area, specifically back to Johns Hopkins Hospital, we scheduled the procedure for February 2009. We agreed on a minimally invasive approach—doing just enough to get the desired result without unnecessary excess. He performed a septoplasty, corrected a nasal concha issue, and removed some hypertrophied mucosa. This is my first winter since the surgery, and honestly, it’s likely the first time in twenty years that I haven't been relying on nasal sprays just to breathe normally.
My allergies are still a struggle, and we're still fighting that battle, but my ability to breathe is night and day compared to before.
We recently discussed a follow-up procedure because the turbinates (the lower nasal conchae) are too long, which causes issues by trapping mucus caused by my allergies. Given that I still snore, I’ll also need a UPPP—basically removing tonsil remnants and smoothing out the palate to clear the airway. I’ve booked the appointment, but despite knowing it’s necessary, that old fear is creeping back in. It’s a very human reaction, though looking back, I probably should have pulled the trigger on the first surgery much sooner.

As for Jurlin, don't expect any sugar-coated pleasantries or small talk. He is incredibly skilled, highly efficient, and works a massive volume of cases; even his staff will tell you they hold him in extremely high regard. He is constantly swamped with patients and surgeries, so he doesn't have time for fluff. Don't let that demeanor deter you, because finding a specialist of this caliber isn't easy.
I definitely recommend him over those shady private practitioners whose only goal is to drain your bank account while they play nice, offering you coffee and cookies just to win your favor. Those types won't hesitate to gamble with your health; for instance, they might lack a proper anesthesiologist and end up using cheap, inappropriate pediatric needles (just read the old posts regarding 😱 Tončić.The outcome of the surgery remains a bit of a gamble given their specific level of expertise—or lack thereof—but you won't hear them admit that. He was actually being quite blunt with you about the reality of the situation and what the potential results might look like.
When it comes down to it, Jurlin will undoubtedly do everything in his power to make things work for you without all the unnecessary fluff, and when it comes to actual skill and professionalism, he is someone you can truly lean on.
If you have supplemental insurance, you won't have to worry about the hospital stay or any of the associated costs; everything should be covered. Plus, the department is brand new, featuring private or semi-private rooms equipped with their own bathrooms and TVs.

John Jackson7 said:I’m heading out in two weeks and I can’t wait to get it over with. 😛

www.ski-epic.com/snoring/surgery.html

Where exactly are you headed, and who’s performing the procedure?
I was wondering if anyone here has actually gone through this kind of surgery before—I'd love to hear the full story, from what the actual process looks like to the specifics of the recovery period. Give me all the details...

UPPP is basically a procedure where they tweak the soft palate and uvula, often alongside removing the tonsils, to try and fix snoring issues at the source.

Has anyone here actually gone through with a UPPP? I’m looking for the unvarnished truth—what the actual experience is like, how brutal the recovery process really gets, and just any granular details you can share...

Lisa Hernandez80 said:An endocrinologist... well, given how I am—someone who tends to get worked up over every little thing—I don't think my temperament is entirely without reason, but it feels like the constant grind of school, exams, and all that typical chaos just manifests in me as being thin. I'm hoping things turn around soon, though maybe I’ve been overthinking this hair situation; when I look at what everyone else is dealing with, my own struggles don't seem quite as catastrophic as they did at first...

Honey, things will start looking up once you learn how to master your own internal compass.😉
To put it another way—there is an alternative path available to you, if you can just find a way to view the landscape from a different perspective.👍
Try to slow down and catch your breath for a moment. It might be worth examining whether you are overreacting, whether you are burning energy on trivialities or letting yourself spiral over things that are completely out of your hands, or perhaps catastrophizing about future events before they even happen by playing out these dark, irrational scenarios in your head. If that’s the pattern, it’s high time to break it; you need to start perceiving yourself and the world through a more constructive lens, choosing to approach the future with optimism rather than dread. You’ll find that life becomes significantly lighter and more manageable, and you’ll start noticing that good things actually do happen. If you just take a second to look around, there is plenty of beauty and goodness present, even if it remains hidden from your view while you're caught in a cycle of stress.
If you have spent too much time surrounded by negative people lately, try seeking out better company instead; close the doors on those old influences and focus on moving forward.
Start prioritizing yourself—treat yourself to small joys, indulge a little, and enjoy the simple things.😁 Do what makes you happy, take some actual downtime, pursue your hobbies whenever you get a spare moment, and make sure you're eating well (especially if stress has caused you to neglect your diet).
You're going to be just fine.🙂

rowdyotter65 said:Then you don't have anything to worry about. My hair is thinning out excessively and it's gotten so sparse in certain spots that I'm practically going bald 😢

Wait, are we talking about distinct circular patches where the hair is completely gone, or is it just a general thinning all over?
Because, much like what Angela Wright mentioned, those specific circular patches usually point toward some kind of underlying inflammation, and you really ought to get that checked out by a doctor immediately.

rowdyotter65 said:Honestly, I’ve been dealing with something remarkably similar over the last few months. My hair is thinning, my nails are brittle, my skin is constantly dry, and my complexion has just become an absolute disaster. On top of that, there's this persistent fatigue, brain fog, and even my vision seems a bit off lately. When I went for blood work, everything came back fine; my thyroid levels were normal too—though maybe I should probably get those checked again—and my reproductive health markers were all clear. To be fair, life has been incredibly high-pressure for the past few years, and things are still pretty tense right now, but I find it hard to believe that stress alone is responsible for every single one of these symptoms...
Do I need a referral to see an endocrinologist?

Yes, you will.
And it might actually be a smart move to re-test those thyroid levels.
How are your vitamin, mineral, and iron levels looking?

Lisa Hernandez80 said:Just thought I’d chime in here... this hair thinning thing is pretty standard stuff. My own hair isn't falling out in huge clumps, and my nails aren't doing anything too crazy either, so my doctor suggested it probably isn't a thyroid issue after all. She thinks it's more about the constant stress I've been dealing with lately, which means I'll just have to tackle that from a different angle...

Which doctor are we talking about? Your primary care physician or a specialist? There's a big difference between taking a guess and actually running a full hormonal panel.
Stress eventually finds a way to manifest itself, one way or another. It often shows up through the thyroid or acts as a catalyst for something else entirely, so you really need to make sure you catch it before it turns into a bigger problem.

Carl Mitchell2 said:Alex Moore62, you're an absolute gem. As soon as I get my checkups finished, I'll reach out with a preliminary diagnosis... sending my best.

Take care of yourself. 🙂

Carl Mitchell2 said:Alex Moore62, I really can't thank you enough for getting back to me and offering some support...

Just go ahead and try the standard routine first, then let me know if everything turns out O.K.🙂

Carl Mitchell2 said:..but now I've got something else that popped up last night, and it's actually gotten quite a bit larger today. It’s this sort of thickening right under the skin, just above the anal area toward the tailbone—basically in the coccyx region. You can feel this swelling if you reach back, almost like something has become inflamed or swollen...!!! DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THIS COULD BE? HAS ANYONE DEALT WITH THIS BEFORE??? PLEASE HELP!!!! I'm honestly terrified of going to see a doctor👎

Unfortunately, I don't have any clue what that might be, but please, for your own sake, get to a doctor immediately. Don't play games with your health; there's really no reason to be intimidated by medical professionals. The only thing worth being truly afraid of is the potential fallout of ignoring the issue and letting it go untreated.
Fingers crossed for you! 👍