Hi there -
There seem to be two separate issues overlapping here, one the aftermath of a rather (by nature) messy surgery, and your underlying
depression issues. I'll address them by answering your question list at the bottom of the post (that was a very thorough and well-organized way to do this, by the way).
1) There is virtually no risk of bleeding to death from the seepage you're experiencing, but it is certainly messy and annoying. This typically can go on for as long as two weeks post surgery, so you may have a little way to go before it totally stops.
2) It is pretty unlikely your stitches have opened. This is unusual in the area in question.
3) There can be some inflammation, in this case in the right nostril or further upstream on the right side, and if the tenderness continues or becomes worse, you should notify your doctor as you may need to be placed on an
antibiotic, but, again, this is a fairly common sequel to this type of surgery.
4) While stuffing tissues up your nostrils makes mechanical sense, it actually isn't a good idea, and dabbing is preferable in order to avoid irritating the already inflamed area. I can really empathize with the desire to do this, and if the bleeding doesn't slow and eventually stop by two weeks post surgery, you may need to have packing put back in, but please, not tissues. Trust me on this one.
5) The sensation in your lips should return slowly. It could take a while.
6) The sense of taste also should return but also can take a while. It often returns after the area has thoroughly healed, and sometimes returns rather abruptly.
7) Assuming a positive attitude about what you've had done to improve a really annoying health problem, and the fact that you've come through this far will help you to feel better. As for actual physical discomfort, stick to
pain relievers such as
acetaminophen, or opiod meds. Don't use
NSAIDs such as ibuprofin til this is all healed and there is no bleeding at all. Consider that you've taken on a rather unpleasant task which should improve your health overall, and that you're dealing with it in a very mature and positive way.
8) Suicide is a separate (though of course related) issue, and needs to be addressed separately from the physical problem. There are certainly tracts on the prevention of suicide, but if you yourself experience suicidal thoughts, you definitely need to bring this to the attention of a professional trained in helping with this particular issue. Suicide is misunderstood by many laypeople, so seeking professional assistance with this part is very important, especially since your post indicates you are a very well-organized person who would probably make a very good medical student -- and we need those! We need good doctors, especially those with varied life experience to draw on, which makes them more empathetic. You would seem to fill the bill. I'm excited for you regarding your ambition in this area.
9) It would seem the worst of your health issues is now behind you, although with the sequel to the FESS being so messy, difficult and annoying, it's hard to concentrate on the positives until it starts to heal more thoroughly. So long as you keep your doctor advised of any possible infection, there's no reason to be concerned about surviving this ordeal, and you've already survived a far more serious challenge in having had meningitis -- plus you've dealt with serious
depression, two
very big accomplishments! Continue the great work, please follow up with us here as needed, and by all means find a trusted professional to work with on the suicidal ideation. There's no future in suicide. There's a tremendous future in the practice of medicine.
Best of luck to you. Please stay in touch.
