I did it! I had my rhinoplasty performed at 2pm this afternoon. Everything went better than I could have hoped! We got to the office at 1:45 where I made my appointment for tomorrow for a routine post-op visit then I was taken back to the Pre-op room. Jason was able to come back with me which helped calm my nerves. My vitals were taken and then I was given socks and a gown to change into.

I was getting very nervous at this point. I took an Ativan that was prescribed to me the night before and also this morning before the surgery. That did calm my nerves but I still felt anxiety as the time was getting closer. Another nurse came in by the name of Greg; he started my IV. Both nurses were very friendly, talkative, and comforting which helped bring my nerves down. Dr. Kotlus came in to see how I was doing and also answer a few questions before we got started. He also reviewed what he was going to do to my nose -- bring down my dorsal hump, list the tip of my nose, and also make the ball of the tip a tiny bit smaller.

I gave Jason a hug and kiss goodbye and they wheeled me to OR. I moved over to the OR bed where I was covered with blankets because I did feel chilly. I was given Propofol for sedation. Once that was given I felt at ease and ready for anything about to begin. Dr. Kotlus numbed the my nose and the area around it. I was awake the whole time but in and out of remembering. It didn't hurt at all. I felt a little pressure here and there but it was not painful or uncomfortable at all. I though I would be completely sedated and intubated for the procedure so this was a pleasant surprise. I liked being awake and able to converse with the doctor and nurses. I don't remember everything but I remember talking ALOT. We talked about paintball, my job at the hospital, and my girls.

The surgery was supposed to last 3-4 hours but I was done by 4:40. Before he put my splint on I asked if I could touch my nose and the bump was GONE! I never got to see it but I could feel a huge difference. I was almost in tears and so happy it was over and what I wanted changed was gone.

The took me to the post-op area where my vitals were taken again and my IV was removed. Jason was able to come back and see me. He didn't look scared of me see that was a relief. I didn't realize what I looked like just yet. I then went to the restroom with my nurse and was able to take a look in the mirror; no bruising YET. My face was only a tiny bit swollen but I looked like myself! I returned to my bed and changed into my clothes that I came in with. I brought a zip-up sweater so I didn't bang my nose.

When I got home I kissed my girls and went up to my bedroom to rest. I took my pills for pain and also vitamins I bought to help recovery. I also applied my Topricin cream which contains Anice to help reduce any bruising around my eyes.

Luckily my nose was not packed; it only had a splint with gauge folded underneath the nose to help with any dripping. I am able to breathe through my nose which make it a little more tolerable.

I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Kotlus and staff and Allure Medical Spa. I will write more after my post-op appointment in the morning.

On my way home from surgery