Growing up, she was constantly battling something most people take for granted—simply being able to breathe. From a young age, she couldn’t breathe through her nose and snored heavily, often falling asleep at odd times just to make up for the poor-quality rest she was getting. Sinus infections and sore throats were frequent visitors, usually ending with yet another round of antibiotics. Even though she played sports and pushed herself physically, she was always left feeling completely drained.
She tried every allergy medication available, but nothing brought real relief. It wasn’t until she was 20 years old that an ENT finally evaluated her and discovered what was going on: enlarged tonsils, adenoids, a deviated septum, and sinus scarring. The decision was made to undergo a tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, septoplasty, and sinus surgery. The recovery? Brutal—two weeks of serious discomfort. But the outcome? Life-changing.
Now 29, she sleeps soundly through the night, rarely gets sick, and no longer needs midday naps to function. For her, it was more than worth it. She even remembers crying the day her nasal stints were removed—finally able to breathe clearly for the first time. Though she had an expander as a kid before getting braces, it didn’t help her breathing back then. It took this major step later in life to finally feel normal.
And if she had to do it all again? She wouldn’t hesitate for a second.