For your first appointment with Prof Harvey, allow about 15 minutes before your appointment to complete our new-patient paperwork.
You can save time by completing our online Patient Information sheet and New Patient Questionnaire.
Bring with you any recent imaging studies (eg. MRI and CT scans), histopathology/biopsy results, and previous allergy/immunology assesment. It is a Medicare requirement that you have a referral letter from your GP or other specialist; please bring your referral with you to your appointment.
Before my first appointment
Q:What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
A:Your referral, any scans that are relevant to your problem, some form of payment, your medicare card and health fund information if you are in one.
Q:Do I need to have someone attend the appointment with me?
A:No this is not necessary but you are welcome to bring a friend or family member/s if you wish.
Q:Will I be okay to drive home after my appointment?
A:Yes.
Prior to my surgery
Q:Professor Harvey has said my procedure is a day procedure but can I stay overnight?
A:Yes, in most situations we can easily organise a bed for an overnight stay especially if you are not from Sydney or social circumstances (young children, living alone) might necessitate an overnight stay.
Q:What time do I need to be at the Hospital?
A:Someone from the hospital will call you the afternoon before your scheduled procedure to advise your admission time and also confirm your fasting schedule.
Q:I have a cold/flu – am I still able to proceed with surgery?
A:In most cases yes, but if there is any doubt, Professor Harvey and your Anaesthetist will make a decision on the day of surgery but please call us in the week prior if this occurs.
After my surgery
Q:When should I start irrigating after surgery?
A:Unless Professor Harvey advises differently, usually commencing on the day you are discharged (or the next day if you are day-only). You will be given a post-operative care information sheet on discharge from the hospital. If this is not given, it is available on this website
Q:My nose feels blocked – should I continue irrigating?
A:Yes. The first week after surgery is always difficult as blood clot, mucus and swelling sometimes makes it challenging. However, the irrigation helps to reduce bleeding, remove debris and helps to clear the nose. This process is much easier after your first appointment.
Q:When can I fly after surgery?
A:Usually 1 week after surgery is sufficient and/or after your first post-operative visit with Professor Harvey. Consideration needs to be given to the location to which you are flying. Please be aware that most travel insurance policies will not cover you for 6 weeks after an elective surgical procedure.
Q:When can I blow my nose?
A:We advise that you use the nasal irrigation instead of blowing the nose in the first 3 weeks post-surgery. Most of the sensation to blow is not simply mucus but swelling and post-surgical changes which are not readily relieved by blowing.
Q:When can I resume exercise?
A:No exertional exercise in the first week. Walking and light aerobic in the second week. Back to routine regimes after 14days. If you’ve had a tumour operation, then no heavy exertion e.g. weight training, running or sport until 3-6 weeks post-operative.
Q:Is it okay to swim after my surgery?
A:Usually 1 week post surgery is sufficient and/or after your first post-operative visit with Professor Harvey. Swimming in the ocean is fine but public pools should be avoided.
Preparation for Nose Lab
Q:I’m having a nasal airway assessment – what do I need to know?
A:You should avoid nasal decongestants (e.g Drixine, Otrivin, Nyal etc) or any tablets containing pseudoephedrine for 7 days prior.
Q:Will I be okay to drive after a nasal airway assessment?
A:Yes.
Q:I’m scheduled to have a smell and/or taste assessment – what do I need to know?
A:Do not eat for at least 30 minutes prior to your appointment.
Q:I’m having a skin prick/allergy test – what do I need to know?
A:You should cease all antihistamines 5 days prior to your testing. Some sleeping medications, blood pressure/heart medications and antidepressants should also be ceased. Please contact us prior to your appointment to discuss.
Q:What do I need to do in preparation for a challenge test?
A:You should avoid nasal and oral decongestants, antihistamines and Pseudoephedrine for 7 days prior to your challenge test. And remember to allow up 2 hours plus for this assessment.