Excerpt from the book "No Doctor, I'm not crazy", The dangers of Turbinectomy (Eric Canaux)
Testimony of Ludovic Sery 1980-2011
I called Ludovic's mother. It was a difficult moment for both of us—especially for her, as she is inconsolable. I understand what she feels. For me, it was also hard, as I have been in Ludovic’s position more than once, though I never reached my goal of ending my suffering. I have seen the same pain and helplessness in my parents' eyes that I now heard in Ludovic’s mother’s voice.
"Ludovic was an active and athletic young man, born on Réunion Island. He was a good son." His mother wanted to add to this testimony to show "how much he loved life before his illness and how appreciated he was by everyone."
So that he is not forgotten, here is his testimony, written before the tragedy.
My Story with Empty Nose Syndrome
I have been suffering from Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS) since 2002, and this blog is my testimony of how I discovered the syndrome and what I have done to cope.
ENS is a condition of iatrogenic origin, meaning it’s caused by a medical error or inappropriate recommendation. In my case, it was due to a procedure performed by an ENT surgeon—a bilateral turbinectomy, which can be partial or total. This surgery is a risky practice, used by ENTs to treat chronic rhinitis or recurrent nasal congestion, often resulting from allergies, hormonal issues, or a deviated septum. For these specialists, the solution for swollen turbinates is to remove them.
However, these surgeons act more like butchers than doctors, interfering with the turbinates without understanding their role. They consider it a minor procedure, yet it is far from harmless. ENTs who perform these surgeries downplay the importance of the turbinates, removing them fully or partially and leaving patients with lifelong disabilities.
The Role of Turbinates and the Impact of ENS
Few ENTs in France understand the complex role of turbinates. In the United States, a report was published stressing their importance and banning this type of intervention after a significant number of victims were affected. According to Dr. Steven Houser, “our nose is our lungs.” Turbinates are essential; they regulate the air we breathe through their structure. Removing or altering them leads to severe breathing issues because it disrupts airflow. Turbinates also warm inhaled air, an essential function that allows filtration and humidification, crucial for managing dust, cold air, pollutants, and microbes.
Additionally, turbinates contain airflow sensors directly connected to the brain, signaling the amount of air entering the lungs. With altered or removed turbinates, the damage is extensive—it’s like a car with a defective airflow sensor.
Some ENTs in France have acknowledged the errors of their colleagues, trying to support victims. Some attempt “repairs,” but no procedure is fully effective. From the many reports of implant rejection, I cannot recommend them, except possibly ear cartilage grafts, although there is not enough evidence to advise definitively.
My Own Experience with ENS
In 2002, I underwent a bilateral turbinectomy, and a few months later, I developed ENS. My nose frequently became inflamed, much more than before the surgery. I started to regret this supposedly “risk-free” procedure. My mouth and throat were constantly dry, I was always thirsty, and I struggled to breathe. I thought maybe the anesthesia had weakened my heart, and exercise would help. When rhinorrhea (nasal drainage) began, I hoped it was a temporary side effect. But my symptoms only worsened—nightly headaches, abnormal discharge, foul odors, and repeated inflammation. My condition deteriorated with dyspnea and escalating discomfort—I preferred my allergic rhinitis, which only troubled me four months a year. Now it was a nightmare year-round, especially during winter.
A year after surgery, I went back to the ENT to complain. To him, I was exaggerating, being “too sensitive to temperature changes,” “fragile.” He prescribed medications to boost my immune system, assuring me his procedure was a success.
No ENT doctors I saw in the region understood my complaints. A general practitioner and one ENT admitted it could be a therapeutic mishap, but provided no solution beyond anti-inflammatories and saline nasal rinses. I was always exhausted. My declining health led to severe depression, and I was prescribed anxiolytics, antidepressants, and sleeping pills.
Struggles and Searching for Relief
I made my first suicide attempt in 2005. They “locked me up” in a psychiatric facility in the south for a month. I won’t go into detail here—I only stayed two weeks before escaping and trying to drown myself.
This situation affected my job, where my employer grew frustrated with my frequent absences. I was laid off in 2008.
I had now discovered ENS by chance on the Internet, typing “turbinectomy warning” into Google and finding an article titled “Turbinectomy: Beware.”
Through contacts, I learned of a surgeon in Paris who could perform acrylic implant surgery. I had nothing left to lose. I contacted him, and he operated on me on June 25, 2009. After two suicide attempts, I was willing to try anything to break free from this misery.
This surgery is recent, and I cannot wholeheartedly recommend it, as I’ve heard of cases of rejection. But since the operation, I’ve noticed a slight improvement: less extreme dryness in my throat, less air flowing through my nose. Headaches and inflammation have also decreased.
Many people suffer from ENS without knowing it, and few doctors and specialists understand it. My condition improved gradually, influenced by multiple factors.
The Loss of my Son - Ludovics mother
In 2005, he was hired at a fruit factory, working tirelessly for four years. Occasionally, he needed short sick leave due to severe headaches, purulent rhinitis, and dyspnea. But he was diligent, quickly returning to work. Unfortunately, in late 2009, he was laid off, a huge blow to someone who longed to be active. A few months later, he took a vocational training course for warehousing, passed his three licenses, and successfully earned his certification in April 2010.
Soon after, he got a forklift job at another fruit plant. However, the conditions were harsh, with old machinery, rough terrain, and demanding supervisors. He only lasted a month and a half, having injured his back. With a spinal condition, he could no longer do the job he enjoyed. He fought for a year, trying to recover. He attended around 30 physiotherapy sessions, swam, and took painkillers prescribed by his doctor, but nothing relieved him. He even tried mesotherapy in May 2011, but nothing truly helped. I still remember his drawn face, pale and covered in cold sweat, expressing a deep sadness and bitterness. His despair was evident as he struggled, unlike other young men his age. One day, he told me, “Mom, I’ll never be able to do the work I wanted.” I tried to reassure him, saying it would get better eventually, just as his father’s back issues had healed.
He took care of our home and repainted the doors. But without showing it, he couldn’t bear it anymore. One July morning in 2011, he left us suddenly, having lost faith in life. This is where the surgeon led my son by recommending this surgery, even though we had only sought relief for nasal congestion due to allergies. My son was a test subject for this surgeon… His last wish was to let the world know that he was a victim and that these surgical practices should stop to prevent others from suffering the same fate.
His adult life was stolen by this doctor. He never had the chance to experience happiness. He suffered greatly, and so did his family. I will never accept this tragic loss. I weep bitterly, bearing the guilt for taking him to that doctor. This is why I want to pay tribute to my beloved son, whom I will never forget, by sharing these words in your book as a testimony. Thank you.
His blog: http://serylu.unblog.fr/2009/09/19/mon-temoignage-sur-le-snv/
