Empty Nose Syndrome: Remembering Sam Treffry, One of the Recent Tragic Losses Related to Turbinate Reduction Surgery

New Departure Due to Empty Nose Syndrome: The Tragic Death of Sam Treffry, Australia (October 1, 2024) 😢⚰️. Fifth for year 2024. See the the original post from Sam's brother here

A Cherished Memory: A Boating Trip with My Brother Sam

Eleven years ago, in 2013, I went to Wolli Creek near Tempe station with my brother Sam. Sam had acquired a boat, and he suggested we row it down Wolli Creek to Nanny Goat Hill. It was a beautiful, sun-dappled day. We played chess, navigated through the mangroves, and arrived at an island where bats slept in trees, and pillars of leaves formed cave-like structures around us. This trip down Wolli Creek is one of my most cherished memories with Sam, captured on video, but now it has become a sad reminder of the loss of my brother. View Sam´s PDF file here

Sam Treffry’s Tragic End: A Battle with Empty Nose Syndrome

Just two days ago, my brother Sam Treffry took his own life. In his suicide note, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with a severe medical condition known as (ENS). This rare, incurable, and extremely challenging disease is well-documented, with many cases of sufferers tragically resorting to suicide. 

Living with ENS: The Hidden Struggle Sam Faced

Sam’s note described his battle with Empty Nose Syndrome. He had to withdraw from his university studies and quit his jobs because he could no longer cope. He struggled to sleep, fell into a deep depression, and withdrew from his family. My brother died at 34 years old. It’s unclear how long he had known about the diagnosis, but it appeared recent, and it triggered a rapid decline in his mental and physical health. ENS is a condition that arises from routine nasal surgeries that remove tissue. Sam had several nasal operations during his teenage years to address sinus issues and correct his septum, which eventually led to this cruel disease.

The Insomnia and Fatigue That ENS Inflicted on Sam

Before his death, Sam had been working in both a hospital and a hotel and was studying a degree in town planning. On the surface, he seemed happy, but he was always tired—a common symptom of ENS due to the insomnia caused by breathing difficulties. My brother was suffering in silence, and the pain drove him to an unimaginable decision. Sam’s suicide has devastated our family. We never knew about his ENS diagnosis and therefore never had the opportunity to help him properly. The silent suffering he endured was incomprehensible.

A Heartfelt Goodbye: A Brother’s Tribute to Sam Treffry

I love you, Sam. I miss you more than words can express. I wish you had reached out to me. I would have done anything to take care of you, ensuring you got the help, love, and care you deserved. But you didn’t reach out, and now you’re gone. I’ll hold on to our cherished memories until we meet again, where I know you’ll be waiting for me. You’ll always live on in my heart, my thoughts, my dreams, and in the tears I’ve shed for you.

Sam’s Story: A Call to Awareness for Empty Nose Syndrome

Will posted in the Group Empty Nose Syndrome Awareness: "I wanted to share Sam’s story. My younger brother ended his life two days ago. His note revealed the hidden ENS diagnosis that had led him to stop working and drop out of university. My family had no idea he was suffering from this condition, which led to a profound shock for all of us. Sam’s life changed after a series of routine nasal surgeries during his teenage years to correct sinus issues and snoring. These surgeries were performed by Dr. Mooney, a doctor later jailed for malpractice and linked to two other deaths during nasal surgery. Recently, this doctor has begun practicing again in Sydney.

The Downward Spiral of ENS: Self-Medication, Depression, and Low Self-Esteem

As a result of the nasal surgeries, my brother fell into a cycle of self-medication, depression, and low self-esteem. His tragic end at 34 years old remains a deeply painful reminder of the horrors of Empty Nose Syndrome (ENS). Although we don’t know exactly how long he had known about his ENS diagnosis, it appears he had only recently been informed, prompting a rapid and heartbreaking decline. Before his death, he had been working in a hospital, studying at university, and seemed outwardly content, despite his constant fatigue, a hidden symptom of his suffering.

Sharing Sam’s Story: Raising Awareness About ENS

I wanted to join this group and share Sam’s story in the hope that it can raise awareness. My brother’s sudden passing was a complete shock, and the fact that we never knew about his ENS diagnosis until it was too late only deepens our sorrow. 

Sam,s departure October 1, 2024 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of awareness, early diagnosis, and support for those living with this debilitating condition.