Was this unsatisfactory the help I got from my doc?

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I remember 2 years ago I saw my local doctor to talk about surgery to fix my deviated septum.
My doctor had a look at my nose and said to me it was broken. Regarding surgery to fix my nose all he really said was “it’s quite a big operation to repair your nose”. He gave me nasal drops and that was it really. My doc didn’t even refer me to a ear, nose and throat specialist.

Do you think overall that was quite poor the help I got from my doctor? I live in England so we use the NHS over here.

We probably need a bit more background.
What happened to your nose, and does it function OK and look OK?

my nose is bent in appearance. my nose has been through quite a lot of trauma becauase of fights and sports etc

Yeah, I think the doctor should respect your wish to get it fixed and at least refer you to a specialist.

How come doctors dont always refer you though?

It would be a cosmetic surgery. You can't get those on the NHS.

Is it expensive as well?

It appears such surgeries can cost several thousand pounds UK. I got curious and looked, and correcting a deviated septum seems to cost around 3500 on average, with variations possible due to individual needs.

Whether or not that is "expensive" is subjective.

Are there non surgical ways to improve the symptoms of a deviated septum though?

I live in the US & I had that surgery a few years ago. It was all covered by Medicare & Medicaid except for the over the counter meds & supplies. It was NOT considered cosmetic because I have various sinus & allergy problems & possible sleep apnea that could of been made worse by my deviated septum. I think that surgery would only be considered cosmetic if the main symptom you notice is the way your nose looks. If you have other symptoms like breathing problems from it, it is not cosmetic. My nose looked fine from the outside. I only knew it was deviated because my doc told me it was crooked when I was a teen. I was getting nose bleeds a lot then & had to get it cautarized. He didn't suggest surgery or anything then. I talked to my doc about it a few years ago(different doc in a different state) cuz of the sinus & allergy problems & she referred me to an ears nose & throat doc. I think it may be good for you to get a 2nd opinion James if you think you may have issues from it.

There are two different conditions.
A deviated septum that exists without a broken nose.
A deviated septum that exists due to a broken nose.

Broken noses do not get surgery on NHS because its regarded as cosmetic surgery if the nose is still functioning as normal.

If the nose has an obstruction and you can not breath, then that may warrant surgery to reduce the deviation.

As for broken noses.
There are different types of rhinoplasty that can be paid for, some which simply correct the symmetry, others which change the shape, size, angle etc. i.e. the type of rhinoplasty that rich kids get to make them less ugly.

Do you think nasal drops/sprays can help with a deviated septum?

Drops and sprays can help with the symptoms of a deviated septum in some cases, depending on the individual.

I suppose as well keeping a healthy weight and getting rid of body fat can help with sleep apnea to.