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Just Diagnosed With Sleep Apnea
About two months ago, after a sleep study was performed, I was diagnosed with OSA. I'm an overweight 27 year old male, who probably had this problem for years - but undetected until moving in with my girlfriend a year ago (currently my wife - who just wanted me to rid myself of the snoring problem). Since college, I have always felt fatigued during the day, but I always thought it was due to my weight and being out of shape, so I didn't give it much thought. In the sleep study, I discovered that I woke myself 48 times an hour on the average - about once a minute. My doctor was astounded; not only at the results, but at the fact that I am able to stay awake during the day! Atleast 1/2 of those 48 times were due to respiratory awakenings. I have started on a diet program, and I should receive my auto CPAP soon. From what I understand, this is a relatively new machine that just gives me compressed air when I need it, rather than continuously. I will only use this for the short term until some weight is lost, which then surgery becomes a better route. I guess what I'm looking for is some advice from somebody who already has OSA and can offer suggestions. My doctor is fabulous, but someone going through the ordeal can offer me some insight that I haven't heard. Or, if you're somebody who just wants to communicate back and forth about our experiences...that's fine too.
Follow-up 1
I have no first-hand knowledge of the various surgeries that are used to try and treat OSA. I have been following this board though for quite some time. I suggest you use the search feature that Sandman has furnished us to look into the surgeries a bit more. I have seen many, many more posts about the surgery being unsuccessful than I have seen posts with happy endings. At best, success rates are supposedly around 40% but sometimes success is defined as merely reducing the events by half. Don't rush into such an invasive procedure without doing your homework thoroughly. I'm sure those with first-hand knowledge will share their experiences with you. I wish you the very best!
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