Posted by D.H. on June 04, 2004 at 17:44:49:

In Reply to: bi-pap v c-pap & coughing up blood posted by windsong on June 04, 2004 at 15:00:40:

In general, tonsillectomy is the best procedure for an eight year old. It appears that there’s a hemorrhage risk in this child’s case.

I think the thing to do is to insist on BiPAP. Don’t take no for an answer. If his Apnea is not treated, he will not be able to function in school. Conversely, if it is treated, his other problems will go away.

Another thing, is smoking (not the eight year old’s, yours). Americans and Canadians are used to being told this, but it’s probably a very sensitive topic in other countries (such as the U.K.). If anybody in your household smokes, (s)he must stop smoking immediately. Tobacco smoke is bad for all, but it is an imminent hazard to this child. Furthermore, do not allow guests to smoke in the house (even when he’s not home). In the U.S., smokers are used to being banished to the outside to catch a smoke, but since you’re in the U.K. (I assume), people will just have to learn to get used to it. Furthermore, do not let anybody smoke in his presence outside of the house.

It sounds like you got a lot further than you would have gotten here in the U.S. (unless you were fabulously wealthy). Note that the U.K. spelling is Apnoea, so you may be able to find more U.K. internet resources if you look under that spelling.

Follow Ups:

---

Copyright ©1995-2005 Sleepnet.com., All rights reserved