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Posted by Wells on March 11, 1998 at 23:26:02:In Reply to: apnea surgery? posted by Gary Ball-Kilbourne on March 11, 1998 at 21:20:07:
Gary, about 18mos ago I had a deviated septum corrected and my uvula and surrounding tissues removed in an attempt to correct a huge snoring/apnea problem. Based on my experience, I'd definitely recommend the surgery on the dilocated septum. While my snoring has been dramatically reduced, I do still snore and I do have periodic apneas. I have not had a big problem at all with changes to my voice, and no problem with foods and drinks going into the nose.
I will tell you though that you're gonna have the sore throat from hell for a while. Of all the medications, the one that helped me the most was an over the counter med called CEPASTAT exra strength sore throat lozenges. I kinda kept them in business for a while, but they worked and I didn't have to take the prescription pain meds beyond day 1 following surgery. Also helpful were saline nasal lavages which, I'm sure will be discussed if you opt for the surgery. Personally, I can certainly breathe better than I could prior to surgery. If I had it to do over again, would I do it? Yup, I think I would.
Make a decision on a surgical procedure is hard.
Were I in your shoes, I think I might seek out a 2nd, or even a 3rd opinion. If your primary MD is really concerned about you, he shouldn't balk at your getting other opinions. By the way, like you CPAP is not the path for me either. Too claustropbic for me. I wish you luck and, at the risk of causing lightening bolts to rain down upon us, I'll even say a prayer for you.
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