Posted by BGH on April 08, 2003 at 20:32:27:

Greetings, everyone!

I have been following most of your postings for the last few months and am so glad to find I am not alone with my problems. I am a 35 year old female from central Florida who was officially diagnosed with severe OSA, nocturnal hypoxemia, and periodic limb movement disorder in November 2001. I have apparently had all of the symptoms of OSA as far back as I can remember, but just never put 2 and 2 together. My most recent sleep study showed an RDI of 108 and on O2 level of 88%. I could be wrong, but most others on this forum don't seem to be quite as severe as that. Is there anyone out there that can relate? I am currently un-treated, but am awaiting a date for my MMA surgery to be scheduled. I tried to follow the typical routine, not wanting to go the route of such a radical surgery, but fate has told me that surgery is to be my only option. My doctor, once I was diagnosed, immediately put me on bipap with a setting of 15 and ramp of 12. I could not tolerate it (the machine or the several masks we tried) in the slightest. I had trouble falling asleep using it, and then once asleep, I would awake after about 2 hours suffocating and gasping worse than I did without the machine. We even tried lowering the pressure settings to 11 and a ramp of 8, but still to no avail. I then tried the O2 machine, but because of the periodic limb movement disorder, I would wake up several times throughout the night severely entangled in the tubing. I also saw an ENT, but was told my uvula was normal and that no excess or flabby tissue existed. I was still unsure about having the MMA surgery done, but falling asleep during my 1-hour interstate freeway commute to work a few times, along with falling asleep (and snoring!) during meetings, classes, and daily work routines convinced me otherwise. I, like many of you, have had a difficult time trying to locate a local surgeon proficient in MMA surgery as related to OSA and the dealings with the insurance company (BC/BS of SC PPO - so far, so good!). My doctor kept suggesting I travel to Stanford for the surgery, and while it may be the best around, I couldn't afford the cross-country trip. As it is, I will be travelling 3 hours to the surgeon I chose, who is the Professor and Chair of the Oral Surgery Department at University of Florida - Shands Hospital. In his consultation with me last week, he told me that both upper and lower jaws would be moved a minimum of 8cm, more if possible. Post-op retraction is normally 1 to 2cm. Upper will be held in place by titainium screws and plates. Lower by just titainium screws. No wires, bands, or arches involved. Was told to expect numbness of teeth and possibly lower lip for 6 weeks to 6 months. If nerve in lower jaw is severed accidentally, expect permanent total numbness of lower lip and chin area. My chin will be "reduced" slightly, so as to not give me that "Kirk Douglas" or "Jay Leno" look when jaws are moved forward. Was told I should have some protrusion of the upper teeth, but nothing extremely noticible. I had orthodontic work done as a teenager, and the surgeon told me that I would not have to have it done again after the surgery as teeth are fine and the bite would remain intact as both jaws were being moved equally. Was told I will be on a "no-chew" diet for at least 6 weeks (looking forward to losing all this weight I've gained!!!). Surgery will take 4-6 hours in OR at hospital, and I'll have to stay several days before I get to go home. Was also told I could probably go back to work part-time after about 2 weeks, but that most people are out 4-6 weeks on average, due to swelling, bruising, and general recovery time. I suppose I should be more apprehensive about this surgery, and I know there's no guarantee of the success rate (was told 65 - 95% for severe OSA patients) but I am soooooooooo looking forward to getting a good night's sleep and at least a partial return of my energy level that I just want it done and over with. I know I've carried on a lot here, and to those of you who took the time to read this, thank you for listening. While my family is supportive, they do not truly understand what it is like, so it is of comfort to me to read about others like myself and what your situations are and what you are doing to overcome this debilitating problem. Thanks!

Follow Ups:

• Re: Seeking a good night's sleep . . . hfl 16:39 4/23/03 (0)

---

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