Posted by Michael_needs_sleep on September 19, 2008 at 16:03:10:Hello all –
Some of you may (or may not) remember a few of my postings from back in late March.
http://www.sleepnet.com/noncpap23/messages/247.html
Cliff notes:
02 - 79% (after only :45 – they immediately put the mask on when they saw me desat so quick)
Total events per hour: 90+
Central apneas: 54
OSA's: 36Since I posted back in late March, I put myself on a diet and started to exercise regularly. I lost 30lbs and am now fairly lean. For those of you who could stand to lose some weight, even if (like me at the time) you’re NOT fat – seriously. Make that commitment to yourself and do it. It may have only helped my stats (above) slightly if at all. But the adrenaline increase and endorphins released during my morning workout absolutely made a tremendous difference for me during the day. I could at least function a little… and sine I lost 1” of neck size (was almost 18”) I do feel it helped the apnea at least a little.
I did go see Dr. KL for an MMA consult. I had so many questions that I brought my laptop in! He was great and very comforting. I think one of the best things I got out of the consult was that I left with a feeling that I was on the right track. I was able to speak with arguably one of the most knowledgeable Dr’s (as relating to apnea and it's surgical treatment) and I was comforted in knowing he saw me and was going to treat me. That right there took away a lot of my anxiety.
He did mention that it would need to be done in stages. I certainly do qualify for an MMA, but also these other smaller procedures that should take place. And since the insurance companies like to see this done ‘first things first’ in order to justify an MMA, I followed his advice. I found a very reputable Dr here in Chicago with a lot of experience in surgical apnea treatment. In fact, that’s what most of his ENT practice centers around.
Over the last few years I’ve had a stuffy nose every night. Not runny like a cold. But stuffy. And at it’s best, during the day, I’d feel like I was breathing through two cocktail straws. So I was/am hopeful this first phase provides a little relief in that respect.Whew… now that we’re all caught up!
I just got home last night from my phase 1 surgery.
Phase 1:
1. Pillar implants in the soft tissue (I’m told they can be removed without issue if needed, 100% reversible.)
2. Turbinate reduction
3. Deviated septum repaired
4. Tonsils reduced
5. RF Tongue base reduction
6. Nasal Valve repair – “Orbital Suspension Technique”
(This is small anchors placed onto Orbital rims (bone under eye) thru a .25” incision under each eye. Suture run from those anchors, under the skin and passed thru to the nasal valve area for valve support. These too can be removed if need be. 100% reversible.)
7. UP
(NOT UPPP, but instead a VERY conservative trim of the uvula itself. I refused soft tissue work due to all the known issues and complete lack of effectiveness long-term. But I was assured this didn’t have any of the downsides of the UPPP at all. So since his reputation is solid and he and Dr. KL know of each other (I’m told), I trusted him on this.)I spent the first night in ICU. It was recommended that I stay another night in ICU, and I probably should have. But my experience at that hospital was SO BAD that it was abundantly clear that I’m much safer here at home. I’ll go into a bit more detail about that in my soon-to-be-finished blog.
I’m now on day 2 post op. Had the surgery Wednesday morning, it’s now Friday afternoon. Let me just tell y’all. This is no fun. I haven’t slept much in a couple of days. Can’t eat anything since it goes up my nose, which is all messed up in there there as is. I’m told this part of it (flap incompetence) is normal after these procedures and WILL go away in a day or two. Let’s hope so.
The pain is much more manageable now. Truthfully, once the packing in my nose was removed the next day it was significantly easier to swallow and the pain in the soft tissue wasn’t as intense. Still very painful, but a big improvement.
As I type, I’m mostly just extremely achy and sore. My cheekbone area (where he anchored the sutures under eyes) is very sore. My tongue is very sore as is my neck, etc. Oddly, the pain is increasing. In the ICU, the main pain I felt was the sharp/intense sore throat. Now the pain is much more widespread and is increasing. I feel like I got hit by a small commuter train, or a medium sized mid-60’s muscle car. But I *think* that I read it’s fairly common for the pain to peak a few days after surgery. And that it *should* go away soon.
Of course I don’t really have any improvements to my apnea to report. First, because I’m still bleeding and swollen. But secondly, I haven’t SLEPT much! Haven't been able to go more than an hour or two without waking drenched in sweat, freezing and in pain.
I’ve taken pictures each day and while I was in the ICU after surgery. I’ve started a blog but don’t know how to post that info here. I’ll provide more detail and back-story there so I don’t take up too much space here.
I just wanted to check in and thank those who were so supportive the first time I posted about this. I was at the end of my rope. But now I feel like I have some hope for the first time in years. I’m on Provigil to keep me awake during the day, and am now also taking 30mg of Adderall which has helped me tremendously in terms of ability to think and function. I didn’t realize just how bad I was until I started to get a little bit better. I was completely unable to think or focus. But I did get tremendous benefit immediately, so there should be no shame in considering those meds (at least the Adderall). So for those men out there like me who have too much pride (or whatever) to ask for or take meds like that, consider it. Really. It’s made a major difference in my daily life. Gives back at least a little of what sleep deprivation takes away.Anyone who’s been through these types of procedures PLEASE chime in and let me know what to expect! Any tips/tricks for pain management, sleeping, EATING or the like would be greatly appreciated!! I’m having a very difficult time swallowing not just due to sore throat, but major facial pain (around the nose and eyes) as well as anything I eat/drink goes up my nose. Also, how do I go about posting my blog on this site? I'd like to help just as others have done.
Thank you all again for the help you’ve been so far. You’ve helped me focus what little I had left on the hope of recovery.
Michael
- Re: Phase 1 - Post op update sleepy-in-seattle 20:00 9/22/08 (1)
- Re: Phase 1 - Post op update Michael_needs_sleep 09:01 9/23/08 (0)
- Re: Phase 1 - Post op update Pinski 07:34 9/21/08 (0)