Posted by sleepy-in-seattle on September 20, 2008 at 09:42:18:In Reply to: MMA & UPPP 1.5 years ago no good :( posted by vee6zee on September 17, 2008 at 06:47:03:
I had UPPP done, with minimal lasting effect on apnea.
I had MMA done with major effect - eliminated most apneas, and converted remaining to hypopneas (much less disruptive). However, I was told the same (HUGE tongue was the term used). My airway opened up considerably and I attribute my 75-80% 'cure' to that. It appears my tongue is the last 'blocking' issue.
Not wanting to tackle that right away, I had nasal valve reconstruction done to alleviate nasal issues that appeared after my upper jaw was move (likely pulling on nasal tissues). I am now able to take nasal congestion out of the equation completely.
I have had a GA (genioglossus advancement) that pulls my tongue forward (done at the same time as MMA) and you might want to look into that if it wasn't done. By itself I think it's far more of a minor surgery in comparison to MMA.
My only avenue now is some sort of tongue base reduction in order to gain the last 20%. RF is less invasive, but I was advised to not do it as it is more effective for smaller reductions. For HUGE tongues with a lot of reduction needed, surgery is still the only option. However, the surgical approach does carry some risk of complications that could negatively affect speech. Right now, that's a non-starter for me.
I wish I had personal experience with successful tongue reduction, but I am as curious as you.