Posted by Capistrano on March 02, 2009 at 14:22:58:In Reply to: UPPP-Is it so bad? posted by sleepsurgeon on February 27, 2009 at 20:50:07:
Thank you so much for your detailed evaluation of UPPP in relation to curing sleep apnea. I am Capistrano, whose article is cited in Ask the Doctor #34. What I am getting from your posts is that many doctors are poorly educated about UPPP, even though they are performing them! Because I could not tolerate CPAP, I was told by my ENT, cardiologist, pulmonologist and general practitioner that I needed to have UPPP since my severe apnea put me at risk of a heart attack or stroke. I had strong reservations about the surgery from day one but decided to go against my own instincts anyway. To sum up, my surgery was followed by inhalation pneumonia, acid reflux,sinusitis, trouble swallowing (the doctor left a stich in my throat), a panic attack, all within 6 months. Now, three and a half years later I am left with chronic nasal congestion, dry throat upon waking, trouble swallowing, and food sensitivities, plus loss of my singing voice.
I do think my apnea is better due to the vividness of my dreams but I have not gone back for a sleep study. That is because I still can't tolerate CPAP and another surgery would be out of the question for me. I am happy to know that your UPPP procedures keep the uvula in so that patients who do have the surgery won't have such extreme side-effects. I think that educating doctors (and patients) is the key. Thanks for your honesty in sharing information with patients!!
- Re: UPPP-Is it so bad? sleepsurgeon 18:37 3/02/09 (0)