Posted by sleeping-in-SF on October 07, 2010 at 11:13:00:In Reply to: Re: surgery posted by ab on October 06, 2010 at 20:49:29:
So we have same basic parameters and cpap didn't work but my turbinates
are ok. Each person's anatomy determines success; airflow dynamics are
highly specific. A quick look, an xray, and a scope down the nose will give
the surgeon all he/she needs to recommend procedures and likelihood of
success. Dr L took one look in my mouth and he said, "Look, the only thing
that's going to help you is MMA." I confirmed more or less with Dr R and
had non-sleep specialist ENT look too. That guy said the normal procedure
is a staged approach doing soft tissue first but since soft tissue work can
actually worsen your airway and it's not his speciality, I went for MMA.Personally, I decided to go for broke (after they predicted 90% success with
MMA) rather than simply reducing necessary cpap pressure. 3 months of
unpleasantness vs 30 more years of cpap seemed a good trade. If an
experienced UPPP surgeon thinks it'll work for you, then go for it.
Personally, if it only had like 30% success rate, I wouldn't bother given how
painful recovery appears to be.Things to consider. Remember that surgeons get paid when they do
procedures and they might lean towards recommending their specialty just
because it's their specialty. I'm not suggesting unethical behavior, just
human nature. Also, you really need experience here. Don't be afraid to
ask how many procedures of same type they've done and if it's just them or
two surgeons doing the work. One surgeon = more consistent work inside
jaw. Faster surgery = faster recovery. Experience = better result (esthetics
and airflow). During recovery can you easily get quick/correct answers from
doc or his/her office?