Re: what to do????

Non-CPAP Forum Posting

Archived Non-CPAP Forum5 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Rest Forum Homepage.

Re: what to do????

Posted by Shelbyscout on May 26, 2001 at 22:29:15:
In Reply to: Re: what to do???? posted by indianscountry on May 26, 2001 at 18:10:59:
Indianscountry,
You seem very firm in your all-or-nothing belief regarding CPAP or a trach:
"I've done enough research to realize that with severe sleep apnea only a trach will cure it."
I really would suggest doing some more research. The facts are that the surgeries you had previously (UPPP, etc.) only an extremely small percentage of OSA patients, while the phased surgical approach that many of the top doctors in the field are adopting (UP3, GA, hyoid, MMA) shows very high cure rates.
I am not trying to discourage you from getting a trach and in many cases a trach is indeed lifesaving. But don't wholly discount the intermediary surgeries.
Your pulmonologist was right to refer you to another specialist. The anatomy that causes the sleep apnea blockage is in the mouth, tongue, throat, and trachea--areas which a lung specialist is not trained in. In other words, would you want an orthopedic surgeon to do your brain surgery?
It's like having a painful ingrown toenail, taking an aspirin, and saying "well that didn't work, let's amputate."
Ultimately it's your choice. But I would hate to see you make a choice based on false information.
Shelby :)

Follow Ups:

Archived Non-CPAP Forum5 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Rest Forum Homepage

IMPORTANT : Information not intended as medical advice. If you suspect that you have a sleep disorder you should seek care from a qualified professional. Read Terms of Use.
The Sleep Forums are not to be used for commercial purposes.
Commercial products and services are not endorsed by Sleepnet.com.
Sleep Deprivation due to Sleep Apnea and insufficient sleep are common and can present as insomnia, narcolepsy, or idiopathic hypersomnia. In infants and children sleep problems commonly present themselves as ADD or ADHD.