Re: progress report, 71 days post-op

Non-CPAP Forum Posting

Archived Non-CPAP Forum6 viewing only. To post a new topic go to the Rest Forum Homepage.

Re: progress report, 71 days post-op

Posted by gary.in.fremont on July 18, 2001 at 18:10:55:
In Reply to: Re: progress report, 71 days post-op posted by Zappa on July 18, 2001 at 10:05:50:
Hi.
My surgeon (who is an ENT as well as a head and neck surgeon) believed from a physical examination of my jaw and tongue that they were my two primary triggers for apnea. Part of that exam was a fast and painless -- though uncomfortable -- in-office procedure called a fiberoptic laryngoscopy.
To confirm his suspicions, he referred me for a "lateral cephalometric" X-ray. Once he had that, it showed him how far out of position my jaw is, as well as the size and position of my tongue (and uvula, and tonsils, and adenoids) in relation to my airway. I believe he was also able to see the interior condition of my nose and sinuses. The X-ray also showed him the precise size of my airway (e.g., way too small).
By using the X-ray, he was able to plan my surgery exactly, knowing to the millimeter where to cut me (or zap me with radiofrequency), and why.
Some images of lateral cephalometric X-rays are available online as follows, if you are curious about them:
http://www.dental-implants.com/pr-opxrs.htm
http://www.centuryorthodontics.com/ceph.html
http://www.sleepapneaspecialist.com/HighTechPics.htm
http://www.dent.ucla.edu/sod/depts/oral_rad/courses/DS422b/topic3/3.shtml
http://www.dentalimagingcenter.com/LCHFilm.html
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Good luck.
-- Gary

Follow Ups:

Archived Non-CPAP Forum6 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.