Pillar surgery

[nodding off]

Hello all,
Has anyone out there tried the new pillar surgery, and if so was it helpful. The idea of a couple plastic braids stiffening your soft palate tissues intrigues me, and I'm curious about it. I don't think it's the route for me, as I still remember the excruciating pain from my UPPP years ago, but you never know! As always, your valuable experience is appreciated. I've read a little about it and seen some statistics, but there is no substitute for personal experience!
Regards,
Nodding Off

[Jere]

There are tons of posts on Pillar surgery. Just search 'pillar'. From what I read, the consensus on this board does send me running to the ENT.

[Ric]

the consensus on this board does send me running to the ENT.

does, as in "does"? So did you run?
I guess it depends on what the meaning of "does" is.
I have read most of those, and didn't get that same runny feeling.
Some success stories. Some disappointments.

My ENT who "does" those, advised against it. but suggested I'd be a candidate for the uvulopalatopharyngeoplasty. (fun word to say). As much as I HATE my uvula, (and it hates me), the UPPP is not something I would leap at. My cousin had the same procedure, and I asked if he missed his uvula. After 3 years he says it still feels "strange", and there are some types of foods he cannot eat and swallow properly.

Not sure I want to do either. Just when I'm starting to like the APAP. (Did I just say that?) Didn't think THAT would ever happen.

[Guest]

Click on this for rested gal's compilation of Pillar threads. (Includes first-hand accounts from those who've had the procedure.)

Links to Pillar discussions

[Swordz]

Has anyone out there tried the new pillar surgery, and if so was it helpful.

Check out TAS boards, as there seem to be more "Pillars" there. In specific, Pauly, RickRed, Sleepy Stoboy and DCTom. DCTom also posts on here, so I'm sure he'd not mind if you PM'ed concerning the procedure. I will be added to that list next month, after I get the $$ and a 2nd opinion fom an ENT.

The idea of a couple plastic braids stiffening your soft palate tissues intrigues me, and I'm curious about it.

I believe Pauly posted on TAS and reported that there are about to start using 5 implants instead of 3.

I don't think it's the route for me, as I still remember the excruciating pain from my UPPP years ago, but you never know!

Pain from the Pillar procedure is NOTHING compared to a UP3. Lets say its like driving a Benz versus a Geo, nothing alike! The Pillar procedure is done in less than 30 mins, and you can go back to work that day. Mostly reported is a "sore throat" feeling. UP3 takes around three weeks of recovery and very little eating right? Seriously, Pillar is nothing like a UP3.

I've read a little about it and seen some statistics, but there is no substitute for personal experience!

No doubt! So far though, the results look promising and alot of people are still waiting for the first Journal reviewed study. Thinks look good, and hopefully only get better.

[Jere]

the consensus on this board does send me running to the ENT.

does, as in "does"? So did you run?

No. Just a typo. Meant to say does NOT send me running.

.

[Davidaaa]

I participated in a pillar study approximately 5 years ago. I had three small pillars inserted. Recovery about 2 days. It did not work for me in fact my apnea got worse. I ended-up on a CPAP machine which I still use. Approximately about 1 year ago 2 of the pillars starting coming out which caused me to go to ENT for their removal. Not fun. My experience I couldn't recommend