Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Linus
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Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by Linus » Wed Nov 25, 2015 11:19 pm

Hey folks. It has been a long time since my last post.

I bought a Respironics DreamWear mask this October to replace my aging nasal mask. This really helped. The leaks have pretty much gone away. My older nasal masks leaked quite often. On the older mask, a leak when sealed puts a lot of pressure on your airways and can result in aerophagia.

A few weeks ago I underwent surgery to correct acid reflux. The procedure is called Nissen Fundoplication. It closed up the valve where the esophagus meets the stomach. What a difference! I no longer have acid reflux and aerophagia. Aerophagia was disturbing my sleep more than the constricted airways. I think that the acid reflux contributed to the constriction of my airways because of the irritation.

After several readings from my CPAP card over the last few weeks since the operation, I am at 4.25 average pressure each night. My first night after the operation showed lower pressure all night.

If anyone has acid reflux and aerophagia, you may want to consider correcting the physical defect of the valve that is at the bottom of the esophagus.

I am able to sleep at night and wake up the next morning and feel awake. I do not move as much at night. Wow.

Thanks.

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kteague
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Re: Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by kteague » Thu Nov 26, 2015 2:51 am

Congrats on getting some resolution to your reflux and aerophagic. It's been many years since I heard someone say they had that surgery. I was wondering if it changed in recent times, like most surgical procedures have advanced. If you don't mind me asking, what did it involve and how was the recovery? I know someone who suffers greatly with their reflux and they're wondering if surgery might be in their future.

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Sir NoddinOff
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Re: Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by Sir NoddinOff » Thu Nov 26, 2015 12:57 pm

This is the first time I've heard of a Nissen Fundoplication operation. Thanks for the info... always learning, all the time.

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LSAT
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Re: Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by LSAT » Thu Nov 26, 2015 2:12 pm

I had the Nissen Procedure in 2002...it has been around since the 80s. My last endoscopy revealed a slight loosening of the wrap, but, after 13 years it can be expected. I have had no GERD symptoms since the surgery. Good Luck.

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Linus
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Re: Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by Linus » Thu Nov 26, 2015 10:01 pm

Recovery is different for many people. For me the most pain I had was my throat. The breathing tube left its mark. Other than that, the incisions healed rapidly and I used a lower level pain reliever for a week. The pain reliever was mostly used for the throat pain.

I had to be on a liquid diet for a week. I progressed to a soft diet. That is where I am now. The swelling peaks about two seeks after surgery. Eating is something that I need to watch. The food must be soft and well chewed. Not much can be eaten at this point. Overdoing it can be a problem. I made the mistake of eating a very small piece of gluten free cake. I suffered for 30 minutes. That stuff turns into mush right at the valve. Cold liquids are an issue as well. They cause constriction. That makes it hard to swallow. Warm water, coffee and tea go down easily.

I am expected to be close to normal at six weeks after the surgery. All of this is manageable and shall pass.

The stomach is about 60% of its original size. Meals will need to be smaller and more frequent in the future.
Sodas and carbonated beverages are a big no no for now. Belching is difficult.

I have lost weight. 175 down to 162. I am almost 6 ft tall. For now I am eating as much as possible to slow the weight loss.

Activity is limited to avoid damage to the sutures internally. I can lift weights again in about three months.

I ate small amounts of well chewed turkey and mashed sweet potatoes today. Happy Thanksgiving.

Anyways the GERD issues are gone. Not a bad trade for the recovery.

Looking at the CPAP pressures makes me wonder if it is still needed. I am so used to the machine that I cannot think of life without it. I dozed off a few times without the machine. My only complaint was a dry mouth. For now I plan on continuing the use of the machine. It keeps my sinus cavities open. That is where I need it. My original pressure was 7. Now it hovers slightly above 4.

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Additional Comments: 100% compliance since 2008 December 17; Aussie Heated hose; Sleeptracker Pro, Pulse Oximeter; originally titrated at 7 cm / H2O

lc96
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Re: Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by lc96 » Fri Nov 27, 2015 2:13 pm

Did you have the magnetic ring version of this surgery? My husband has this problem and has been referred to a doc who specializes in this.

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Linus
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Re: Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by Linus » Fri Nov 27, 2015 6:54 pm

No magnetic ring for me. Insurance would not cover it.

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araris
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Re: Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by araris » Fri Nov 27, 2015 11:22 pm

I go to my pulmonologist Wednesday, and I may ask about this. I do not have GERD although my sleep dr. thinks I do. He put me on prilosec because I have extreme gastric insufflation or aerophagia (whatever its called now)

I hate going to bed now. I used to love sleep, but now it is only a cause for stress. I never know when I will get a good nights sleep.

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Linus
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Re: Many issues resolved all at once (New mask and surgery)

Post by Linus » Sat Nov 28, 2015 12:37 am

It definately helped. The reflux was an issue for me but areophagia was much worse.
Best wishes for you. I know what you are going through.

_________________
Mask: Swift™ LT Nasal Pillow CPAP Mask with Headgear
Additional Comments: 100% compliance since 2008 December 17; Aussie Heated hose; Sleeptracker Pro, Pulse Oximeter; originally titrated at 7 cm / H2O