Stop Denying Sleep Apnea?

Hi guys,
So I got a sleep apnea diagnosis back in 2011.

I'm trying to figure out how to not make so light of it. I do know that I've been miserable of the CPAP. But due to the invisible nature of it, it's easy for me to discount sleep apnea as 'not a big deal' or me being able to get by without the CPAP.

So, how do I accept?

Kabuto wrote:Hi guys,
So I got a sleep apnea diagnosis back in 2011.

I'm trying to figure out how to not make so light of it. I do know that I've been miserable of the CPAP. But due to the invisible nature of it, it's easy for me to discount sleep apnea as 'not a big deal' or me being able to get by without the CPAP.

So, how do I accept?

Picture yourself dying, bit by bit, your vital organs being deprived of the oxygen essential to their proper functioning.

Now picture yourself falling asleep at the wheel because you haven't been getting enough quality sleep. Think of taking out innocent lives because you thought sleep apnea wasn't a big deal.

How did the bobby pins work last night? How old are you?

Bobby pins seem to be working. 26 years old.

At your age, it might be a good idea to study Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery. Then, if you are open to the idea, have a consultation with two or more surgeons. (It's not suitable for everyone.) https://www.google.com/search?q=jaw+sur ... e&ie=UTF-8

Really? I've heard sleep apnea surgery has like a 30% success rate at best....

Kabuto wrote:Really? I've heard sleep apnea surgery has like a 30% success rate at best....

You are confusing Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery with Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP). I rarely recommend UPPP.

Why has no sleep doctor recommended this surgery up until now then? And why haven't I heard about it?

(I very much appreciate your input, I'm just surprised/curious)

Kabuto wrote:Why has no sleep doctor recommended this surgery up until now then? And why haven't I heard about it?

(I very much appreciate your input, I'm just surprised/curious)

Because mulilation surgery seldom helps long term, and it's damage isn't reversible.

Jim

Kabuto wrote:Hi guys,
So I got a sleep apnea diagnosis back in 2011.

I'm trying to figure out how to not make so light of it. I do know that I've been miserable of the CPAP. But due to the invisible nature of it, it's easy for me to discount sleep apnea as 'not a big deal' or me being able to get by without the CPAP.

So, how do I accept?

In hindsight, I am convinced (consistent with my cardiologist) that my heart problems were most likely due to untreated OSA.

Acceptance is easiest when faced with data. My sleep study showed me that I struggle for air every minute (AHI=60). The body releasing life saving adrenaline every minute takes its' toll on the heart. Not hard to connect the dots once the dots are laid out in clear view.

Adjusting to OSA treatment can be a challenge. Remember that if your body can adjust to "sleeping" through cycles of oxygen deprivation, you can adjust to sleeping with assistance.

Kabuto wrote:Why has no sleep doctor recommended this surgery up until now then? And why haven't I heard about it?

(I very much appreciate your input, I'm just surprised/curious)

I introduced you to the subject and recommend that you educate yourself and seek consultations and evaluations with two (or more) surgeons. Show some initiative. Don't trust one anonymous person (me) on the internet.

You should only undergo the surgery if you have educated yourself and been identified as a good candidate by a trusted surgeon.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dr.+kas ... bNBOnKrByc

I have sent you a PM.

I also wanted to highly endorse CG's advice regarding surgery.

49er