Anyone know any good ENT surgeons with some availability?

[nikkwong]

Hi, I have been assessed by an ENT for my sleep apnea in Seattle and he recommended a nasal turbinate reduction, followed by an endoscopy, *probably* followed by an epiglottectomy (I have an inverted epiglottis) and possible lingual tonsil reduction.

The wait is long, he can't get me in until December. My BP is a sustained 160/100, so I'm looking to get treatment as soon as possible.

Does anyone know any ENTs with more open availability that I could try talking to?

Before I get flamed for not wanting to stick to the CPAP—been there done that. I use the CPAP every night, mouth tape, mandibular advancement, head strap, tennis ball t shirt.. etc etc. It hasn't worked for me.

Thank you for any suggestions!

[Julie]

Do you mean you can't get in until ?? October? Look at your note again... but also consider why other ENT's might not have a full roster of people awaiting surgery and/or that some of them might try to talk you into e.g. a UPPP procedure, or something you don't need (it won't cure your apnea whatever they say).

[chunkyfrog]

The restaurants with the worst food have the most open parking spaces.
(Test this, if you dare.)
Good places might have a line out the door.
A sign in a mechanic shop reads,
"We can do any job quick, cheap, or good--pick one."

[nikkwong]

It's just so incredibly frustrating. So many ENTs tell me they can't help me—and, I respond, what do you suggest I do then? They usually suggest retitrating the CPAP. After I tell them I've done that at every pressure level in increments of .2, they usually just look at me confused and hurry me out of the office.

The lesson for me in all of this is that nobody is going to look out for you in this world, and sometimes you're just unlucky and there's nothing you can do about it. Such is life.

[zoocrewphoto]

Have you tried posting graphs of a typical night?

I can't imagine anybody trying every pressure range from 4.0 to 20 in 0.2 increments, so I suspect that is an exaggeration. Also sounds like throwing darts at a board blindly. Let's try looking at the data and zeroing in on what works.

[realshelby]

We are lucky to have some of the best medical treatment available in the world here in Houston, Texas. I can tell you that waiting three months for an ENT appointment/surgery is quite normal. They are that busy! I will also say it was worth everything I went through to get it!

But, I really don't think it is a substitute for CPAP. My blood pressure isn't too bad, but there was no change after an extensive nasal surgery that fixed multiple problems. It has actually lowered now that I am on CPAP. I am quite sure that I could be fully in the normal range if I could lose some weight.....but........

I am unsure about your cpap statement. Sounds like you are NOT on cpap currently? If so, I hope you will reconsider and get some good advice and help about that. If still on cpap therapy, maybe you need that same help to make it work. Post your results, I figure you might be surprised at what some here can do to help.

But at 160/100 blood pressure, you probably should be more worried about a Cardiologist or really good MD. There is NO WAY a nose surgery or cpap will fix that!

[ChicagoGranny]

a nasal turbinate reduction, followed by an endoscopy, *probably* followed by an epiglottectomy (I have an inverted epiglottis) and possible lingual tonsil reduction.

As you know by now, you have some conditions that can make sleep-breathing and CPAP treatment difficult. Correction of these conditions (enlarged turbinates, enlarged tonsils) by an experienced, skilled surgeon can make a big difference in breathing and CPAP effectiveness.

epiglottectomy (I have an inverted epiglottis)

Has your doctor discussed exercises to correct the inverted epiglottis? Of course I don't know your case, but some have been able to correct an inverted epiglottis with targeted exercises.

Good luck!

[SnoringInOregon]

If you're willing to travel down to Oregon, my ENT, Dr Mulcahy, did my surgery for a deviated septum with a wait of just a few weeks. Also she then did a minor in-office turbinate reduction.
https://lakegroveent.com/our-team/physicians/

I was happy with the results, but that's just an anecdote, a sample size of 1.

It sounds like your needs are much more extensive than mine were. So YMMV.

[chunkyfrog]

To Nik, even though it may take awhile, you are right to go with the best surgeon.
The best of luck to you, and a big, froggy hug while you are waiting.