Hospital stays and CPAP

[mindy]

My big worry would be spilling of humidifier juice. I guess if you do have to take in your machine, it would be best to leave the humidifier at home so as not to confuse them?????

I left my humidifer chamber in the machine without water (Respironics M-Series) and set humidity at 0 until I was in my hospital room at which point the nurse filled the humidifer with sterile water (they already had it on hand).

Mindy

[Slinky]

I take my xPAP and humidifier and mask when I got in for annual colonoscopies and a family member who knows how to operate it - even to upping the pressure should it be needed (ahhh, that wonderful data so easily available on the LCD screen of the Resmeds) and how to fit my mask on me.

[Handgunner45]

I guess I can weigh in as professional in the Biomedical/Clinical engineering field. Yes, we are required to check all electrically operated equipment that may come into contact with a patient. This requirement is mandated by NFPA 99. Any electrical equipment that is used in the "patient care vicinity" has to meet the requirements of NFPA 99. All of the equipment in my hospital is checked at least annually and in some cases semi-annually for electrical safety. We have to check for grounding integrity and leakage current. This is done for the safety of the patient. This check must be done, regardless of who owns the equipment, before the equipment is used an a patient in the hospital. Yes, I have checked numerous CPAPs for patients that were here for surgeries and colonoscopies, wether as an inpatient or an outpatient.

For reference, NFPA 99 is the Standards for Health Care Facilities, issued by the National Fire Protection Association, and is adopted, by reference, as law in many states.

[mindy]

Thanks, Handgunner45. I like to know the "why" of things and this perfectly explains what to me what to me was a little fuzzy before

Mindy

[ozij]

I have an appointment set up for an anesthetic consult the day before my surgery at the end of the month. I'll let you know what happens then. My family doc set it up. He said they do consults now with apnea patients as they change the anesthesia formulations a little bit. There will be written orders to have my cpap put on me in recovery.

In my case, last May, knowing of my OSA, they told me they preferred to give me a spinal anesthesia and not full. You can't do that for every procedure, but the could and did for the one I had. A spinal is given low enough in the spinal column enough to make sure they don't paralyze your breathing muscles. The gave me an oxygen mask during the procedure -- I'm pretty sure it wasn't necessary during recovery - though they monitored me for a while there. I was wide awake. The main side effect for me was my body itching all over for a while in recovery-- a well know side effect of one of the anesthetics. It passed by itself.

O.

[JimIllinois]

I've been on cpap for about 10 months.

In 2006, I had a hip replacement. When the anesthesiologist introduced himself and asked about any special conditions, my wife snitched on me about snoring and breathing interruptions.

Since I was going to get a breathing tube during surgery, it wasn't an issue, but afterward the anesthesiologist prescribed an oxygen sensor with alarm next to my bed. Any time I fell asleep it went off. My roommate was not pleased. I ended up reaching over and shutting it off at night, then turning it on when I awakened.

In my new enlightened state, I realize a cpap would have been a good thing.

[linrey]

I had emergency gall bladder surgery a few months ago and during the pre-surgery interview about medications & conditions, I told them I used a CPAP machine. The surgeon said "have someone bring it to you right away" so I did. My friend brought it to the room and the nurse just showed him where to plug it in - no electrical testing at all. I slept better having it there, in such a strange place and all.

[tattooyu]

linrey, did they give you any airway support after surgery in recovery but *before* you got to your room? To me, that would be the time to start airway support since you are still under sedation but no longer are intubated.

[Ruby Vee]

Not sure I like the idea of a hospital engineer checking my machine to approve it for use. I am particular, and don't like anyone touching my machine. If they had to approve it I would ask them to provide one for my stay. I just had surgery and decided with my mild apnea only to have my person set it up in my room after I came out of recovery.

They just make sure the electrical connections are good .. I was right there when they checked it and was reassured that my machine is still electrically safe after 2 years. Not that I'd want surgery in order to find that out

Although I wouldn't mind getting off CPAP, I'm so used to it that for me it's not a big deal if I can't. They said my neck size is very small and so I may still need it. I should, however, be able to use lower pressures.

Mindy

As far as I know, they only check them for electrical safety. The engineers just look at the plug, make sure it's not frayed, and put an "OK" tag on it. You're really better off using your own equipment than one they set up for you. If they even have enough CPAPs to set one up for your use. At my hospital, they often don't.

[DarkSideOfTheMoon]

Hey Mindy,
I just came on to the site to tell people that weight gain or loss can seriously change the CPAP experience. I saw your post. I just had bariatric surgery (the Duodenal Switch)!!!!

I had gained weight when I was "dieting" before surgery and was having a horrible time with my CPAP. I have lost 30 lbs in just over 3 weeks and what a difference on my CPAP. I am on a fixed setting but will talk to my providers into putting it on the auto mode while I lose weight.


I, too, had a great experience in the hospital with my CPAP. The respiratory therapist showed my husband how to hook up the oxygen to the CPAP so I could nap whenever. I

I wish you much success on your WLS journey!

Cathy

[mindy]

Hey Mindy,
I just came on to the site to tell people that weight gain or loss can seriously change the CPAP experience. I saw your post. I just had bariatric surgery (the Duodenal Switch)!!!!

I had gained weight when I was "dieting" before surgery and was having a horrible time with my CPAP. I have lost 30 lbs in just over 3 weeks and what a difference on my CPAP. I am on a fixed setting but will talk to my providers into putting it on the auto mode while I lose weight.


I, too, had a great experience in the hospital with my CPAP. The respiratory therapist showed my husband how to hook up the oxygen to the CPAP so I could nap whenever. I

I wish you much success on your WLS journey!

Cathy

Hey Cathy,

Thanks for posting! It's always great to meet fellow travelers. I had the Roux-en-Y surgery which I think may be the same thing as yours? I've lost 10 lbs in the first week and am thrilled There are certainly changes I am making to my eating habits because I don't ever want to gain this back!

My type II diabetes is already gone. Now I'm monitoring my blood pressure and CPAP to see if those needs change. Lots of work but most definitely worth it.

I wish the same for you ... a good journey many people are taking

Mindy

[DarkSideOfTheMoon]

My surgery is a bit different but same results. You should check out http://www.obesityhelp.com for a great forum!!! Keep in touch and let me know how you are progressing!

Cathy

[Birddog]

My wife went in for lap band and they didn't have any problem with me coming in and setting it up and taking care of it for her. Apnea was the reason they admitted her after lap band instead of outpatient . As slinky said, they feel more at ease if a family member comes in and know how to set it up, as the nurses have enough to do getting them situated in the room and comfortable.

[mindy]

My wife went in for lap band and they didn't have any problem with me coming in and setting it up and taking care of it for her. Apnea was the reason they admitted her after lap band instead of outpatient . As slinky said, they feel more at ease if a family member comes in and know how to set it up, as the nurses have enough to do getting them situated in the room and comfortable.

Your wife is lucky to have you ... those of us that live alone don't always have someone who is willing to do that.

Mindy