Surgery and Sleep Apnea

[Muse-Inc]

If I were in your situation I'd write on my forearm that I had apnea and the pressure I use at night as well as the mask. In my case, telling me to breathe isn't going to work because I do breathe, but I breathe so shallowly (hypopneas) that my oxygen level goes waay too low...while I am breathing. Too many people think we stop breathing purposely or forgetfully...we stop because our airways narrow or collapse and no amt of telling us to breathe will widen or re-open those collapsed airways...that's why we use some form of PAP machine, to keep our airways inflated -- sorta like a blown up balloon -- that pressure keeps our airways open. I would discuss my breathing needs as well as the need to closely monitor my oxygen levels while in recovery with my doctors and the anesthesiologist. Someone needs to know how to get your mask on you and the machine on in case you're too groggy to make sense of it all -- got a relative or close friend willing to learn how to do this? Now, that said, it's been yrs since I had general anesthesia, before onset of apnea for sure, but I did very well on the drugs they use. They typically give you a shot pre-op that reduces anxiety and that's a good thing. Sounds like your getting all your ducks in a row for this upcoming adventure. Good luck!

[Colin Southern]

When you think about it, a great percentage of OSA sufferers are undiagnosed - and I'm guessing that probably the same percentage of non-diagnosed OSA sufferers have surgeries for this, that, and the other as diagnosed sufferers do - so - it's probably fair to say that OSA, diagnosed or otherwise, is something anesthetists take comfortably within their stride. And if they (and other medical professionals looking after you) are fore-warned by the patient then as I see it, that can only help.

So I'd be inclined to take your machine - let them know - and then relax, knowing you're in safe hands

[Kickthefog]

My experience here if it helps you:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51047&p=469819#p469819

Pat

[LaurieJ31981]

My experience here if it helps you:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51047&p=469819#p469819

Pat

Thanks Pat for that link, it was nice to read some one elses experience. I know the Surgeon told me to bring my CPAP and that I'll be staying over night, the only reason I want to use it, is so I don't annoy people with my snoring lol... If they say I'll be ok without it, then other patients close by are going to have to suffer with all the noise lol...

I go for pre op on the 13th... I will definitely discuss everything, I am also meeting with the Anesthesiologist that afternoon... I will be reminding that person about my sleep apnea over and over...

Thanks again to everyones responses

[Kickthefog]

Cool. I hope the info everyone here has shared, helps you in some way. I wish you the very best with your surgery!
Take Care,
Pat

My experience here if it helps you:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=51047&p=469819#p469819

Pat

Thanks Pat for that link, it was nice to read some one elses experience. I know the Surgeon told me to bring my CPAP and that I'll be staying over night, the only reason I want to use it, is so I don't annoy people with my snoring lol... If they say I'll be ok without it, then other patients close by are going to have to suffer with all the noise lol...

I go for pre op on the 13th... I will definitely discuss everything, I am also meeting with the Anesthesiologist that afternoon... I will be reminding that person about my sleep apnea over and over...

Thanks again to everyones responses

[LaurieJ31981]

I had my Surgery on the 28th, not sure what type of anesthesia they used, but all I remember is going into the OR, they put it in my IV... I was listening to some music the surgeon put on, and listening to him talking to the others in the room. My eyes got really heavy and all I said to myself is "I'm just going to sleep" as if I had a choice lol. Surgery took about 3 hours or so, and I had to have my whole ovary removed... I remember waking up in recovery, and I heard someone say "You did good, took longer then we expected but you're ok" and they had oxygen in my nose and I heard a beeping noise so the nurse came over and told me to take deep breathes through my nose, until the beeping stopped. I assume my oxygen levels were dropping because of the sleep apnea and not being able to keep myself awake... They moved me up to my room around 12:15, I was in recovery from 10:45 to 12:15 and I don't remember much of that lol... It's definitely strange...

That night around 6, I got to go home... My oxygen levels were good, and I didn't have to use my CPAP at all... I also only dosed off for a few mins here and there... but my dr was confident enough that I would be ok.

Just glad that is over and done with... now I just need to heal. They had to make 5 incisions and one of them is pretty big and sore...

It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be...

[PST]

Welcome back Laurie. Glad it went well.

[ozij]

Welcome back, Laurie. Glad you had such smooth sailing, all things considered.

O.

[Kickthefog]

Glad it went pretty well for you Laurie! Wishing you the best.
Pat