Tracheotomy?

[EricinNC]

I am thinking of ways to end my relationship with sleep medicine as much as possible, the DMEs, the sleep docs, the insurance, just screw them all. Only solution I can think of besides blowing my head off is a tracheotomy. My understanding is that FIXES OSA, period.

Anybody had one and if so, did it work well for you? I know it does not treat centrals but I dont have those.

Eric

[MidnightOwl]

Out of the frying pan into the fire.

Yes. It will end your obstructive apneas but there's probably a reason no one chooses it. Think about it. You're choosing surgery. You're choosing to permanently have a plastic device in your neck potentially causing irritation, imflamation (those would = pain), and providing a direct pathway to your lungs for infection. A device that can break or be defective, that needs to be replaced (by a doctor) every few months, and that will be provided to you by - of course - a DME company.

I don't think this will get you the independence from the medical profession that you are hoping for.

[NotMuffy]

I am thinking of ways to end my relationship with sleep medicine as much as possible, the DMEs, the sleep docs, the insurance, just screw them all. Only solution I can think of besides blowing my head off is a tracheotomy. My understanding is that FIXES OSA, period.

Actually, tracheostomy may create central dysfunction, and contrary to popular belief, is NOT 100% effective (and of course, I have the documentation to prove it).

[chazz4623]

I am considering a tracheostomy for the most important reason, it cures OSA. I have a friend who has one and it has been a real life changer for him. I am concerned about any downsides, but no one seems to publish any cases of danger/damage from a trach. I certainly dont like surgery, but it is only needed once, and is reversible if desired. Every night I have problems with my cpap therapy is a night I further damage myself. I am tired of ongoing fatigue, foggy mornings, and a number of other symptoms. I believe that most or all of the objections to a trach can be overcome with some small effort and maintenance. The cannula is removable and replaceable by the patient and can be modified for comfort as necessary. I have had OSA for 40+ years( sleeping partner recall) and it has done its due. If there are significant, documented problems with trachs, would someone please post a source which can be referenced which will provide the info. Apparently there has been a lot of progress in the area, just as there has been with cpap/apap/bipap thru the years. What I want is enough information to make an informed choice. Can anyone help??

[EricinNC]

I am thinking of ways to end my relationship with sleep medicine as much as possible, the DMEs, the sleep docs, the insurance, just screw them all. Only solution I can think of besides blowing my head off is a tracheotomy. My understanding is that FIXES OSA, period.

Actually, tracheostomy may create central dysfunction, and contrary to popular belief, is NOT 100% effective (and of course, I have the documentation to prove it).

Put the documentation up here, put your money where your mouth is.

Only complications Ive read about that scares me about it some is the possibility of infections.

Eric

[Madalot]

Personally, as someone who may be facing this in the future, I find it a bit strange that somebody would do this to themselves intentionally, especially since I may have to do this, not because I'm lazy and want an easier way out, but because I may have no choice unless I'm ready to die.

I could make this choice right now and it would probably be a relief to my doctors, but I want to exhaust every other option before doing something this radical.

[LinkC]

Shall we make this a poll?

Tracheotomy
Blowing head off
Continue CPAP

[NotMuffy]

Put the documentation up here, put your money where your mouth is.

Go 4Q yourself.

[Samba]

There's alot of stuff on google. I've seen these aspects:

- possible infections
- loss of smell
- loss of speach
- problems with water contact (showering, pool...)
- risk of emphysema

[bkdraft]

My Dad had one and he did not use the cpap anymore. Had a cap on it that he took off at night to sleep. He had open heart surgery and the Dr was concerned about the trach causing infection. Guess what? It did and he never left the hospital, was there about 3 months before he passed away, they could not ever clear up the infection.

[Jade]

I don't think it will make you happy. The issue appears to be much more in the realm of your approach/stance towards life. If you can find a therapist with the chops to handle you, that's your best bet, IMO.

LinkC, could we add that to the poll?