Surgery

Murphy · Post by **Murphy** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 7:05 am

I am having minor surgery this week under general anesthesia. They know about the cpap and during surgery I will have a tube down my throat so that will be fine, but in recovery they said they would monitor me. I am really worried about being in recovery and stopping breathing. Has anyone else had surgery and is there something I should be telling them or asking for?
Thanks

ozij · Post by **ozij** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:00 am

Try to do the following ahead of time:

Find out who will be responsible for the recovery room when you're supposed to come out of anaesthesia

Talk to this person. Ask them what the hospital means by "we'll be monitoring you". Ask very specific questions: "OK, what will you do if my airway collapses and I stop breathing, like I tend to do when no awake?" At which point do you take the tube out? What happens of if I stop breathing then? Shouldn't some one be there to help put the cpap on my face? Is that possible?

Make sure they understand your problem - they might think extra oxygen well be enough, and might not know what obstructive sleep apnea is. On the other hand, the might know very well what its about, and talking to them will let you relax.

Once you're convinced they do understand, that is one worry off your mind.

Good luck in your surgery - and when it's over and you feel up to it, tell us how it went.

_________________

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OutaSync · Post by **OutaSync** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 1:27 pm

I had surgery on my shoulder on Tuesday. They told me to bring my APAP machine, just in case, but I didn't need it. The anesthesiologist was great. He spent a lot of time with me, going over my medical history. He said that they would use a CPAP during anesthesia. I was more worried aboutthe pain medication that I was taking when I got home. That oxycodone made me do nothing but sleep. For the first time in years I didn't have any back pain. My leak line was nearly straight (also a first), becasue I was not tossing and turning trying to get comfortable. I slept more than my APAP would register. It looks like it got my three naps but missed my 15 hour nights. I stopped taking the oxycodone after three nights and I'm back to struggling with back pain as well as pain from the shoulder surgery.

So, wear your mask whenever you are lying down as you will fall asleep from the meds. While in the hospital, have them keep the oximeter on your finger with an alarm to alert them if your level drops.

Best wishes on a speedy recovery.

Bev

Murphy · Post by **Murphy** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 4:50 pm

Thanks, some great information to bring up to the doctors
Murphy

lawdognellie · Post by **lawdognellie** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 7:19 pm

I had gastric bypass on Monday. I had a tube down my throat and was also told I would be closely monitored. Everything went fine. Even had a respiratory specialist come to my room after I was awake to help set up my machine (as if I didn't know). I requested distilled water for my humidifier and she went right and got it. No problems whatsoever. I elected not to wear my mask the 1st night as I was worried about aerophagia and my new mini-stomach. I told the nurse what I was doing and she connected me to a heart monitor just in case. Really, was no problem at all. Just make sure they know you have sleep apnea.

Sarah