Hope I don't get Sued

[sleepguide]

it's not libel if it's true, right?

Sleep Apnea surgery vs. CPAP: a recent FOX News interview provides some colorful commentary on the battle unfolding between proponents of either treatment option. During the interview, FOX News interviews Dr. Jennifer Walden, a doctor who is presented to us without any information other than she is affiliated with New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital. The topic of the interview is one which we have reported here, that Sleep Apnea kills. So far, so good: an interview with a trained medical professional about the scary consequences of untreated Sleep Apnea.

[video embedded here: you can see it either in the article at my site (http://www.sleepguide.com/profiles/blog ... ry-the-fox), or on youtube: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1TyKlpiMII)]

But about 1.5 minutes into the interview, the interview derails into something other than an objective overview of the dangers of untreated Sleep Apnea. Here, Dr. Walden introduces treatment options, mentioning positive airway pressure as an alternative only to quickly dismiss it as some sort of impossible option because, in Dr. Walden's view, it's "very big and very cumbersome" and looks "like an elephant's snout." Ok, that's a little insensitive and surely overstated, but here's the kicker: according to Dr. Walden, CPAP doesn't "really" treat Sleep Apnea at all. Why? Because, Dr. Walden says, using CPAP, Sleep Apnea isn't "going to go away." Dr. Walden's solution? Losing weight and surgery are "more definitive ways to treat the problem." Now that goes beyond insensitive and is just plain inaccurate. Hmmmm. Why would a doctor ever want to give inaccurate information to a national viewing audience which is otherwise clueless about Sleep Apnea and hungry to do something, anything, not to die from it? A quick Google search reveals Dr. Walden is a plastic surgeon. I'll let our readers draw their own conclusions. More on this FOX News report to come tomorrow. Stay tuned...

[Babette]

Can we sue Fox News for practicing Sleep Medicine without a license?

Hate shows like that....
Babs

[alpha]

People should stop watching that channel unless they're in the mood for comic relief. That's all it's good for.

[sam1234]

At least the doctor is cute.

When I was presented with the alternatives, my doctor strongly suggested the CPAP because it was not a "permanent" solution. It was also considered the most effective therapy. If I didn't like it, I could just stop. No harm no foul.

Not true for surgical procedures, which may or may not be effective on a case by case basis.

They were right about the CPAP mask not be the most glamorous bed-time accessory.

[Babette]

Hey, I'll stack my cpap mask up against my BF's old ripped boxer shorts for "sleep sexy attire" any day!!!!!!
B.

[MurphysLaw]

I agree that people should stop watching that channel. Even more disgusting than the doctor is the shallow chick afterwards. Typical of Fox.

[Goofproof]

In a way they are correct, XPAP, doesn't cure Apnea, it just allows you to spend more time with the problem, ALIVE. Surgery could cure obstructive Sleep Apnea, as soon as they implant a proper size hose from you face to your lungs. so far that's NOT the surgery they are trying. Instead they opt for patches that many times don't bring the needed results, and sometimes leave the patient worse off than they were. Not exactly a "First Do No Harm" solution.

A smart person would weigh the invasive surgery (With no Guarantee), against the option of a style of life change with XPAP, using only fresh clean air. To me it's a no brainer. I wish my other medical problems could be corrected with fresh clean air, I'd even go for dirty air.... Jim

[Arizona-Willie]

A few years ago there was a very popular computer game series called Half-Life.

In the game there were some creatures called Head Crabs that dropped from the ceiling at the worst possible times and covered your face and you died.

The CPAP masks always remind me of playing that game and having a Head Crab get me.

[JeffH]

Like many others, you lost me with "Fox News". What are they going to do now that they can't read the Bush talking points all day every day...LOL.

[OldLincoln]

I'd love to hear someday of a "real" permanent fix to OSA, but it's simply not here today. Until then I'll use XPAP.

Over 30 years ago my wife had 30% of her stomach removed because of a perforated ulcer. You can't imagine the life long consequences of that. If it were to happen today, they would give her antibiotics and the ulcer would heal in a few days. Medical treatment is constantly evolving and someday I hope XPAP will become just a memory like the iron lung of the polio days.

[WilsonVilleUSA]

Wow! What's with all the Foxnews haters? I guess media bias is only bad when it is a conservative bias or Bush "taking points" instead of democratic bias and their "talking points"...

All that aside, yes, certainly not a very good piece. I am curious if it was a product of Fox or something the good "Dr." put together and pitched to them as a self-serving info-mercial. Certainly was a pro-surgery point, I am a little hesistant to consider a Dr. though who doesn't understand the difference between "oxygen" and air.

She also seemed to infer surgery was a fersure fix it. Last I heard surgery was about 50% effective, not exactly a slam dunk in my book.

Wasn't surprised at the continuing inferrence that OSA is a fat-body affliction, just loose weight it'll all be better. There was a time I was a slim and trim US Marine who was known for keeping an entire barracks sleep deprived due to my snoring and snorting.

Just shows that no one should believe any one source for anything. Look at multiple sources, do your own research and make the decision that works for you.

[jnk]

My favorite newscaster on Fox is Jack Bauer!

[hobbs]

[john_dozer]

Its funny how everyone else is biased but me.

But as much as I would like to watch news with what some would call a 'conservative bias', FoxNews blows with respect to effort and quality. As weak as it was before, Its really become annoying and sensationlist lately. Almost recklessly.

[Babette]

BAH RAM EWE!