Looking for a surgeon in DFW, TX area

[TXLadybug]

I had finally had all I can stand with the APAP for over a year. Went to an Oral Surgeon, who took full head x-rays and decided that an oral device would only have a 50/50 chance of helping me. He referred me to his partner, whom he said was up to date on the latest procedures for sleep apnea surgeries. Met with him the next day. He also felt the oral device would probably not help my OSA enough, and that the best alternative to cpap for me would be surgery to move both my upper and lower jaws forward. Major surgery, but high success rates. I decided I wanted to have it done. They said they have all the x-rays, etc sent to my insurance company - Aetna- as this was a surgery that must be pre-approved. 4 weeks later, and several follow up calls- I am advised that the surgeon tendered his resignation. So, I'm back to looking for a reputable surgeon in the Dallas F/W area. This doctor believed that I did not need any of the other surgeries to correct my problem... no UPPP, or hyoid suspension, etc... just the jaws moved forward.

Can anyone recommend someone? They have referred me to Dr. Robert Peak in Fort Worth, but I know nothing about this individual.

Thanks for your replies!

[Julie]

Hi, I would be very leery of any surgeon who has "the answer" to sleep apnea all wrapped up in his specialty. It is a major operation, will definitely keep you down for a while, is going to be painful and your chances of success with it may not be all that great if your apnea is caused by anything else at all. What makes this MD (or his partner, etc.) so knowledgable about your apnea? I personally would run far away from what they're proposing, no matter how much you're invested in his kids going to college! In fact, as someone who spent their entire working life in teaching hospitals, I can't remember ever hearing of a 'double' realignment like that in any case, and cannot imagine how they rationalized it to you to have made it that convincing. What also bothers me is that while it is quite possible, even likely, that anatomical design is responsible for some apnea, I wonder how many people with similar anatomy do NOT have apnea - anyone counting?

[mdintx]

This guy is my sleep doc:

http://www.northtexaslungandsleepclinic.com/

You may try contacting that office to see if he recommends anyone.

[SleepingUgly]

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[Mac33]

Dr Li at Stamford is the man and no one else!!!

[Wulfman]

I had finally had all I can stand with the APAP for over a year. Went to an Oral Surgeon, who took full head x-rays and decided that an oral device would only have a 50/50 chance of helping me. He referred me to his partner, whom he said was up to date on the latest procedures for sleep apnea surgeries. Met with him the next day. He also felt the oral device would probably not help my OSA enough, and that the best alternative to cpap for me would be surgery to move both my upper and lower jaws forward. Major surgery, but high success rates. I decided I wanted to have it done. They said they have all the x-rays, etc sent to my insurance company - Aetna- as this was a surgery that must be pre-approved. 4 weeks later, and several follow up calls- I am advised that the surgeon tendered his resignation. So, I'm back to looking for a reputable surgeon in the Dallas F/W area. This doctor believed that I did not need any of the other surgeries to correct my problem... no UPPP, or hyoid suspension, etc... just the jaws moved forward.

Can anyone recommend someone? They have referred me to Dr. Robert Peak in Fort Worth, but I know nothing about this individual.

Thanks for your replies!

What is the problem?
What all have you tried?


Den

[TXLadybug]

The problem is not what I've tried or not tried.... the problem is not even with the results I get from my apap. The issue is I want a cure, not a treatment. I am no longer willing to settle for a miserable ball and chain cure. I want a healthy body, and to be able to sleep free from a machine. I am not willing to continue this routine of hooking up every night to the monster that gives me the ability to get rest while I sleep. I want more. If any of my sleep doctors had told me within the first six months of diagnosis that for me, based on x-rays, etc- there was a surgical cure with a high rate of success, I would have jumped on it then. All the Sleep Dr.'s sway you away from that, but I believe that is wrong in every sense of the word. If I was not a good candidate for surgery, that would be another thing... but I should have had that explained to me, along with supporting evidence of such.

I am a good candidate for surgery with a high percentage of expected success. Success for me, would include getting acceptable AHI rates AND feeling rested after a good night's sleep, WITHOUT machines, masks, medications.

I also plan to use the recovery time, to aid in my weight loss by getting with a doctor that will work with me during those 6-8 weeks when I would not be able to eat solid foods. I know that weight loss will also improve my odds of success greatly. I have already begun daily exercise in preparation for this.

Someone out there must surely have a surgeon who is experienced and is willing to share with me. I cannot afford 70 - 80 K and I also feel there must absolutely be more than 2 doctors in the entire US who can properly perform this surgery (MMA) which has been around for many many years.

Just thought this was the best place to ask, but maybe it's not. I already knew I'd get the 90% of responses from those who will be on CPAP for life and I'm happy for all those that are satisfied with this treatment. I am NOT!

[SleepingUgly]

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[TXLadybug]

Do you know if there is a written version of Dr. Li's interview?. I find it difficult to listen to an hour recording, but would be more likely to read the article in full. I only made it through about the first 15 minutes. However, I have have the ability to read very quickly and absorb the content.

[SleepingUgly]

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[TXLadybug]

I do have my tonsils, but 2 Sleep Dr.'s and 2 oral surgeons have told me they are not the issue. I have never had issues with my tonsils as far as infections, either. I do get sinus infections at least twice a year, and stay on an antihistimine almost year round, which controls my allergies most of the time. Where is Dr. Li located? CA? I'll try to find their website and see if I can order a transcript and see what it would take for a consultation. It's too bad that those with the greatest knowledge seem to be unwilling to teach others for the greater good. They want all the business themselves, instead of using their skills to teach and credential others so that more of us who want to undergo the risk of surgery are more likely to achieve positive results. That really sounds selfish, doesn't it. Also, if they DO know of other surgeons, why arent they willing to at least partner with them for referrals/consultations? I understand that they even charge some folks to listen to the interview now? What does that say about them?

[SleepingUgly]

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[TXLadybug]

My apologies for the unfounded accusations against Dr. Li. He must be doing a lot of things right to have such strong defenders, as well as having a successful surgical record.

The teaching comments gave me a great idea. I started searching for the Baylor Dental school and A&M Health Science Center in Dallas- lo and behold- I now have an appointment with a Professor who practices and teaches at the school, and specializes in the areas I need. Will have to wait a few weeks, but am told her performs this type of surgery a couple of times a day, nearly every day. Sounds like just what the patient ordered. Will see if he concurs with the other 2 Dr.'s I've seen, or has a different plan of treatment.