New procedure

[tiredinde]

Has anybody heard of the Pillar Procedure? Articles have appeared in a couple of the leading magazines, and some newspapers. I visited an ENT and found out that I am a candidate for the procedure, and will definitely be having it done in the very, very near future. The procedure has been approved by the AMA but to date the insurance companies are dragging their feet, so you are on your own paying the cost. ENT's are charging anywhere from $1500.00 to $2500.00 depending on where they are located, fortunately I am in the $1500.00 area. Matter of fact, my the ENT I found even has an interest free loan for up to 18 months. Now that's my kind of Doc! He has performed the procedure on 20 patients with 18 being released from cpap hostage! Number 20 may be included in those released, but has not had a return visit as yet. Can you imagine?? I think we would all join Martin Luther King in saying, "Free at last, free at last, thank God I am free at last!"

[Guest]

Yes I have heard of it. One good thing about the pillar procedure is that it can be reversed should things go wrong. There are other factors such as tonsil size that must be evaluated by the surgeon. For more information and a film that shows the procedure can be found here http://sleepdisorders.about.com/od/surgery/a/Pillar.htm.

[Guest]

Use the cpaptalk Search function located at the top of this page. For keyword enter Pillar and you'll find all the matches for previous posts containing information about Pillar implants.

For a list of threads dealing with different surgeries and procedures (including Pillar) compiled by rested gal, click on this link: LINKS to surgery, turbinates, Pillar, TAP experiences

It contains some first-hand accounts by those who've had the implants.

[Barb (Seattle)]

The pillar procedure is only for mild to moderate apnea...that eliminates me...