surgery worked for me

Hi everyone-

It's been a while since I posted here. I had surgery just about 1 year ago and was waiting it out to see how things went. I have to tell you that it was a last resort for me, but in the end I am SO glad it worked for me. I tried using CPAP, different masks, straps, I even tried the dental device when I couldn't handle the CPAP machine. No good. I kept waking up and taking it out after 2-3 hours.

My ENT Doc did a fair amount in there, though not as extemesive as some. I had a turbinate trim, my "punching bag" removed, my soft palate trimmed and radio frquency reduction of the base of my tongue. Within 3 months my blood pressure had gone from 140/90 to 117/72. I am now completely off of my blood pressure meds - which was my main reason for seeking treatment. Plus, as a bonus I've also lost about 20lbs.

Now I know there are people this has not worked for. But I just wanted to share that sometimes it does work, and the results couldn't be better for me.

Only question I have now is what to do with my CPAP equipment? Is there a way to donate it or somehting? I know it's a Rx thing so I don't want to just odnate to the goodwill or something.

You could donate the equipment, or you could post it here indicating what machine it is, etc.

There are some in this forum who need backup machines. I know some who have sleep apnea but have no insurance (my son is one such person), who might be interested in purchasing a used unit.

Glad you are doing so good after your surgery.

If you want to sell the stuff, use Yahoo Auctions. They allow CPAP auctions.
EGay does not..

thanks guys. I'll get the info off of the machine, since it's been a few months since I looked at it. I'll be back with more info later.

Great to hear it worked for you. I did the same thing 13 years ago with great results. I know how much better you are probably feeling. Including the increased energy.

Unfortunately 2-3 years ago the apnea came back in my case. From talking to the specialist it seems like around the 10-15 year mark it can come back.

Please understand that I am not saying that it will come back in your case in that time frame or ever. I just want to make you aware of it. I had the rinoplasty and throat surgery when I was 26 and was officially diagnosed with it again when I was 37. From what my wife and I figured it had crept back up the last few years so i was not fully aware of it.

I chose the CPAP this time around because the idea of doing surgery repeatedly as a possibility as time went on was not worth it.

Hey there-

Yeah, my Dr. said I'd have about that much time before it started up again. He said that it is also just a case of our bodies aging and you can't escape that. But since I was 41 this time around I figure I'm in pretty good shape. and maybe I'll get away with it even longer if I'm really lucky. So no worries, I didn't take it bad.

The important thing is that you have been treated in a way that works for you - it looks like one treatment plan does not work for everyone. You got treated, you followed up, and things are working.