Very frustrated after radiofrequency tongue base reduction surgery

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
phitom816
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Joined: Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:10 pm

Very frustrated after radiofrequency tongue base reduction surgery

Post by phitom816 » Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:11 pm

I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea a few years ago. I've always been only able to sleep on my sides but not my back. Whenever I fall asleep and rolled on my back by accident, I will just get suffocated, which is a really terrible and scary experience. CPAP didn't work well on me. However, without it I was always able to sleep normally on my sides.

But things has changed this year. I went to an ENT, and had a DISE (Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy) and a radiofrequency tongue base reduction. Ever since the procedure, I'm still not able to sleep on my back. And I'm no longer able to fall asleep easily, even on my sides. When I finally fall asleep on my side after lying in bed for an hour or 2, I started to snore. I never snored in the past. Besides, I constantly wake up during the night. I'm only able to sleep 3-4 hours a night. I no longer can enter deep sleep, because I constantly choke and need to grasp air during sleep.

My doctor said that during the DISE, he found my tongue tissue totally collapsed and blocked my airway when I was on my back. Now the blockage is getting better for sure. He always showed it to me with a nasal scope device in the last office visit. When I'm awake now, I might be able to breathe a little bit better, and I can sing better I think. However, my sleep has definitely got worse. It started impacting my everyday life. I feel tired and unrestful most time of the day.

I just feel so bad about myself. I never thought a procedure that is considered safe and minimal invasive can make my situation worse.

GrumpyHere
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Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2021 2:40 am

Re: Very frustrated after radiofrequency tongue base reduction surgery

Post by GrumpyHere » Sat Nov 27, 2021 2:57 am

I encourage you to try CPAP again.

One of the main reason most people don't adapt well to CPAP is that the settings are not optimized.

The second is the mask. You also need to try different masks until you find the one with which you're comfortable.

Download OSCAR: http://sleepfiles.com/oscar

Get data. And we will try to help you along.

It can be done. Many success stories at:
https://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t144 ... lease.html

In the meantime, perhaps you can try a sleeping position nicknamed "the FALCON“ to partially help you breathe while asleep.

Description and photo are in the wiki article below:
https://www.cpaptalk.com/wiki/index.php/Sleep_Positions

TLTR: It's sleeping on your stomach with gravity giving a helping hand instead of collapsing your airway.

Best of luck.
ResMed Lumis Tx - VAuto mode

Janknitz
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Re: Very frustrated after radiofrequency tongue base reduction surgery

Post by Janknitz » Tue Nov 30, 2021 8:33 pm

I just feel so bad about myself. I never thought a procedure that is considered safe and minimal invasive can make my situation worse.
Did the doctor inform you in writing that this was a possible outcome? Did the doctor define a "successful outcome"? From the doctor's point of view, the reduced blockage when awake, the improved breathing and singing are a successful outcome and the effect on your sleep is a mere "side effect"

I agree with Grumpy that you need to take another look at CPAP. Masks and machines have improved over the past few years, and the right mask and optimized settings can do wonders. Increased untreated apnea can do untold damage, so you can't ignore it, and--as you've learned--surgical intervention doesn't always fix it.
What you need to know before you meet your DME http://tinyurl.com/2arffqx
Taming the Mirage Quattro http://tinyurl.com/2ft3lh8
Swift FX Fitting Guide http://tinyurl.com/22ur9ts
Don't Pay that Upcharge! http://tinyurl.com/2ck48rm

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Very frustrated after radiofrequency tongue base reduction surgery

Post by chunkyfrog » Tue Nov 30, 2021 11:14 pm

Now we ALL know another thing can go wrong with cpap alternative surgery..
At least the surgeon got paid--which is often the definition of "success".
Too bad someone had to learn "the hard way".
Now I understand the why of the "NO FIREARMS" signs in the hospital.
No shooting the butcher!

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marquisvns
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Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 6:20 pm

Re: Very frustrated after radiofrequency tongue base reduction surgery

Post by marquisvns » Thu Dec 02, 2021 10:53 am

I had two tongue radio frequency procedures done, optimum effect should have started in November, but nothing! Maybe this is why the insurance wouldn't pay for it, all out of pocket expenses :(

I will take up other advices here to try to have my Cpap dialed in, otherwise life is rough... Just glad there are people here sharing experiences and kept me going.

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chunkyfrog
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Re: Very frustrated after radiofrequency tongue base reduction surgery

Post by chunkyfrog » Thu Dec 02, 2021 12:17 pm

Using cpap is a lot like learning to dance.
Some find it easier than others--but anyone can learn.
It takes practice, and patience.
And be kind to your "partner" (the machine). :mrgreen:

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ChicagoGranny
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Re: Very frustrated after radiofrequency tongue base reduction surgery

Post by ChicagoGranny » Thu Dec 02, 2021 1:16 pm

phitom816 wrote:
Fri Nov 26, 2021 9:11 pm
CPAP didn't work well on me.
Maybe you didn't work well on CPAP. :)

I bet you didn't have a good support group to learn how to get CPAP to work well. This forum is a good support group. Take advantage of it. https://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t488 ... -team.html and https://www.cpaptalk.com/viewtopic/t488 ... -team.html