NEWLY DIAGNOSED

I stopped breathing 3 times in April during a routine surgery at a same day surgery center. I woke up in the emergency room. They sent me to a sleep center in my town. I was upset about the results because they told me I was referred for "daytime sleepiness". They said that was an "insurance" issue why that had to be listed. I have never had any trouble with daytime sleepiness. That is not why I was sent there. I then went to a real sleep center in Tulsa, OK for the second part of the test and was told that I had OSA. I have not gotten a machine yet, because there must be a way to treat this naturally. Either by life style changes, or whatever. The doctor in Tulsa told me that surgery for most patients is not an option, but it would be for me. I have not gotten a copy of the sleep report yet, nor has my local doctor called me. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Thanks.

Here is a link to an article discussing treatment options. Click on this: Obstructive Sleep Apnea

I would also suggest you google: OSA and read all the information you can find so you can read about any and all alternatives to CPAP therapy.

You wrote,

"I have not gotten a machine yet, because there must be a way to treat this naturally. Either by life style changes, or whatever."

The extensive research you are about to do will suggest losing weight as a lifestyle change that may help with OSA. So far (as you will discover while you're conducting your research), there is no way to treat OSA naturally.

May I be so bold as to suggest you get an auto-adjusting CPAP machine with heated humidifier as soon as possible to use while you are researching the alternatives. Your experience during surgery proves you need to take action immediately. The fact of the matter is, CPAP therapy can benefit your health in many ways, not the least of which is preventing you from dying in your sleep.

Pen,

Hi and welcome to this site. I just wanted to say, at the risk of being a real downer, the odds of treating OSA naturally are very low; hence, all the wonderful people you are going to meet and speak wtih on this site. If that were the case, this site would probably have about four people speaking with each other.

However, fate has led you to the right site as this is one great place to get information about everything from the condition itself, the equipment used, and even just a place to vent your frustrations or share your successes. I have been here since May of 2005 and it has literally taught me just about everything I know now, which would have been virtually nothing if not for all the incredible members who have shared their knowledge and insight with me.

Good luck to you in your treatment. Please let us know how you're doing. If I were in your shoes, I'd post many threads on here to find out just what it is that you're unsure of right now. You will be amazed at how many well informed members there are here who are ready and willing to impart their wisdom to you. Feel well.

Pen, neversleeps and Sleepless on LI said it well. I think neversleeps' bold suggestion was excellent -- to go ahead and use an autopap while you're researching all this.

While you are looking at all treatment options, I'll boldly offer this suggestion...if any doctor wants you to let him carve out your soft palate - "UPPP" surgery" - run, don't walk, from his office.

Hi & good luck with whatever choices you make.

RE throat surgery, I go along with RG on this. Unless the doctor can guarantee that all he will achieve is a temporary respite, I'd be out of his door never to return but that is me.

There are many factors that contribute to OSA & Central Apnea. The suggestions by the other posters are what makes this such a good place to get advice.

Cheers

DSM