Considering "the works" surgery and would love advice

Jeffros wrote:I had surgery 5 weeks ago,

Jeffros wrote: It got rid of my apnea and severe snoring

SleepingUgly wrote:I think the conservative route (positional therapy) is a fine way to go, but I'd think about whether you want to go under anesthesia for one procedure and skip the other. I can't make the decision for you, Jen, but if it were me and my tonsils were as "enormous" as you're describing, I wouldn't go through anesthesia for the septoplasty only to have to do it again at a later date for the tonsils... But that's just me, based on my experience. I had a good surgeon, though.

Jen516 wrote:Hello, I'm new to posting to these boards though I have been lurking for awhile. I would love your collective advice!

I am a 35-year old woman with moderate obstructive sleep apnea that was discovered 2 years ago when I was pregnant. At the time, it was severe (a score of 92). Since pregnancy, I have been re-tested with a new score of 24. Interestingly, when on my side my score is a 3. When on my back, more like 30-something. I have ENORMOUS tonsils that take up the whole back of my throat and have such a bad deviation in my septum that I have never been able to breathe well through my nose. I am not overweight and I am in good physical shape.

I have been to THREE well-known ENTs in my area, all recommended by friends who are doctors. ALL THREE GAVE THE SAME RECOMMENDATION: Tonsillectomy, fix my deviated septum, adnoidectomy (possibly), shave palate and uvula. So basically the works.

I have three young children (1, 5, and 7) and take care of them full-time. I was told the procedure is very painful and recovery is a full 2-3 weeks. I was also told I will need someone to care for me as well as my children, so two people for 2 weeks or so.

I am TERRIFIED of this surgery, the recovery, and the pain. However, I am 35 years old and can't imagine going to sleep with a machine for the rest of my life. I also had three children and have a pretty good tolerance for pain. I do have to say, though, that I have been on my CPAP for 2 years now and tolerate it very well. I don't really mind it (in the short-term, at least). With my CPAP my apnea is cured.

I do know that this surgery is not 100% in curing my apnea, though all of the doctors think it is likely and will definitely improve my overall breathing.

I just don't know what to do. I already cancelled surgery once out of fear and I need to make a decision yet again. In July, I can have help (my mom, MIL, etc), so it makes sense to have it done then. I need to get going with my physical and hospital papers, etc.

Please, can someone please give me your advice? Would you do the surgery now? Would you wait until my children are older? Would you try other options (like the Zzoma, which my ENT thought could be a good option for me... but again, do i want to go to bed wearing a big pillow every night?) Do I just suck it up and do the surgery?

Thank you all in advance for your thoughts. I so appreciate it! Jen

Jeffros wrote: Hey first post here

I had surgery 5 weeks ago, pretty extensive, tonsils, throat and back of tounge and front of throat pulled forward by 5 excavations which colapse and pull things forward. Definitley opened throat right up.

Yea as previous post mentioned was truely horrific to go through (2 days in intensive care 2 in normal hospital) That said after about 14 days was almost back to normal and now Im almost forgetting the pain I went through. Mainly painful once returning home from hospital as being on less pain meds. Dont listen to hospital - they sent me home on tremadol and panadene forte. I went to my GP who straight away put me on oxycontin (slow release morphine) Once I had proper pain meds the home recover was pain free.

It got rid of my apnea and severe snoring allthough i now snore a little through my nose from a different location - is a soft purr. Is nothing like before allthough still wakes my partner. The surgeon says if I lose another 5 kilo will eliminate that also. Not sure If i believe him but will give a go. In mean time tempted to purchase a cpap or apap purely to keep partner happy and well rested.

If you are considering surgery all I can say is nothing will prepare you for the first 2 days in hospital - its very scary not being able to swallow and breathing is difficult due to swelling. If i had to do it a second time I would as i know now I can get through and will be all back to like it never happened in about 2 to 3 weeks. First time laying in ICU with throat cut out is very traumatic but not as bad as it seems once you know they will look after you, keep you breathing and keep you adequatley full of morphine as to feel pretty much no pain at all.

Just my experience and sure is not so easy for others, have heard of side effects and guess i was just lucky - is all ok for me in that respect.

Cheers, Jeff

Pugsy wrote:

Jeffros wrote:I had surgery 5 weeks ago,

Jeffros wrote: It got rid of my apnea and severe snoring

Have you had a follow up sleep study to confirm that the apnea events are no longer occurring?
Lack of snoring loudly is not proof of no apnea events. Lots of people have sleep apnea and never snore.

If you have not had a follow up sleep study then you need to have one to make sure the surgery results were successful in terms of no more apnea events.