Surgery For Sleep Apnea

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   How long does it take to recover from throat surgery for sleep apnea?
   I recently had throat surgery for sleep apnea. My throat is exptremely sore, especially when I swollow. How long will this last?

   • ANSWER:
     I had a client who had the same surgery you describe and it took her about 6 weeks to finally feel normal. Take care of yourself and get as much rest as you possibly can - this will help your body heal. You'll probably feel some residual from the surgery (depending on how sensitive you were to the anesthesia they gave you) for about another month or two.

2. QUESTION:
   If you have had surgery for sleep apnea, how bad was your pain after surgery? Any side effects?
   I am about to undergo surgery for sleep apnea. Surgeon says the recovery period will be the "worst I have ever felt". Someone who had the surgery said it just like a "bad sore throat" and not too terrible. I would like to hear from others who have had the surgery, and whether they had any negative aftereffects. I would appreciate only serious replies. Thanks.

   • ANSWER:
     I have not had the surgery but cared for many post-op. The thing about post-op pain is it's never the same for any two people. If you've had surgery before it may help show how well you handle pain.
     The main point I wanted to make to you was that across the board, the results of the operation also vary widely from person to person. Be prepared to not see a lot of improvement right away-but I hope you do!

3. QUESTION:
   Has anyone had somnoplasty surgery for sleep apnea? What were your results?
   I'm thinking about options to fix my sleep apnea.

   Thanks
   To stuck_in_lodi2008, which surgery was is that you had? With the somnoplasty I was reading about they insert a needle into the tissue and not actually cut it out. Is this what you had done?

   • ANSWER:
     I've had this surgery for sleep apnea. My doctor told me that it would be a temporary fix for the problem, and would propably have to be done every couple of years. For as invasive as the surgery was I figured that is a small price to pay in comparision to wearing a CPAP. The surgery was done on Dec. 27 of '06, and by New Years Eve I was eating steak and chicken without much pain. I have severe sleep apenea, 79 episodes and hour. After the surgery it droped to I think 30 episodes an hour, but the level of oxygen in my blood did not improve very much. I've been told 15 times an hour is considered normal. I wanted to schedule a second proceedure, but instead my insurance company wanted me to see a Sleep Apnea doctor before my Ear Nose and Throat doctor preformed the surgery again. The Sleep doctor told me that with every procedure the chances that it will work get slimmer and opted for me trying the CPAP again. The problem with the surgery is it works by creating scar tissue. Within time the scar tissue will relax and the procedure will have to be done again. There is another one called the pillar method in which the isert polyester fibers into the soft pallet. With the fibers inserted the body continues to create scar tissue so there is no chance of it losening over time. I have yet to really look into that one though. All and all I think it did help, but I have it so bad that even some of the benifit I got was not enough.

4. QUESTION:
   Have you ever had surgery for sleep apnea?
   Have you had surgery to treat sleep apnea? What was your experience like?

   • ANSWER:
     I have sleep apnea and the CPAP machine works for me, but my father-in-law had the surgery to remove his uvula and he regrets it. He finds it's a lot easier to choke when eating and it hasn't really helped him. The other surgery is where they break your jaw and realign it, and just the thought of the surgery and the recovery was enough to scare me off...

5. QUESTION:
   obstructive sleep apnea surgery is it worth the risks?
   Has any one had the surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Were thay cut your soft pallet, your uvula, and tonsils. If you have had it or know some one that has. Did it help. And what was the recovery. Did it change your voice. And any think els I should know before I go get cut up.

   • ANSWER:
     Many family members have had the surgery and now there apnea is worse because of the scar tissue. Much pain. Use CPAP, no pain, no scar tissue, Surgery only works if you know exactly where the obstruction is.

6. QUESTION:
   Has anyone ever had surgery for sleep apnea?
   I'm considering having a procedure done that will take my tonsils out, remove my adnoids, reshape my palette, maybe cut out the back of my tongue, and possibly take out some fat from my throat. This surgery has a really long name that I can't remember right now. Has anyone ever had to go through that and how are you sleeping now?

   • ANSWER:
     My father did have a surgery for sleep apnea, however i'm sorry, i can't recall exactly what the doctor did. I know he cut something in the nasal area.

     It did help my dad a lot, he slept much better after. And he was able to come home on the day of the surgery.

7. QUESTION:
   sleep apnea surgery will it work?
   Has any one had the surgery for obstructive sleep apnea. Were thay cut your soft pallet, your uvula, and tonsils. If you have had it or know some one that has. Did it help. And what was the recovery. Did it change your voice. And any think els I should know before I go get cut up.

   • ANSWER:
     My next door neighbor had this surgery done:was terrified before they began.
     But once out of surgery she had to lick ice cream popsicles all day to cool her throat because of removing the tonsils:can remember that mine were removed some 53 od years ago and got as reward the popsicles.Way great for a kid.
     The uvula and soft pallet are stitched together with stuff that dissolves by itself
     And within 14 days she was up and about again :there was a light change in her voice:sounded a bit higher.
     Planets.

8. QUESTION:
   Can I PLEASE have some advice about sleep apnea surgery
   I have obstructive sleep apnea. I had a sleep study done. I got a CPAP machine but I can't sleep with it on. It's very uncomfortable and I cannot fall asleep with it on. I'm scheduled for a tonsillectomy and UPPP in 9 weeks.

   Everything I read online says don't do the UPPP. Everyone on Yahoo Answers says don't do the UPPP. Now, obviously the CPAP is not an option. I simply cannot tolerate it. The surgery is my next step.

   My tonsils have always been enlarged. Should I have just the tonsils out first and see if that works before I go ahead and do everything? I'm worried that the UPPP might change the way I talk. I don't know what to do. All I know is that I need surgery because I can't use the CPAP and I can't go on like this anymore.

   • ANSWER:
     I couldn't sleep with my CPAP either. It took an entire year to finally figure out what mask I could wear. I wear the nasal pillows, not that horrid big thing over my face. It is SO much better. I had the surgery to fix a deviated septum and trim the turbinates. It wasn't too bad. I was too nervous about the other surgeries so I didn't do them. The CPAP took me from 45 apneas per hour to only 3. My suggestion is to FORCE yourself to use the CPAP, trying all the different things. I even had to use a chin brace because my mouth would hang open, blocking the CPAP from working. But eventually I was able to learn to keep my mouth shut. lol

     The CPAP is ESSENTIAL. If you have to, take a sleeping pill at night or a relaxation pill (if your doctor agrees) and learn to get used to the CPAP. I sleep like a baby with mine on now and love the deep breathing I get with it. It just takes a LOT of time and adjusting to get used to it. Good luck.

9. QUESTION:
   Sleep apnea surgery
   Has anyone ever had repose surgery done for sleep apnea?
   I have use the cpap mask ,several kinds and styles. I can not tolerate them. I stop breathing 44 times in a minute. The ENT doctors says that now I need the surgery that is why I want to know more.

   • ANSWER:

10. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had surgery for sleep apnea?
    What do they do?? Is it successful? Do they take the tonsils out also?

    • ANSWER:
      Hello !

      I also have sleep apnea, but I don't want to have a surgery to treat it, only if my disorder is very serious. I have mild sleep apnea.

      Here are the types of surgery for sleep apnea known today:

      - UPPP, or Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. The surgeon cuts away the uvula and part of the soft tissue at the back of the throat. This may change or reduce loud snoring. The problem is that people with severe apnea are not good candidates for UPPP.

      -Lase surgery. This procedure can be done in the doctor's office but takes between one and seven visits to complete.

      -Gastric Bypass Surgery for overweight people. Click http://www.sleep-apnea-guide.com to learn more.

      -Tracheostomy is the last option in sleep apnea surgery. If all of other treatments fail, this simple surgery can eliminate sleep apnea.

      I hope it helps.

11. QUESTION:
    How fast will I feel the benefits of surgery for sleep apnea?
    I am scheduled for a tonsillectomy and UPPP in 10 weeks. I have had super-large tonsils my whole life. I've already tried the CPAP/BIPAP and it doesn't work for me. I can't sleep with it on.

    Now, I've been reading about the success rates of this surgery for sleep apnea. Some people say the success rates are low, and some say it's a 50/50 shot. I'm willing to take the risk and go through with it.

    Now, ASSUMING THAT this surgery does correct my sleep apnea, how fast will I begin sleeping better? Will I experience better sleep almost immediately (after the pain of the surgery subsides)? Or is this a process that takes several months?

    I'd like to hear from someone who has had success with sleep apnea surgery.

    • ANSWER:

12. QUESTION:
    HELP - What is the best surgery for sleep apnea?
    I am scheduled for a UPPP in six weeks and am worried that it might not be the best option. I have already tried the CPAP and I can't sleep with it on. I have another appointment scheduled with my ENT to discuss all the options.

    Here's the deal: My tonsils are enlarged and have been since childhood. As far back as I can remember I have always had trouble with waking during the night. I am not overweight (and certainly not obese). Would a tonsillectomy alone likely fix the problem? Or should some of the soft palate be removed as well? The problem is that a UPPP is very invasive, statistically has a low success rate over the long term, and sometimes has bizarre side effects.

    Can anyone who has had sleep apnea surgery give me some pointers?

    • ANSWER:
      My husband just had this surgery, the UPPP. It was horribly painful, but very effective. He too had used a CPAP with little success. This surgery was immensely helpful with his snoring, and waking. The recovery was pretty brutal, liquids and frozen things for the first couple of days at least. He still, 3 months later, has some episodes of things coming out of his nose, but we just laugh at him. After 2 weeks he said he wouldn't do it again. 3 months later, he can't believe he waited so long to do it. I guess it just depends on your pain threshold and how desperate you are to remedy the situation.

13. QUESTION:
    Has anyone out there had experience with sleep apnea,CPAP or surgery for sleep apnea?? Please share..?
    My husband has been recently diagnosed with sleep apnea and not tolerating his cpap mask. He is physically and mentally exhausted from sleep deprivation and is considering a surgery called GAHM ,genioglossus advancement with hyoid myotomy. Anyone have this done and what were the outcomes ? Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      I've been on a CPAP for several years now. It took me a few weeks to get used to it but it's the best thing I've ever done. The surgery is only about 50% effective as in it only works for about 50% of those who get the surgery done. The group who are even potential candidates for the surgery is small. Work with your provider to try different masks.

14. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had throat surgery for sleep apnea?
    Was it worth it, cured, any problems?

    • ANSWER:
      I had the uvula and most of the soft pallet removed - my deviated spetum worked on. The recovery was rough and took about a week before I could eat solids again. Before the surgery my wife and I could not sleep inthe same room together. Now I still snore and we sleep head to foot but its worth it. I only sore loud when i drink or when Im super tired ....

      Problems hmm thats funny - I cant chug a beer any more it foams and comes out my nose. Some times I'll gag on salavia - Not sure why but I did nt do that before the surgery.

15. QUESTION:
    Nasal Airway Surgery for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
    I was just diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and my doctor says that he wants to do surgery on both my palate and nasal airway. He says that my nasal airway is barely open and not getting any oxygen in it when I try to breathe (mouth breather). I don't want the surgery, so he says that he'll only let me try the CPAP for one night at the hospital but that if it doesn't work, he'll do the surgery anyway. Has anyone here had nasal surgery? Is it done awake/asleep? Does it hurt? Does it work? I'm really scared about it but all Doc tells me is not to worry. Easy for him to say.

    • ANSWER:
      It all depends on the reason for the nasal surgery. Some people do have a deviated septum or other major reasons for nasal blockage. In some cases the nasal airway blockage will actually make using cpap more difficult due to nasal congestion and such. On the other hand the palate surgery is not always the best option. This is not an absolute cure for OSA. Almost all patients who have the surgery wind up on Cpap anyways. The success rate is very poor and it almost never works. Also very painful. An ENT is generally going to want to perform the surgery. I agree with the person who says you should see a board certified sleep specialist on this matter. He may give you a different outlook on your situation. Good luck in whatever your outcome may be.

16. QUESTION:
    What do you know about sleep apnea surgeries?
    I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I've been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?

    • ANSWER:
      I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)

      I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.

      The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!

      It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.

      My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.

      I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!

17. QUESTION:
    About a surgery for Sleep Apnea.?
    I have sleep Apnea and my doctor recommended getting a surgery to basically hollow out my throat so i can breathe at night. the surgery is abbreviated UPPP. My friend, whos parents are doctors, does not think i shound get it because of risks and the fact i wld have to re-learn to swallow and that my voice may change? Is any of this reasonable? I dont want to be dependednt on a oxygen machine my whole life.
    im not over weight, im 18 and pretty healthy. I am always tired though, hence my desire to get this fixed. the CPAP just seems like something that would wiegh me down at college next year. My doctor told me surgery would be good for someone my age. but im still nervous. I would also be getting a deviated septum fixed while I am at it to help with the breathing...

    • ANSWER:
      being a respiratory therapist and a patient with sleep apnea. I have looked at all of the options and research. Surgery is really a last resort. It is only 50 percent at best. Surgery only works if they know exactly where the obstruction is. My uncle had the surgery you are considering sure it help for a while but the scar tissue has made his sleep apnea worse than ever and he was a lot older than you when he had it. A cpap machine weighs only a couple of pounds and sits on a night stand. No big deal.

      Another option is a dental device. I have a friend who absolutely could not do cpap. The dental device works for him.

      Whatever you do, you need to be complaint with treatment if you want to make it through college. Untreated OSA has the effect of fatigue, headaches and depression. This is certainly not condusive to learning. Although I had a degree, it was not until I was treated that I could go back to school and get a second and third degree.

      Visit the sleepnet.com website for a ton of infomation and people who have done all of the treatments options.

18. QUESTION:
    UPPP Surgery for Sleep Apnea?
    Has anyone ever had UPPP surgery for sleep apnea and if so did it work to stop sleep apnea and snoring?

    • ANSWER:
      This is rarely even an option anymore because its surgery and the odds of it working are so slim. Its usually the tounge causing the sleep apnea, unless its central sleep apnea and that originates in the brain, so uness you remove the tounge or brain you won't really fix it without CPAP or BiPAP.

19. QUESTION:
    have you or know someone that has benefited from surgery for sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      The only people I know that surgery has been successful for sleep apnea is kids who had their tonsils out. Everyone else surgery has not been successful. The research shows that surgery is less than 50 percent effective. You need to know exactly where the obstruction is. Not an easy task. Then you have to deal with scar tissue.

      CPAP treats the sleep apnea 100 percent. It is hard to get use to and takes time. You need to work with the RRT and the dme company but within a month, you should be fine. I am clausterphobic and have worn a mask and used pap therapy for 8 years now. I worked with some great therapist who spent a lot of time with me. I also used the message boards at www.sleepnet.com as a support group. Dental devices are also very effective for some people.
      The OTC stuff breathrite strips, pillows only mask the symptoms. If your sleep study showed that you only snore on your back the tennis ball trick will work but this is rare.

      good luck

20. QUESTION:
    tonsillectomy and surgery for sleep apnea had some questions please i am 40 and had this done anyone else?
    i am a 40 year old female who has suffured with sleep apnea for about 10 years or so had sore throats always had nasal problems so on the 5th of Dec I had surgery , there was 4 things operated on my tonsils removed and adnoids, my tongue shaved in the back to breathe better and some procedure done on my roof of my mouth, as with the apnea I was pretty miserable waking up gasping, feeling i was having a heart attack, had my blood pressure riseing up all the time till it reached 223 over 123 so i thought well surgery was my best option, i have heard there are alot of drawbacks but had no idea the mess I got myself in too totally miserable! The first day i woke up with a pain in my throat that was not going to go away noway, nohow,went home after several hours and couldnt breathe my throat felt like it was cutting off my airway it was so swelled up, i had a clicking noise under the back of my nose every breath, stayed up alnight 3 nights now i am dehydrated scabs are choking me please

    • ANSWER:
      Have you tried using a CPAP? It keeps your airways from getting clogged by using positive air pressure.

      http://www.webmd.com/hw/sleep_disorders/hw48752.asp

21. QUESTION:
    Will surgery for sleep apnea ruin my singing voice?
    I'm a teenager, and I'm going to have a sleep study done in a week. They believe I have OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) because of my low back pallet and small throat. They don't think that giving me a CPAP machine will be worth it, so surgery is the other option. However, I'm a pretty good singer and I dream of going into music or theatre when I get out of school. I have a very large range and I'm proud of it. But, I'm afraid if my have this surgery my singing voice will be ruined. I also speak Spanish and Russian, and it worries me that it might effect my speaking abilities as well. Will having this surgery ruin my voice, or will it help it by opening up my breathing passages? Anybody who has had surgery for this answering would be great!
    xx
    I don't mean surgery to remove tonsils and adenoids, either. Because I had those removed when I was quite young to cure my insane snoring.

    • ANSWER:
      No way will it ruin or affect your singing voice, but it make affect your resonating chamber sound a little different. My guess is that it will actaully improve your singing sound. It may take a little getting used to, but you should be able to compensate for any resonating change, if there is one. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

22. QUESTION:
    Deviated Septum Surgery and Sleep Apnea?
    Hi, I had surgery for a deviated septum on March 3rd of this year and about a month and a half later on April 17th I was able to breathe out my right nostril, the one that was blocked by my septum. I can breathe so well, it is amazing. I have sleep apnea and a CPAP, but have never been able to use the CPAP. I know that I can breathe through my nose I can use the CPAP now, the problems is that I know I still breathe through my mouth a lot when I sleep because I still wake up sweating like I'm choking in the morning. I know I've been thrashing around at night. My question is if I still don't use the CPAP because I've never been able too and have tried all types of masks(nose pillows, full face, mouth and nose) will I get better sleep maybe in a couple of weeks or so now that my nose is better? Basically will it improve? I have a big "sleep debt". I can feel it. I know that with a CPAP or without it would take a while to improve because of the "sleep debt". It wouldn't be overnight.

    • ANSWER:
      You should stay with the cpap machine if at all possible. I am a sleep lab assistant and I know how our patients feel after not using the machine. If you are having problems with your mouth opening, than a full face mask or a chin strap is your best bet. If you feel like you are having nasal or throat dryness, then you may need a humidifier. We mainly use masks by Resmed (resmed.com) and Respironics (respironics.com). But you could look some up on cpap.com or cpapman.com. If you feel like you are suffocating and have not had a sleep study after your surgery, than you will need one as your pressures have more than likely been needing to change and it could be that right now you are getting too much air and that is why you feel so uncomfortable. If you need anymore advice or for me to go into more detail, just email me and I will be more than happy to help. Good luck and better sleep my friend.

23. QUESTION:
    Throat Surgery for Sleep Apnea (UPPP)?
    I have been diagnosed with fairly bad sleep apnea. I stop breathing several times a night (I average 8 times an hour that I have a breathing issue) and my O2 levels drop to the mid 70s (which is very low). As a result I am having UPPP (Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) in the spring, which is surgery to trim my soft palate and uvula, and at this time they'll remove my tonsils and the remains of my adenoids (I had them removed when I was six, but they grew back partially).

    What are some side effects of this surgery? I've heard that it'll screw up my voice--will it make it higher pitched or lower?
    (Yes I know, ask the doctor about the side effects, I already have. I was wondering about people who have had the surgery).

    • ANSWER:
      Go for a second opinion. A UPPP has limited success rate. Taking out your tonsil and adenoids as an adult is painful. The surgery only works if this is the area of obstruction. Doctors are not good at picking out where the site of the obstruction is. You have already had your TAs grow back. Your uvula will as well. Scar tissue is horrible. The only surgery that is 100 percent effective is a tracheotomy.

      CPAP and or a dental device is a far better option

      Make sure your sleep specialist is board certified in sleep. suggests a pulmonologist or a neurologist not and ENT.(only my opinion) I think surgery is a radical move when it has limited success and CPAP works. surgeon only makes money if he does surgery.

      My uncle had the surgery. He sleep apnea is worse than ever. I use xpap route and feel way better than he does.

24. QUESTION:
    Anyone had surgery for sleep apnea ?
    Is such a thing possible ? I have tried many types of masks and they really do bother me. Also I want to be more active at church & etc.but my hair is always a mess from the contraption. Also I don't know if this is related to sleep apenia but I always feel like I have something hanging in my throat that I cannot move one way or the other. I thought it might be mucus and it may but I wonder. Any thoughts on this ? I am 76 , on my feet and take a lot of prescribed medicine.

    • ANSWER:
      sounds like a sinus problem to me. Figure out if the room is too humid, too hot, too cold, too dusty, too smoky, etc. and solve that first. Sleep apnea means you're not getting enough rest, means you're not reaching the REM and are tired when you get up. I'd make sure I was in a darkened and airy and fairly cool room and if you have a problem breating then try the product "breathe-rite" on your nose to open the air flow.

      Perhaps the hang in your throat is a side effect of the medication you are taking. Could be that it makes your sinuses drain. Do you take that medication before bedtime? Can you switch and take your medications in the morning instead?

25. QUESTION:
    Obstructive sleep apnea --- surgery?
    Has anyone had surgery for obstructive sleep apnea? I may need to get it. What can I expect?

    • ANSWER:
      nothing idk what to say to this one haha

26. QUESTION:
    Need an alternate medicine for obtructive sleep apnea apart from surgery?
    My wife is suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, her upper airways both through nose and throat narrowed and her oxigen rate while sleeping comes down drastically to 40%. Suggested surgery but not cooperative. Asks for homeo medicine. Snores loudly, with abdominal breathing. Any suggestion for curing through homeopathy or some alternate medicine is welcome

    • ANSWER:
      PLEASE BE VERY CAREFUL WHEN CONSIDERING THE OTHER ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTION. They may be life threatening.

      Sleep apnea is a potentially life threatening disrorder. Sleep apnea is associated with increased risk of stroke, heart attack, deadly heart rhythms and other problems.

      Treatment for sleep apnea, as with other potentially deadly disorders, should be based on REAL science. Alternative medicine might not be harmful when used for less dangerous disorders. But when it comes to deadly disorders, only proven treatments should be used......and, yes, I do believe in some 'alternative' therapies like accupuncture and others for some disorders.....

      But...for sleep apnea, treatment should be limited to scientifically proven methods (proved by REAL scientists in REAL universities).

      The accepted treatments for sleep apnea include: CPAP (Continuous positive airway pressure), weight loss, oral appliance (mouthpiece made BY DENTIST), and oral surgery.

      That is IT. Those ARE the proven methods for treating sleep apnea.

      There are other advertised treatments for sleep apnea (nose strips, magnets, sprays, homeopathy, sound devices, hypnosis, voodoo)....None of them have been demonstrated to be effective in REPRODUCIBLE studies....that means that scientists from different labs were not able to get the same results as the individuals who made the claim....

      So please be careful. Doctors may not know everything in medicine....but they know a lot more than general public about these disorders.

      Good luck.
      For more info on sleep apnea, go to American Sleep Association:

      http://www.sleepassociation.org/

27. QUESTION:
    Why do I smell the scent of cucumbers after my sinus/sleep apnea related surgery?
    I also smell occasionally a sour/acrid smell but this isn't as often as the cucumber scent. I've not been able to find anything on this topic on the internet so asking here for some assistance. Thanks for the help.

    • ANSWER:
      Have you been eating cukes? Did your girlfriend leave some cuke scented items (lotion, gels, candles) laying around the house that could have leaked?

28. QUESTION:
    When is it safe to use my cpap machine (for sleep apnea) after oral surgery?
    I had a wisdom tooth pulled Friday, and it is now Sunday night. Is it safe to use my CPAP machine yet for my sleep apnea? I don't want to cause a dry socket or anything.

    • ANSWER:
      You might wait until in the morning (monday) to contact your dentist and doctor about using the cpap. I use a cpap myself and have been told in the past to wait several days when i had implants put in.

29. QUESTION:
    My son just had surgery for his sleep apnea. Is it normal for him to still snore after?

    • ANSWER:
      How "just' is just? If he has some swelling in his throat, that may be obstructing his airway a bit, causing the snoring. I would assume that after it has gone down you should see a reduction. If it's been a while, then you need to call the surgeon.

30. QUESTION:
    Getting surgery, but I have sleep apnea, and I'm afraid of dying on the operating table because of it?
    Ok, I'm going to have a wisdom tooth cut out of my head, and I have sleep apnea.
    Which means, every minute or so, my throat closes, and after a minute or so, my brain says "hey idiot, you're suffocating" and I gasp and get a breath of air.
    All this happens without me waking up. I have a CPAP machine, but I can't use that while someone's operating in my mouth.

    So if I'm put under anesthesia, won't that mean that my brain will be too out of it to wake me up? If this happens, my heart will stop, because I won't be breathing. Do they put a tube down my windpipe to keep it open?
    I'm serious, how does this work?
    Is this possibly the explanation for people who die during routine surgeries for no apparent reason?
    I'm very afraid here, and I keep hearing "oh, I'm sure it will be fine" from people, but nobody can tell me WHY it should be fine.
    ... No, I can't have CPAP on during oral surgery, because for CPAP to work, you can't have your mouth open.
    It's the pressure from the closed system that keeps your throat open. Having my mouth open, would be like deflating a balloon, which is how CPAP works.

    • ANSWER:
      You do not necessarily have to be sedated to have this surgery. You need to inform your dentist of the sleep apnea. I have had all four of my wisdom teeth removed. When the first was done I was fully awake the other three at once I had to be sedated. Just tell you dentist that you want to remain awake. I did a search on your concern here is a support forum you may want to read up on others previous concerns and ones who have answered their questions. I hope all will go well. www.apneasupport.org/about4683.html

31. QUESTION:
    Would you recommend the throat surgery for snoring and sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:
      NO. There are always risks when having surgery. They have a machine out that is supposed to work really well. Find yourself a good doctor and look into it.

32. QUESTION:
    Sleep Apnea: If you have it and got surgery for it, did it improve things?
    My husband suffers from sleep apnea and as of now using a C Pap machine. He hates it and is not looking forward to using it all his life.

    He has schedule surgery in June. I think he'll get is uvula taken out and part of the pallate taken off to make a wide space. His doctor said it's not an 'end all' solution, but should improve things.

    If you have had a surgery for apnea, what kind of surgery was it and how much did your apnea improve?

    • ANSWER:
      Sorry to hear about your husbands problem. How can you sleep next to him with all the snoring and always waiting for the next stop. I Hope the machine helps on this. The operation is bound to improve the general situation drastically as he will most likely get rid of the machine. He will also get some good sleep again and with this being fitter during the day. By saying it will not be and "end all" solution, I think the doc means, nothing can be guaranteed and while the collapsing velum is a common cause for the apnea, it could be caused by factors.
      Good luck to both of you!

33. QUESTION:
    Does anyone have any experience with Radiofrequency treatment of the toung for Sleep Apnea?
    Please share... i am considering this surgery for my sleep apnea, and would like to know any experiences u can share. i am currently using a mouth piece especially made by a dentist for my sleep apnea, but it is not effective. BTW, I have had a sleep study done by a neurologist, who determined I have sleep apnea.

    • ANSWER:
      no my husband has been on an air pump for the past 5 years and he is a new man.

34. QUESTION:
    Is there anyone with sleep apnea who has had UPPP / tonsillectomy surgery and had success?
    I am scheduled for UPPP and tonsillectomy surgery in 3 months. I keep reading that these surgeries have a low success rate of curing apnea. Is there anyone who has had success with these procedures?

    • ANSWER:
      I have sleep apnea and have NOT undergone UPPP nor will I. Another closely related procedure is LAUPP (laser-assisted uvulopalaoplasty).

      You have not said why you are having this surgery, despite your reading that indicates (correctly) a poor success rate.

      UPPP is very painful and debilitating for up to a couple of weeks post surgery. As with all operations, there are a host of potential complications.

      These procedures have not withstood the rigors of time, follow-up and statistical analysis. While they may eliminate or reduce snoring, there does not appear to be any clear proof of lasting benefit in permanently eliminating obstructive sleep apnea.

      I'm sticking to my CPAP machine, which goes with me all over the world!

35. QUESTION:
    Is removal of tonsils a must for sleep apnea?
    My kid has a mild sleep apnea that is 5 episodes that lasts about 10 second in the hour on average. The ENT specialist is recommending a surgery to remove tonsils. My question : Is this absolutely required given it is a mind case(as I have been told)? Any side effect/longterm effect if I don't get this done? Will this surgery absolutey cure the sleep apnea?
    Thanks in advance for your kind advice.

    • ANSWER:
      In most cases for children, yes, having the tonsils removed will fix the apnea issues. Surgery is never a 100% guarantee. Not having it done could result in possible continuation of the airway being blocked, which will lead to future health issues. Anything from just being extra tired, feeling like there's a lack of rest although you have a full nights sleep, to serious issues, like Hypertension, Heart Disease, Stroke, Obesity, Depression and so on.

      If you still have serious concerns, you can always get a second opinion. I would just talk to your EMT again and express you're concerns.

      Hope it works out well for your kid : )

36. QUESTION:
    I'm getting that surgery to help stop snoring and sleep apnea, how long does it take to heal?
    Is it painfil for days after? When do they remove the packing?

    • ANSWER:
      I didn't have the surgery, but an old boss did and it took about 3-4 months before his face looked normal again. He said it hurt, but he was given something for the pain and it was only painful the first week.

37. QUESTION:
    If I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea, will having a breathing tube during open-heart surgery cause complications?
    My son has obstructive sleep apnea and needs open-heart surgery to help get rid of the pressure in his lungs, I have heard that having a breathing tube in for the amount of time that the surgery is will cause complications when trying to remove it after.... is this information valid??

    • ANSWER:
      This is difficult to say. The endotracheal tube in and of itself will not cause problems related to his sleep apnea. What it sounds like is that they are concerned if he'll be able to come off the ventilator after the surgery. You don't say what kind of open heart surgery he's having. If it's a bypass it's not likely to effect his lungs post op. If it is a valve they're replacing, like the Mitral valve or the Aortic valve then, yes, it will help clear the Congestive heart failure. That will help his lungs function properly and increase his chances of coming off the ventilator greatly. Once he's off the ventilator they take the endotracheal tube out almost immediately after.
      Some people do get slight swelling of the throat and possibly the vocal cords. But this doesn't happen often, especially when the tube is put in under OR conditions. I

      If it is a valve they're replacing this should help with the apnea. If he is overweight he must lose the excess if he's going to have any chance of getting off the CPAP machine.
      God bless you both and help him to a speedy recovery.

38. QUESTION:
    CPAP- Sleep Apnea- Gastric Bypass Surgery?
    During the surgery itsself, do they put a CPAP machine on a patient with Sleep Apnea for the duration of the surgery? I ask because I had an outpatient surgery in 2009, and my apnea was undiagnosed. They couldn't keep me breathing and I was tachycardic as a result.

    I recognize sleep apnea to be a common occurance in Bariatric Surgery candidiates. I just wonder if anyone has experience with this.

    Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      As part of your health history prior to any surgery, the anesthesiologist asks you whether you have sleep apnea and then, while asleep, they adjust the pressure of the ventilations to compensate for this which would prevent what happened to you in 2009. They do not put a CPAP machine on you during surgery.

39. QUESTION:
    Surgery vs. CPAP for Sleep Apnea?
    My husband (age 55) has been using a CPAP for two years because of severe sleep apnea. His doctor has told him that he could have surgery but that he cannot guarantee the results. I would be interested in hearing from others who have had this done and what kind of results you got from the surgery and would you do it again, or stay with the infernal machine.

    • ANSWER:
      I am 49. I sleep so much better using a CPAP, it may have saved my life. Unless he can't tolerate the mask, and it is working, I see surgury as an unnessasary risk. The surgery is not trival and often does not work.

      As far as sleeping, the rush of the air puts me right out. I can skip a night or two without it, but I do feel more tired. The key is to have a good fit on the mask.

40. QUESTION:
    i have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, should i have the surgery or used the cpap machine.?
    i am a 37 yr old truck driver and; yes, i am obese. i've tried diet and exercise. but while driving and the sleepy or tired feeling comes down on me i snack to stay awake, usually un healthy snacks like chocolate and caffiene and chips and sodas. if anyone has any experience or opinions i am open for suggestions.

    • ANSWER:
      Surgery for obstructive sleep apnea in obese patients has a very low success rate because the internal body fat is what causes the obstruction. Surgery is limited to the soft palate, and it will not help because the blockage is in the pharynx (lower throat).
      You really need to use the CPAP mask.
      Snack on apples, baby carrots, pears, whole grain crackers, string cheese, and the like.
      I have a friend who drove long-haul loads and kept busy eating good stuff. He said it really helped get rid of the constipation truckers suffer, too. He kept a small cooler in his rig.
      It's actually cheaper to go the fresh fruit and vegetable route than buying junk food.
      The problem you're having with sleepiness may actually be made worse by consuming sugary snacks, because your blood sugar isn't steady as it would be by eating healthy snacks. Yours probably spikes, then goes WAY down because you are eating "simple sugars". That will cause severe fatigue.

41. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea... should i get surgery?
    So i sorta diagnosed myself with sleep apnea, im always tired no matter how many hours of sleep i get, i snoar really loudly, and have trouble breathing from my nose. I had a turbinate reduction surgery but i dont think it really did much, i also have a deviated septum but i honeslt dont think syptoplasty surgery will do much because sometimes i can breath better through the nostril that is deviated/blocked and the other one will be barely breathable. lol i wont lie im also a lil scared for the surgery, when i had turbinate reduction surgery it didnt really hurt too badly after like 2-3 days but i got really sick and i hear septoplasty hurts allot. Now, should i get the surgery or should i try using the CPAP machine?? I need to treat my sleep apnea. Thanks
    16 years old, not overweight, play varsity soccer everyday so i definitely get my exercise in

    • ANSWER:

42. QUESTION:
    Surgery for tongue thrust and sleep apnea?

    • ANSWER:

43. QUESTION:
    I am going for surgery in 2 weeks time and i have sleep apnea..?
    i am going for a weight loss surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) in 2 weeks time and i have a mild case of sleep apnea.. i was required to get a cpap mask and use it for 2 weeks prior to my surgery. if i were to skip it (the cpap mask), will it be fatal?

    • ANSWER:
      my dad has sleep apnea and has sergerys a couple times a year on his knee and shoulders hes still u r just scared my dad has a bad case of it to u will be fine trust me

44. QUESTION:
    This question is in regards to Obstructive Sleep Apnea and people who have had surgery to correct it.?
    I have 3 options to choose from and one of them is surgery which is probably what I will opt for as my insurance will pay for it. How long was your surgery? What was your recovery time? We're there certain things you couldn't do during your recovery time such as not being able to eat certain foods for example. Anything you can tell me would be most helpful. Thank you in advance for your time.

    • ANSWER:
      I have a friend who had a surgery for her sleep apnea. She was given a 3 weeks off sick from work to recover from her surgery. The surgery lasted about 2 hours including the time in the recovery room. She can't blow her nose after the surgery. Bleeding was also a problem after but that will actually stop. You have to drink and gargle cold water to help stop the bleeding. My friend have already recovered and does not suffer from sleep apnea after the surgery.

45. QUESTION:
    sleep apnea and anesthesia?
    ok my mother had an ankle replacement last April. She was in surgery over 4 hours and afterwards was moved to ICU because her oxygen level was low and they couldn't get it up. They said it was because undiagnosed Sleep Apnea. Well back in 2008 she went under for another surgery yet it was minor and was in surgery no longer than an hour in a half. And she had no issues with that surgery. Well she is going to have surgery this week for gallbladder and I am extremely nervous. I can't imagine loosing my mom at a time like and right before Christmas. Does anyone have any exprience with sleep apnea and surgery? I mean this surgery probably won't even last an hour unless there is issues and they have to open her up.
    Yes, they are aware. Im just confused why 2 years ago she had no issues but this last surgery was a big issue. Does it effect you worse the longer you are under?
    and no she hasn't gained any weight since that first surgery. If anything, has lost. ILike I said Im curious if anyone know if it has to do with how long you are under and how much is given

    • ANSWER:
      The problem was from the doctors not knowing about the sleep apnea. Assuming that information is conveyed to them during future preoperative work ups, they can be prepared for any problems and even take steps to keep it from happening.

      Edit:

      The effects certainly can be worse the longer you are under. Another question is... Has she gained weight in these last couple of years. That's a big factor in worsening the severity of sleep apnea.

46. QUESTION:
    how long does it take for a child with edenoid hypertrophy to recover after surgery in his social development?
    the child (4.5 yrs) suffered from sleep apnea as a result of the enlarged adenoid and his social development (esp. peer relationships) seemed to be delayed. his adenoid and tonsils were removed in a surgery so the sleep apnea seems to have been corrected. when can we expect that he catch up in his social development?

    • ANSWER:
      Children develop at different rates. We do know that children can be stimulated and learning can progress.

      If you knew what to do whould you do it? There is a better way!

47. QUESTION:
    More (most) aggressive treatment for sleep apnea?
    I had a UPPP surgery to help with my sleep apnea (CPAP machine-titration 19), it wasn't effective. I would like to know what are other more aggressive options to help regulate my sleep apnea.

    • ANSWER:
      Not sure if they have one in your area, but the "Sleep Wellness Center". I know the guy from the morning show I produce has sleep apnea. He used to fall asleep on air (no joking), and would be drousy during the day. He's been fine ever since they diagnosed it and reccommended he use the machine he currently has... He swears by it.

48. QUESTION:
    Who Should I See About Sleep Apnea and Snoring?
    My dentist needed to do surgery, so I was put to sleep and the doctor told me that I had some breathing problems. What's happening is I'll stop breathing for a bit, then when my body realizes it, I'll gasp for air by reflex. It happened five times during an hour long surgery and he said it may happen 50 times during a night. Happens when awake sometimes too. Also I snore like nobody's business.
    He says I should see a doctor about this. What kind of doctor should I see?

    • ANSWER:
      You should ask your regular doctor to refer you to a sleep lab to have an overnight sleep study done. They will monitor you and will be able to tell what problems you are having. Then you'll come back one more night for them to test to see what pressure your C-PAP would need to be.

      You are risking your health each time you sleep, so please get checked soon.

49. QUESTION:
    besides surgery or wearing a mask at night for sleep apnea, any other suggestions for this problem. surgery?
    isn't guaranteed and the mask hurts something awfull across the bridge of the nose and in the morning the inside of my mouth is so dry it hurts to swallow

    • ANSWER:

50. QUESTION:
    my pcp dosent think sleep apnea is a good reason for weight loss surgery. what do i do?

    • ANSWER:
      Hi, Stephanie!

      It depends how overweight you are:

      - in you have an uncontrollable weight gain.
      - a large neck (>16 inches around in women, >17" around in men)
      - if your Body Mass Index is above 30 (obesity)

      then you should consider that obesity is the first cause in prevalence of sleep apnea.

      Before choosing surgery, you should try to loose weight. Weight loss surgery is only for people who have no other option, because they are in danger to die.

      Weight loss surgery is a danger procedure, and you should think twice before using it.

      I hope it helps!