Has anyone had this surgery to get rid of your apnea or know of anyone that has had it. I am going to see my E.N.T. Specialist on Feb 2nd to talk about getting the surgery done. I have a CPAP machine but my mask never stays on for more than 2 hours a night. Even after 2 months of continuous use. I have been told that losing weight will relieve my apnea somewhat but I had it when I was much thinner as well.
Welcome to Apnea Board,
beavis.Take a look at
Mike's Trach Page. I read every word on that site a few years ago when I was trying to decide whether or not to get a trach. It hasn't been updated in a while, but you could always email Mike with a question or two. He's a very helpful guy and when I wrote to him in the past, he seemed happy to share his experiences with me.
Good luck!
Carl I had a trach on Nov. 30 2007, 11 days in the hospital and 3 weeks in rehab. Not real easy for me, however, I am sleeping! I've been a little saddened to read about people who in a couple of weeks were doing things etc.
But I have to say, after having over 70 interuptions anhour for about 5 years this is finally starting to help me have a more balanced life!
Because of the oxygen my metabolism has been jump started. I've lost 26 pounds, in addition, my diabetes is FAR better controlled. I've gone from 130 units of Lantus 2x day and novo on sliding of about 35, to 20 units 2x day and about 7 for a sliding scale.
So while my personal experience doesn't seem to be going as smoothly, and that's a little frustrating, I have to say I am so hopeful that something as little as sleep has the potential to totally transform my life!
I still don't have a plug, so using my finger to talk is getting old, however, I am getting a PMV instead of the plug and this will help me with head pressure when coughing, which has been a chronic problem with me causing severe dizziness sometimes rendering me unable to be out of bed.
Had I known I would have had a rough time in the beginning, I probably would have chickened out. And still knowing it's work to take care of for me still, I am delighted and more hopeful about my health than I have been in many many years.
What I've learned is that every person is different and making a decision that is lifechanging in many different ways is not one to take lightly. And for some it is a blessing!
Best to you on your decision
freelysd