'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by Al D @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Al D — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:12:41 -0000

It's been nearly 2 years since I had my sleep apnea surgery. I had tonsils/adenoids removed, soft palate trimmed back, uvula removed and a bilateral septoplasty >sp?<. I was 47 years old old and diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. All I can say is I wish I would have had this surgery YEARS ago..I'd been a very heavy snorer since early childhood and at the time of my surgery was sleeping in separate rooms from my wife. My wife says I still snore, but it is barely audible, I never wake her up any more. The recovery was extremely painful, as my surgeon clearly warned me it would be, but I stayed ahead of the pain with proper pain dosage to keep it manageable... I would recommend this surgery to anyone, but advise them to be very choosy when selecting a surgeon.... IMO the surgeon makes ALL the difference in a successful operation of this kind.

I still have a minor issue of inhaling food particles into my airway if I'm not careful, but over time, I have learned to simply be more careful while eating....Like I said, the recovery is EXTREMELY painful...but manageable with STRICT adhering to pain med dosage/frequency....I took my pain meds EVERY 4 hours for 3 weeks straight...If you get too cocky and think you can stretch the time between dosages, you WILL pay dearly...

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by stuffed @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

stuffed — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:30:15 -0000

I can only speak on my own experience, I was on the CPAC for a year or so and it was fine but for the blocked nose. My surgeon offered to straighten the septum and he went into great detail of the possible issues. I asked what he can do for sleep apnea and he said 50% chance of help by removing tonsils and roughen up the back of the throat. He did not warn me of the consequences nor go into any detail, he could have at least said he is going to remove that thing hanging down in the back of my throat. Now I have to live with one of the worst decision of my life. I feel as though this will eventually be my demise. I frequently get fluid in my throat but without the uvula it is very hard to swallow. In fact it is hard and tiring work! I have to force the muscles in the back of my throat to do it and I feel physically stressed by it. You need to breath but you can't till you finish this swallow, sometimes you feel as though you are going to drown. I used to snorkel and SCUBA, I would think twice now as I feel it would be much easier to drown. I am not one to feel fear, I have done over 100 parachute jumps, but the long term consequences of this operation scares me. I am now more stressed out than before the CPAP machine. I had the operation Dec 20th 1010. I have not been back to the surgeon but my own doctor basically said live with it. (Not in those words) I guess what is done is done. If I was to advise anyone of anything it would be “get to like your CPAP machine”, I don't care how you do it but do it. (try every mask if you have to) DON'T REMOVE YOUR UVULA By the way as previous posts have mentioned, you make this embarrassing clicking noise and regularly needing to spit. My wife hates it and says i should sue. I only wish he spent the same amount of time warning me of this as he did with the bent septum. Just to add, I am 53 years old.
Good luck!

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by esca1452 @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

esca1452 — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 23:56:51 -0000

I've done the nose and throat surgery more than ten years ago. I had no problem with either. My sleep apnea improved substantially but I had to keep using a c-pap machine. My Sleep Doctor referred me to an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon who diagnose me needing a jawbone modification. I decided not to do it.

The bi-pap machine I am using today is set at 8 and 4, a very mild peak air flow (Normal is 5, I understand)and I have no problem using it. Sometimes, with the consent of my Doctor, I remove the mask and I can sleep on my side (Less throat obstruction) for a couple of hours.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 20:48:04 -0000

I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea in 2006, and put on a CPAP. I was committed to making it work, but would usually find in lying on the bed in the morning unaware that I had pulled it off. I tried 10 different nose/face masks. I checked into the Dental appliance which sounded brutal to me; then went to a Board certified Otolaryngalolist who took a look at my nose saying I had a horribly deviated septum which had likely been that way most of my life. If I laid on my side to sleep, one nasal passage was always closed. I had nose surgery 1/07 for: Septoplasty & Bilateral Inferior Turbinectomy w/ Holmium Laser, an outpatient procedure. Recovery was quick. I recently (5/11)had a repeat sleep study with no sleep apnea found. I can personal highly recommend the procedure I had - but find the best Board Certified doc you can. There is a great one in Sarasota, FL.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by den942 @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

den942 — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 17:40:42 -0000

I have both Central and Obstructive sleep apnea. My ability to breath through my nose was so bad I couldn't use the nose pillow type BiPap mask. I had corrective surgery on a deviated septum and a few other things. My ability to breath through my nose improved so much that the air pressure on my BiPap machine had to be turned down. That surgery was the best thing I ever had done. My original ENT told me I had an allergy to dust mites. He wanted me to sign up for allergy shots. It was sleep apnea that was the actual problem along with the nasal airway problems.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:19:21 -0000

I had my tonsils removed, the uvula and extra tissue around the throat removed also by my ENT specialist. I had only 69% oxygen intake at night. I could not use that darn CPAP. It has it's drawbacks. My sleep apnea was severe enough that the insurance company approved the surgery quickly. It is called a "Uvalopharyngoplastemy" or something on that order. It completely helped me, I would say 100%. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, you should not have the issues with swallowing where things go up your nose or down the wrong pipe. I haven't had any of those issues but I now sleep like a baby. I would 100% do the surgery again, knowing it helped my quality of life so much. I highly approve it. The ENT doc told me that as long as I didn't gain a lot of weight, I should be pretty much cured and he was right. As a matter of fact, now it is much easier to keep my weight down. I highly approve this surgery, being one of it's proponents and knowing how much it helped me. CK

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by stanwillis @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

stanwillis — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:43:15 -0000

I have been using a CPAP machine for about 2 years. I have only 2 small pillows that fit my nostrils and no mask. I works great, sleep well. Now if I could lose some weight.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by georgeterry @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

georgeterry — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 17:48:29 -0000

I had a nose surgery and it was 1 year past almost. I had done the nose surgery because I had a problem in taking the breathing so i decide to have an nose surgery . Well it really works and I am very pleased with its result. Now it become easy for me to breath after getting the nose surgery.Visit to http://www.nosesurgeryguide.com/ to know more infromation about it.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by loving AZ friend @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

loving AZ friend — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:23:13 -0000

SHouldn't these people be considering bpak and surgery as a last resort.?

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by loving AZ friend @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

loving AZ friend — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:18:55 -0000

They have put me on a bi pak machine. Which if I don't breath for 6sec it pushes a puff of air into my nose piece. I don't feel the effects at all. The c pak didn't work for me at all.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by mhr @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

mhr — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 12:14:26 -0000

MY BOYFRIEND HAS SLEEP APNEA AND WE ALSO LIVE TOGETHER SO I KNOW WHAT HE HAS GONE THROUGH. HE HAS THE CPAP AND MOST NIGHTS HE GETS A GOOD SLEEP. HE USES THE WATER WITH HIS MACHINE AND THAT SEEMS TO WORK VERY WELL FOR HIM. WHAT HE HAS NOTICED IS HIS SINUS GIVES HIM TROUBLE AND HE HAS HAD EAR PROBLEMS. LOTS OF EAR WAX OR DRAINAGE FROM ONE EAR ESPECIALLY. HE HAS THE CPAP NOW FOR 2 YRS. HE ALSO WAS A VOLUNTEER FIREMAN SO THE MASK WAS NOT HARD FOR HIM AT ALL TO GET USED TO. FOR THE MOST PART, HE LOVES THE CPAP.IS THERE ANY IDEAS WHY HE HAS THE EAR WAX PROBLEM AND SINUS PROBLEM NOW? I ENJOYED READING SO MANY RESPONSES ON SLEEP APNEA AND I BELIEVE I HAVE LEARNED A FEW THINGS ALSO!

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by Steven Y. Park, M.D. @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Steven Y. Park, M.D. — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 14:03:09 -0000

It's clear from all the various comments that different people have different responses to surgery. The problem with all the various surgical techniques described in this forum is that they only address one area of your breathing passageways. Most most people with obstructive sleep apnea have multiple levels of obstruction. This is why treating the soft palate will only help somewhat or not at all. The more definitively you address all three areas (nose, palate, tongue), the better your chances of success.

Surgery should only be considered if you've tried all the non-surgical options including CPAP or oral appliances. Usually, with proper education and support, many people can benefit from CPAP. Oral appliances can also be tried for some people who are good candidates, but these devices only address tongue collapse (and the soft palate somewhat). Most people with sleep apnea will have some or significant degree of nasal congestion, which you need to address for CPAP or oral appliances to work well.

However, there are some people who try everything, including 5 different masks, two oral appliances, and can't tolerate or benefit from anything. They are miserable. Unfortunately, when these people are offered surgery, only a minimal procedure in only one level is addressed, and will not solve the problem in most cases. In general, you can either enlarge the soft tissue passageways along the entire breathing passageways (nose to tongue), or widen the jaws (through appliances, orthodontics or surgery). Losing weight can help sometimes, but not in all cases. Some people with severe obstructive sleep apnea are very thin and have no weight to lose. This just goes to show that obstructive sleep apnea occurs due to narrowed jaw structures, rather than due to being overweight. Even if you do lose weight and feel better, it's important to get re-tested, since you could still have significant obstructive sleep apnea.

There's no one best treatment for obstructive sleep apnea. In general, you should start with conservative options, and look at surgery only if conservative options don't work. But when you do end up considering surgery, make sure it's performed properly at the right areas. Some people end up integrating a little of everything.

There are also various other complementary or alternative options (tongue exercises, didgeridoo, acupuncture, etc.), but they all work to various degrees in various people. It can't hurt to try them, and if it helps, then keep doing it.

http://doctorstevenpark.com

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by Rikki @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Rikki — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 03:27:40 -0000

Ten years ago a reputable doctor removed my uvula, tonsils and most of the soft palate in my mouth. Looking back on the experience, I can say that it was the WORST medical procedure ever done to me. The recovery period was three of the most painful weeks ever. I mean PAIN! I could not swallow anything without excrutiating pain. Once back to "normal" I soon learned that inhaling while eating was to be avoided at all cost. The loss of my uvula meant small bits and crumbs went right down the unobstructed windpipe, causing distressed coughing that did not stop until the crumb was out, leaving me worn out, embarrassed and in pain. Now, no matter how hard I try not to inhale with food in my mouth, there is always something that "goes down the wrong way". Use the CPAP machine and forget the surgery.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by amish3ts @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

amish3ts — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 23:01:23 -0000

To: Joanette

"My husband had surgery for apnea several years ago. The operation was only on his throat, and the initial reaction was so so. It helped his breathing but 1. it resulted in two weeks of the worst sore throat you've ever had 2. I think they took out too much tissue-now when he eats or drinks food can go up his nose 3. as time went by he gained weight and the condition went right back to the way it was beore the surgery. As a result he has been reluctant to try other forms of treatment. Be sure your surgeon is very experienced in this type of procedure,and get a second opinion."

I have had the exact same experience, except I also had breakthrough bleeding in my throat and was drowning in my own blood till I got to the hospital and hour away, but I hope he is doing well and does eventually go for another exam. I am going this week to my fam. dr. to get a referral for another sleep study. I hope maybe I can get the proper treatment this time around.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by teamswisschick @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

teamswisschick — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 07:41:20 -0000

I have had multiple sleep studies, the complete "sleep apnea" surgery, and now am using a moldable type teeth protector, like silicone(bought at Walgreen's) because I now grind my teeth and have sinus issues that I have never had before, especially when the cold winter blows up your nasal passages like a snowstorm!I have taken antidepressants for 25 years,(was told lack of sleep/depression/migraines could have been possible due to LOUD snoring. I unfortunately have to take 2 mgs.klonopin at night or I will take up to three hours to get to sleep, and feel as if I have only slept 1/2 hour. Bottom line, I never should have had sleep apnea surgery, EXTREMELY PAINFUL AND RECOVERY TIME WAS 3 weeks! I have tried the cpap machine even with the newer nose pillows, (I would awake throughout the night as if I were suffocating and would have to "restart" the unit to the initial lower pressure level. My dentist told me the "trays" to push lower jaw forward would'nt work, but, he's not a specialist either. I saw a very good ENT doc., a pulmonary specialist (after the surgery, who highly denounces the removal of the uvula,and other tissues as all of this can and may grow back), but, I have never had my nose "straightened/reduced", (considered cosmetic my docs. and insurance companies),reduction of the cartilage and tissue in my left nostril is BLOCKING the left nostril most of the time. If I sleep on my right side, no air gets through the left side. The band-aid type nasal passage openers do not work for me. The only positive thing since the surgery 8 years ago, I don't snore like a horse, now I snore "like I can't breathe well" at nite, as my kids tell me. Considering how much all of these sleep studies, surgery, doctor's visits and treatments have cost my insurance company, you would think that they would have sprung for a "nose job" or at least made very sure the right/best treatment was done to resolve the problem that I still have. Think long and hard before you try "band aid/quickie" type remedies, do the "best" remedy for your health. Good luck and god bless.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by crazylady @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

crazylady — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:37:38 -0000

Hi Carol, I too have Sleep Apnea. When I had my first sleep study done about 8 years ago I was told that my Heart stopped 43 times a minute. I use the big mask that covers the nose and mouth because I sleep with my mouth open. It took awhile to get used to but now I can't wait to put it on. Then I cover my head and sleep like a baby, a big 73 year old baby. I hope you get some relief from not sleeping. Good luck, Pat

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by Scribelle @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Scribelle — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 17:34:59 -0000

I'm so glad the TAP worked for you!

They didn't work well for me, but that is because I have a lot of crowns, and the tray broke one tooth inside the crown when my mouth resisted the TAP positioning. I got to choose whether to have it molded with or without my flippers in (plastic false teeth which fill in spaces where teeth were extracted). The dentist wouldn't recommend one way or the other, so I gave it my best effort to choose wisely. My flippers replace the front teeth, and I didn't realize that my mouth would resist so much while I was sleeping!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the TAP is a great device, but take into account any dental situations you may have.

Where do you get a TAP? There are dentists who are trained to do it, so begin by asking your regular dentist. If he can't do it, he can probably recommend someone. The term he may recognize is "sleep apnea dental orthotic", or something similar.

The power of my teeth resisting the device may have caused me an unexpected problem, but it also says how powerful it is in keeping the mouth from sliding back and blocking the throat.

Again, I'm THRILLED to hear a success story with the TAP, even though it didn't work for me. For me, it was my funky teeth that didn't hold up, so it wasn't any problem with the TAP itself.

I wish they would do something about my sleep apnea, but I have so many other medical problems, everything has to wait its turn for attention. I have 18 sleep arousals to breath per hour, but asthma, spinal injuries, and finishing breast cancer treatment come first.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by oxman66 @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

oxman66 — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:32:43 -0000

I had my tonsils removed and some tissue removed around my throat on 4-23-10. It is a very painful recovery. I can only take liquids and even that hurts. I have managed to loose 19lbs in six days, so thats one positive. Ps. this was done for severe sleep apnea. I am a truck driver so I had to do something.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by cjlavigne3@cs.com @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

cjlavigne3@cs.com — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 09:53:34 -0000

I have sleep apnea I just went through all the test. My doctor said the scale is the best being 0 the worst being 15 I was a 14. I stop breathing when i'm awake. If I am engrossed in something I forget to breath. My CPAP was a pain in the face until they showed me the different nose peices. I got the one that just goes into the nose and it doesn't cover my face like the first one did. Even with that I still don't sleep. I take sleeping pills but still only get mayby 4 hours of sleep. I take my pill at 10pm and finally start to feel a little tired around 5 am. I have done this for 40 years. After my first born and I had to keep an ear out during the night is when it started and it has never stopped. I just roll with it. I hope and pray for your mom that the surgery works for her. This is my first time on this site and everyone seems very nice. Thank you for hearing me out. Carol

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by Steven Y. Park, M.D. @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Steven Y. Park, M.D. — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:58:40 -0000

I have an extensive report called "The Truth About Sleep Apnea Surgery" on my website at http://www.doctorstevenpark.com. It's an in depth discussion about the pros and cons of surgery. Everyone should read it.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by jobie @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

jobie — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:39:34 -0000

Hi Missy, I have the same problem as your mother. I am thinking of trying the dental tray before I do anything else. The CAP didn't help me at all. Missy I will keep your mother in prayer. I will try to let you know if it works. I feel anything is better then a operation of any kind. "Big or small" Sue

Thenewyorklady@verizon.net

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by Anonymous @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:23:07 -0000

I think I have this problem too. I don't sleep well and I stop breading during of the night.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by ladyjane @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

ladyjane — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:36:46 -0000

where do I get TAP from south Miss.

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by kjohnson @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

kjohnson — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:41:53 -0000

The CPAP works great for my husband! Highly recommended!

'Anyone deal with throat/nose surgery for sleep apnea?' posted by econmjr @ {post.created_at.to_s(:post_time)}

econmjr — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:45:29 -0000

I have sleep apnea (smallest throat opening Doctor has seen) and opted to not have surgery for most of the reason that others have posted. Could not tolerate CAP and ended up with TAP ......a devise consisiting of dental trays (similar to those used to bleach your teeth)that are adjustable and pulls lower jaw forward to open passage in throat. Testing at sleep clinc has proven that they work so i'm a happy sleeper

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