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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Sleep Apnea-Curable by surgury?Forum: Neurology Forum
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In April of 1996 I had a heart attack. It was determined that the only cure was to have a transplant. I received a transplant at CCF in Feb.1997. During the last half of 1996, I used to wake up gasping for breath and I snored very loudly, according to my daughter. During the last half of 1997, after the transplant, I used to get so sleepy, I would fall asleep at the computer at 9 AM, after what I thought was a good nights sleep. I continued to have difficulty staying awake, especially when driving at night. I then heard an advertisement on the radio about the sleep apnea symtoms. I went to the local neurolgists here and they did a sleep study on me and determined that I had sleep apnea. I had 48 Obstructive apneas, 10 central apneas, 154 mixed apneas, and 130 hypopneas. The O2 saturation got to 67% lowest. Average length of events was 36, etc. Then I had a sleep study with a CPAP and my condition improved dramatically. The Neurologist said there was not really a surgical cure for the problem and I would have to use the CPAP for the rest of my life... Well, after using it for 9 months, I REALLY would like to look into a cure. Is there anything. As it is, I can't take a nap without the machine or I wake up gasping for air... I will be at the Clinic for a biopsy on October 30 and if there is some possibility, I would like to arrange an appointment. I could bring the before and after studies with me. Please advise. Thanks.... You all are the best !
= Thanks for your question. It always in the best interest of patients to initially attempt conservative measures for sleep apnea (such as CPAP), particularly if a major portion of the events are a result of mechanical/ airway problems (obstructive apnea). Your next logical step is probably as evaluation by a ENT (ear-nose-throat) surgeon to address the question of adequacy for surgery (is this what the biopsy is for???). The specific surgical options should really be discussed between you and the ENT surgeon. I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck. This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
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