Surgery opposed to CPAP

[Sunshine47]

Well just got back from the doctor and he told me that I have an obstruction. I need to have a pillar(spelled right?) surgery. I will have 3 stints placed in the palete of my mouth because he thinks that it can help my breathing from being obstructed. He wants me to quit taking my Xanax and Prozac in the mornings to keep down sleepiness during the day. I can't unless I can deal with the multitude of PAC's and PVC's during the time I don't have the meds in me. To all my friends on here I miss the heck out of you. I go May 8th to decide if the surgery is what I want, I love you guys, Take care and keep in touch.
Karen aka Sunshine

[BLM_56]

Did your Dr. discuss a CPAP with you?  Are you seeing a pulmonologist?  Or is your Dr. a cutter (Surgeon)?  Surgery is sorta drastic and pretty much permanent.  I, too, have heard that it doesn't also work.  Cutters prefer to cut - it IS what they do after all.  They tend to believe that cryoferric (cold steel) therapy is the best solution for just about everything.  They also tend to have egos the size of Wyoming - you pretty much have to have a huge ego to be able to mutilate human beings for a living.

A CPAP is not the easiest thing to get used to but it is 100% reversible.  Once they go trimming and adding stiffeners and suchlike there is no going back.  It'd be a shame to go through all the discomfort of surgery and then still wind up on a CPAP.  There are multiple interfaces between the CPAP and yourself.  They have nasal pillows and nose masks (my personal preference) and full face masks.  I wouldn't be surprised if there are not others

The bottom line is that you need to get the sleep apnea undercontrol if you're having serious rhythm problems.  My ElectroPhysiologist (EP) told me that the greatly reduced pulse ox levels created by apnea can actually trigger A and even V fib.  The heart only does one thing - it beats.  If blood O2 gets too low the only thing it can do is to increase its beat frequency to try and push more blood through the pulmonary system to bring the O2 levels up.  If there are other instability factors that alone can induce fib.

Good luck.  Try to get a 2nd opinion.  

[ladycolpepper]

Our prayers are with you and your daughter. God can work miracles and calm the situation and let you make the best decisiton for you and your health and your daughter. Many hugs and thoughts go out to your family. Just take a moment and clear your mind and focus on what is best for you to be as health y as you can to help your daughter in the end. GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!!

[e.r.boy]

I have not seen your previous posts regarding this.  I'm assuming you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea ? Did they tell you your PVC's would improve with help ? My girlfriend noticed I stop breathing at night and I'm getting a sleep study. Apparently sleep apnea is a major cause/ irritant of PVC's.

[WvMomof3]

U are in my thoughts and prayers...Gl to u...

Love n Huggs n Prayers
Cathy

[Sunshine47]

Thanks for the comments. Yes you are right the Xanax are addictive but it helps so much with my heart. I am just going to discuss the surgery because he said a CPAP would help some but I have an obstruction. The palate of my mouth is soft and they want to make it rigid so that it doesn't get in the way of my air flow while I sleep. I haven't made my mind up what to do. My daughter is sick and she comes first. She still has MONO after 6 months and her speen is still very enlarged. They read her CT scan but felt that it needed to go to the ETSU onocology department to make sure that there is nothing in it making it stay that way. I am so scared. Just please pray that everything is okay. I could not stand it if something is wrong with my baby. They said they were doing it as a precautionary reason. Even though the radiologist didn't see anything at her doc they want soemone else to look at it. Her name is Katie and she needs some big time prayers. Thanks guys I know that you won't let me down. Love you and miss you. Big hugs
Karen

[maggiemag]

I would not have surgery for OSA without at least one more opinion.  I have heard it is very painful and does not always work either!  Using a CPAP is really not so awful and would involve a lot less pain and suffering plus money!  Is this doctor a sleep doctor or an ENT?  Go with a board certified sleep doctor.  I imagine that he feels he cannot really evaluate daytime sleepiness if you are on those drugs, esp. Xanax which is so addictive.

[MARSIN]

I have OSA as well and surgery does help in some cases. I dont think it would hurt to try. Do you have your tonsels still? If so I would get them removed with the surgery. They can also do a procedure called UPPP. I am no professional but surgery is worth a shot if you want to try it.

[WvMomof3]

I am not all that familiar with what u are talking about...but I know u will make the best decision for u...I miss u lots too Hun and if u need me...u know where I am...

Love n Huggs n Prayers...
Cathy

[Momto3]

Hi Karen,

Thanks for the update!  Is the surgery optional?  Does the doctor think it will help overall?

As for the PVCs and PACs, you know (in your rational mind) that they are not going to hurt you.  Maybe giving it a go off of the medicine will be a good idea.  Just be sure the doctor understands how difficult it is for you to get over the ectopics.  Hang in there Karen....Sounds like you're on your way to better days!!

connie
P.S.  We miss you too!