The fact that he has had sleep apnea for a long time should not have caused any permanent damage to any of his major organs, heart, brain etc. Eventually, without treatment it would.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a machine that is used as a common treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA is a condition in which the airway does not fully open during sleep. CPAP delivers air pressure into the lungs to keep the airways open during sleep.
It is so important that he use the CPAP and that he use it effectively. Effectively means that he should stop snoring, be easy to wake up in the morning and not be tired all the time. If these things do not happen, he must work with his doctor and the sleep experts, to make the CPAP effective. This may take time; weeks or months and so he must be patient.
Some people have a hard time adjusting to the use of CPAP and give-up on it. Your son must not give-up. He must do everything necessary to make it work for, if he does not, his health will quickly deteriorate. He should also try very hard to lose weight. At 6'6" he is a big man, but 300 lbs is still too much.
Finally, he should not assume that if he can't adjust to the CPAP, that he can always have surgery. No matter what anyone may tell you, surgery for this condition is risky, often doesn't work and, when there are complications, there is no way to reverse them.
Dear Ozark,
I don't know the answer to your question about heart problems resulting from sleep apnea, but, here's my thoughts:
You shouldn't feel bad, because you're human, and didn't catch the sleep apnea earlier. No-one is perfect. You should tell yourself to feel good that you DID catch the fact that your son has sleep apnea! Start from now, and try not to worry about the past! :-)
Good luck to you and your son.
Sincerely,
Carol
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
thank you for your comments. I guess i should feel good that i noticed it sooner than later and hopefully things will be better for him........