When I first got my CPAP this past January I vented quite badly, even with a chin strap so I went to a full face mask.   Unfortunatly it leaks around my jaw line, but even with the leaking it helped my sleep apnea quite a bit.  I still havent cured the leaking.  It was a nice feeling to want to get out of bed!  About 4 months into into treatment I started becoming restless and it has increased to where I feel before I had the CPAP.  I have tried adjusting the pressure with no positive results. My Dr has tried Rhinocort to clear my nasal pasage but that has not worked either.  Finally refered to a ENT specialist, it was suggested that I have surgery.  1 to correct a deviated septum, 2. removal of my tonsils, and 3. removal of my Uvula and soft palate.  I trying to research side effects and risks, I have come across mixed reports.  Has anyone had experience with any of these surgeries?  How were the results?  Any other suggestions that may be of help or inspiration?

Anthony, I've not had any experience with the surgeries you mentioned.  However many message board posters have.  Here's a link with a lot of discussions.  Near the bottom of the that page are topics about one surgery in particular that most seem to say is not very effective and is best avoided...UPPP.

LINKS to surgery, turbinates, Pillar, TAP experiences

Have you tried a Flexifit 431 Full Face mask?  It is new to the market, very comfortable and doesn't leak like other masks.  Several of us here use it.  Sure would be an easier fix than surgery.

Vicki


_________________
That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Anthony,

The general consensus on surgeries other than deviated septum and tonsils have rather poor results.  This shouldn't discourage you, but definately ask the doctor what he thinks the success will be for YOU in YOUR case.  What worked for one person might not work for you.  Only the doctors involved in YOUR case will be able to give you your odds for success.  Personally I would try all that I could with CPAP before opting for any surgery options as the success rate is not high enough for my liking.

Anthony wrote:

When I first got my CPAP this past January I vented quite badly, even with a chin strap so I went to a full face mask.   Unfortunatly it leaks around my jaw line, but even with the leaking it helped my sleep apnea quite a bit.  I still havent cured the leaking.  It was a nice feeling to want to get out of bed!  About 4 months into into treatment I started becoming restless and it has increased to where I feel before I had the CPAP.  I have tried adjusting the pressure with no positive results. My Dr has tried Rhinocort to clear my nasal pasage but that has not worked either.  Finally refered to a ENT specialist, it was suggested that I have surgery.  1 to correct a deviated septum, 2. removal of my tonsils, and 3. removal of my Uvula and soft palate.  I trying to research side effects and risks, I have come across mixed reports.  Has anyone had experience with any of these surgeries?  How were the results?  Any other suggestions that may be of help or inspiration?

Hi Anthony,

I'll deal with the surgery first.
Fixing a deviated septum will do no harm and will allow a greater air flow. It is known to increase the effects of cpap and can help to have the pressure lowered.
Removing the tonsils (if problematic) will help to create more space also and might be helpful, when the swelling goes down. It won't do any harm.
The Uvula and Soft Pallat amounts to a UPPP procedure and you should steer well clear of it. I am a survivor of it, doesn't work and can create problems for the future use of cpap. It can also make your apnoea worse. Best figures for results are a 50% improvement in 50% of cases. If you have an AHI of 30 + (severe apnoea) and you get a 50% improvement you will still have moderate apnoea which will still require cpap.
For the full medical position on sleep apnoea diagnosis and treatment you might log onto www.sign.ac.uk which is The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and go to Guideline No. 73 which covers Sleep Apnoea. It prints off to about 35 pages and covers surgical options.

Fixing the deviated septum should help a lot.

Daniel


_________________
The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!

(Anon)

thanks for the replies!  after doing alot of research I have decided to skip the uppp.  I did get the flexifit mask.   Nice mask!  no leaks!!  thanks for all the input!

I just had septoplasty and turbinate reduction this past thursday.  I was diagnosed with OSA about a month or so ago and the ENT thought I would completely benefit from this surgery as a CPAP would not work with me at the time.  So I opted for the surgery and I am swollen and in alittle bit of pain but I know it will help in the long run.  As for the UPP... I have heard horrific stories of this surgery and even my ENT warned against it.  Thought maybe my experience would help you out alittle bit.

Kim

[quote="riebesgrl"]I just had septoplasty and turbinate reduction this past thursday.  I was diagnosed with OSA about a month or so ago and the ENT thought I would completely benefit from this surgery as a CPAP would not work with me at the time.  So I opted for the surgery and I am swollen and in alittle bit of pain but I know it will help in the long run.  As for the UPP... I have heard horrific stories of this surgery and even my ENT warned against it.  Thought maybe my experience would help you out alittle bit.

Hi, I hope that the surgery works I am having it done Monday morning, it's so bad that I have a hard time beathing when I am awake .

Anthony, I am having the surgery Monday morning, will let you know.

Riebesgrl & ejbear  Sure hope everything goes well.  Keep me posted!

I am recovering well from my surgery.  This Thursday I go and have my splints removed so that ought to be a fun experience.  I have not been in a lot of pain like I thought I would which is a good thing.  The bleeding has almost come to a complete stop but I am still swollen.  I have never been able to breathe through my nose while I am awake either.  Hopefully this will do the trick.  Hope things turn out for the best with your surgery.  Keep up posted.  

Kim