I'm 48-hours away now, starting to get nervous about it. I'm having this surgery to open my airways in general, not exactly for Sleep Apnea but hey if it also helps me to stop snoring, all the better I have to stop reading everything online, starting to make my stomach churn a little
Last edited by BradLyons on Fri Oct 21, 2005 11:44 am; edited 1 time in total _________________ Thank you,
Brad Lyons
-Sr Sales Engineer-Sweetwater Sound
www.audioandmidi.com
What was the reason for UPPP? There are a few folks here than have been there and done that, and the general consensus seems to be, don't! I would talk to your doc and make sure that he can guarantee that it will help you. If you do have OSA, some folks have stated that they require lots more pressure to take care of the apnea.
Good luck, and please keep us posted on your progress.
I'm not having UPP for OSA, but in my case...I have SEVERE blockage in my throat at all times making it hard for me to breathe. I've been passing out due to lack of oxygen (severe case of Cough Syncope), hard wheezing and coughing, etc. If they can cure my snoring too, so be it...but without this surgery, I could die at any point so I've been ordered to take it easy, nothing strenuous, etc....
I'm not having UPP for OSA, but in my case...I have SEVERE blockage in my throat at all times making it hard for me to breathe. I've been passing out due to lack of oxygen (severe case of Cough Syncope), hard wheezing and coughing, etc. If they can cure my snoring too, so be it...but without this surgery, I could die at any point so I've been ordered to take it easy, nothing strenuous, etc....
Hi Brad,
Do you have Sleep Apnoea as well as your other conditions ?
Daniel
_________________ The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!
Hard to say, I was scheduled (2) weeks ago to have my sleep test done October 27th. However just two days after that was scheduled, I was back in my Pulmonary Dr's office after the day before being rushed by ambulance into the ER because I was choking (this is when we realized there was a serious breathing problem here). The next day, my PD said I had to have this surgery as the blockage was too much, but also got my Sleep Study bumped up to the next night, a month in advance. I was told they didn't actually have to fit me for the mask, which didn't surpirse me because I also told them that some nights are better than others. And in my case, I think I have "Reverse Apnea" LOL
Earlier last night I was doing laundry, tired from moving around I started wheezing and coughing because my airways are so constricted I'm working 3-times harder to get the same oxygen supply I normally get. I started wheezing, coudln't stop, got lightheaded and dizzy, passed out and woke up on the floor. This has been common for me lately which is why this surgery is being done, otherwise there will come a point that it will be too late (gulp!). My Uvilla is actually so enlarged it is hanging down INTO my throat, not just closing during sleep...it's actually closing, or to put it bluntlly "plugging" my throat, while I'm awake.
Everything happened so fast to know if I have sleep apnea or not, because it really is more about breathing while I'm awake than not breathing while I'm sleeping.
Hard to say, I was scheduled (2) weeks ago to have my sleep test done October 27th. However just two days after that was scheduled, I was back in my Pulmonary Dr's office after the day before being rushed by ambulance into the ER because I was choking (this is when we realized there was a serious breathing problem here). The next day, my PD said I had to have this surgery as the blockage was too much, but also got my Sleep Study bumped up to the next night, a month in advance. I was told they didn't actually have to fit me for the mask, which didn't surpirse me because I also told them that some nights are better than others. And in my case, I think I have "Reverse Apnea" LOL
Earlier last night I was doing laundry, tired from moving around I started wheezing and coughing because my airways are so constricted I'm working 3-times harder to get the same oxygen supply I normally get. I started wheezing, coudln't stop, got lightheaded and dizzy, passed out and woke up on the floor. This has been common for me lately which is why this surgery is being done, otherwise there will come a point that it will be too late (gulp!). My Uvilla is actually so enlarged it is hanging down INTO my throat, not just closing during sleep...it's actually closing, or to put it bluntlly "plugging" my throat, while I'm awake.
Everything happened so fast to know if I have sleep apnea or not, because it really is more about breathing while I'm awake than not breathing while I'm sleeping.
Brad,
Did they say what the blockage was ? I appreciate that your uvula is long, but there must be another reason.
The UPPP involves trimming out the soft palate, removal (or trimming) of the uvula, possibly removal of the tonsils/adenoids, sometimes a few slices off the base of the tongue (if large), and mechanical assistance in widening the airway. It is not pleasant (I had it done in 1994) but the big problem is that after a few months the actual tissue reverts to its previous (pre op) state. So if there is no great long term benefit.
If there is no 'defined' blockage to remove, other than the uvula, I don't know why they want to operate. If you have OSA and the UPPP gives temporary relief and stops the snoring, you will still have OSA only no very obvious symptom (snoring) and the OSA problems will continue. The fact that you are struggling while awake is frightening. The uvula should not be causing this while you are awake and standing or sitting. Hence I believe that there must be another blockage, possibly further down the airway.
Talk to your doctor about this. Make sure that you are intubated and that you receive extra care and close monitoring while in the recovery room. Make sure that the anaesthetist is fully aware of your condition.
The very best of luck.
Let us know how you get on.
Daniel
_________________ The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!
Thanks for your concern. My case is unique which has made it frustrating to research and discuss. This has been an on-going thing and after 3-years, this is the only available solution for me. I've been on steroids, inhalers, other medications and nothing has worked. It has gotten to the point where it is a life-threatening situation. The goal of the surgery for me is to open up the airway between my mouth and my thraot because right now, it is so blocked that the doctors haven't been able to look down my throat. We can only assume that once this surgery is performed, it will open up this blockage to allow the rest of my airways to heal. My doctors are some of the best in the state, so I'm confident in them. I've been through SEVERAL doctors and it's been a learning process. The ENT doctor agreed to the surgery because I agreed to it and (3) other very reputable specialists said I need this NOW or the chance of my airways completely closing and suffocating myself soon is very high. I'm not sure if I have OSA, but the problem right now is far worse than OSA.... it's every second that I breathe, I'm struggling.
Think of a window in your house with the wind blowing outside. If the window is fully open, you'll get plenty of wind coming in the house, right? Now close that window about 90% and you'll not only receive just a little air but you'll hear the wind howling from the pressure of trying to get in. That is more or less my wheezing. I could care less if I have OSA at this point, I'm having this surgery for something far more important....breathing ALL the time
Thanks for your concern. My case is unique which has made it frustrating to research and discuss. This has been an on-going thing and after 3-years, this is the only available solution for me. I've been on steroids, inhalers, other medications and nothing has worked. It has gotten to the point where it is a life-threatening situation. The goal of the surgery for me is to open up the airway between my mouth and my thraot because right now, it is so blocked that the doctors haven't been able to look down my throat. We can only assume that once this surgery is performed, it will open up this blockage to allow the rest of my airways to heal. My doctors are some of the best in the state, so I'm confident in them. I've been through SEVERAL doctors and it's been a learning process. The ENT doctor agreed to the surgery because I agreed to it and (3) other very reputable specialists said I need this NOW or the chance of my airways completely closing and suffocating myself soon is very high. I'm not sure if I have OSA, but the problem right now is far worse than OSA.... it's every second that I breathe, I'm struggling.
Think of a window in your house with the wind blowing outside. If the window is fully open, you'll get plenty of wind coming in the house, right? Now close that window about 90% and you'll not only receive just a little air but you'll hear the wind howling from the pressure of trying to get in. That is more or less my wheezing. I could care less if I have OSA at this point, I'm having this surgery for something far more important....breathing ALL the time
Best of luck Brad.
I sincerely hope that everything works out for you.
As soon as you get over the surgery let us know how you feel.
Daniel
_________________ The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!
I'm home a day early, good results.... it has been MONTHS since I have been able to breathe as well as I am right now, so I'm happy. I'll write more later on the experience and results, but I need to get my strength back.
I'm home a day early, good results.... it has been MONTHS since I have been able to breathe as well as I am right now, so I'm happy. I'll write more later on the experience and results, but I need to get my strength back.
Brad
Brad!
Glad you are doing better! They keeping the pain under control? Take it easy and let us know how you progress!
Surgery went fine on Wednesday afternoon, recovery....that's another story. It was expected that I might have some complications waking up because of the strain on my vocal chords and airways which is why I had to have this surgery. When I was taken into Recovery to be woken up, I remember thrashing back and forth VERY hard and I do mean...VERY hard. I was in a daze and was going in and out, but the other thing I remember was having ice chips placed in my mouth and feeling like I was suffocating because I had to re-learn how to swallow.
Surprisingly, I've been able to eat soft foods much sooner than expected! The doctor called my mother back in Toledo, Ohio (2.5 hours away) and she said that she and my sister could head out the next night (Thursday) since I was doing so well and could be released to them to head home a day early (my house here in Fort Wayne). So I got home last night and am now home for at least 2-weeks. My mother and sister are staying with me through the weekend, that is good. The next few days are going to be brutal for me as the numbing medication shot into my throat is wearing off, this was for the breathing tube that was in-place for my surgery. My throat/neck is SO swollen!
I'm eating ice, lots of ice for the swelling in my throat. The pain isn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it is a steady pain which is worse IMHO....so yeah, it is still intense! AS this morning is rolling on further, the pain is getting worse....headache, ear-ache, sore throat, swollen glands, blurred vision, loss of color at times.....
HOWEVER, even with the swelling right now (which will go down) I can't begin to tell you how much easier it is to breathe! It has been a few years since my airways have felt this open so at this point, I consider the surgery to be a success! I just need to spend the next few weeks resting and NOT TALKING. That is going to be hard this weekend since my mother and sister are in from out of town, but they are understanding. I didn't realize how much of a help it is to have them here until they came here!!
Thanks everyone for your prayers thus far, I still have quite a bit to go... The next phase is there is a possibility I have "VCD" or Vocal Chord Dysfunction due to the strain from my heavy wheezing and coughing. This is the primary reason I am taking 3-weeks home instead of the typical 2-weeks, and am to keep my talking to a minimum as a precuationary measure. In a worst-case scenario, there would be a chance of surgery in the airways in the neck....but at this point, I don't think that's in the future as we feel the airways will repair themselves now that the blockage has been removed.
P.S. For those of you with Sleep Apnea, I do recommend to TRY CPAP first..... in my situation, it was potentially a case of life or death and this surgery was an absolute MUST for me. I'm feeling like complete !@#! right now and it will get worse over the next few days, but in the end knowing I can breathe normally....it's worth it!
Surgery went fine on Wednesday afternoon, recovery....that's another story. It was expected that I might have some complications waking up because of the strain on my vocal chords and airways which is why I had to have this surgery. When I was taken into Recovery to be woken up, I remember thrashing back and forth VERY hard and I do mean...VERY hard. I was in a daze and was going in and out, but the other thing I remember was having ice chips placed in my mouth and feeling like I was suffocating because I had to re-learn how to swallow.
Surprisingly, I've been able to eat soft foods much sooner than expected! The doctor called my mother back in Toledo, Ohio (2.5 hours away) and she said that she and my sister could head out the next night (Thursday) since I was doing so well and could be released to them to head home a day early (my house here in Fort Wayne). So I got home last night and am now home for at least 2-weeks. My mother and sister are staying with me through the weekend, that is good. The next few days are going to be brutal for me as the numbing medication shot into my throat is wearing off, this was for the breathing tube that was in-place for my surgery. My throat/neck is SO swollen!
I'm eating ice, lots of ice for the swelling in my throat. The pain isn't as bad as I thought it would be, but it is a steady pain which is worse IMHO....so yeah, it is still intense! AS this morning is rolling on further, the pain is getting worse....headache, ear-ache, sore throat, swollen glands, blurred vision, loss of color at times.....
HOWEVER, even with the swelling right now (which will go down) I can't begin to tell you how much easier it is to breathe! It has been a few years since my airways have felt this open so at this point, I consider the surgery to be a success! I just need to spend the next few weeks resting and NOT TALKING. That is going to be hard this weekend since my mother and sister are in from out of town, but they are understanding. I didn't realize how much of a help it is to have them here until they came here!!
Thanks everyone for your prayers thus far, I still have quite a bit to go... The next phase is there is a possibility I have "VCD" or Vocal Chord Dysfunction due to the strain from my heavy wheezing and coughing. This is the primary reason I am taking 3-weeks home instead of the typical 2-weeks, and am to keep my talking to a minimum as a precuationary measure. In a worst-case scenario, there would be a chance of surgery in the airways in the neck....but at this point, I don't think that's in the future as we feel the airways will repair themselves now that the blockage has been removed.
P.S. For those of you with Sleep Apnea, I do recommend to TRY CPAP first..... in my situation, it was potentially a case of life or death and this surgery was an absolute MUST for me. I'm feeling like complete !@#! right now and it will get worse over the next few days, but in the end knowing I can breathe normally....it's worth it!
Brad
Hi Brad,
Great to hear that you are still in the land of the living. You need to be extra careful over c.10 days post op as you are at a high risk of bleeding from your wounds. God forbid it happens, but you must go straight to the ER, phone your surgeon who will instruct them what to do. Enough of the scary stuff. It doesn't happen in many cases, but you should be aware.
Without being a 'downer', the initial relief or freedom to breathe is great but you need to monitor things, particularly after the swelling goes down.
Keep up the ice. Ice cream is good as is jelly. For myself, after 10/11 days I was so frustrated that I downed a few G & Ts. Murder for the first slug, but lovely afterwards. I think it sanitised by throat
Best of luck,
Daniel
_________________ The untreated Sleep Apnoea sufferer died quietly in his sleep.......
Unlike his three passengers who died screaming !!!!!!
Been there done that with VCD. You might have to wait a bit to do the breathing technique for it as it puts back pressure on the vocal cords, (and probably the area of the surgery) Curious, where did the diagnose the VCD? I had to go to National Jewish out in Denver to get it figured out.
Glad to hear the pain is not as bad, but make sure that they come up with a plan for controlling it. This is not a time to try toughing it out, let em give you enough to take care of it.
Well I've not been diagnosed with VCD, it's a precautionary measure.... I'm laying low for the next two days, I'm feeling the brunt of everything right now and it hurts.
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I have to stop reading everything online, starting to make my stomach churn a little 
