Well, after waiting since January, we finally saw Dr. Cuevas who is a pediatric neurologist who specializes in sleep disorders.  The appointment went great - got us in on time and then the Dr. actually came into the room about 2 minutes later!  We spoke with him for over an hour and he was extremely thorough.  We talked about my pregnancy with Emerson, all of his surgeries, health problems, etc.  

To give some history, we were referred to Dr. Cuevas after doing 2 sleep studies, doing the T&A, and still showing some obstructive hypopneas and central events.  The doctor explained that some centrals are very normal throughout the night but he wanted to go back and review the data to see if Emerson's were considered normal or abnormal (associated with ox desats, arousals, etc.)  If he thinks they are of abnormal nature, then he will order an MRI for him, but he didn't seem too concerned at this point.

He was however, showing concern over having a T&A and still having hypopnea events.  He explained how he could still have some irritated tissues in his airways or even some leftover tissues from the adenoid removal.  Again, he's going to review the events in more detail.  He said right now he thinks it can be treated by giving him a combo of 2 meds - one is a nasal spray like Rhinocort and the other is Singulair.  These should help reduce any swelling he still has in his sinuses and airways.  This usually takes 2-3 months to see results and if the hypopneas are still a problem then we may need to look at CPAP.  He admitted that it would be a huge struggle to get a child Emerson's age (20 months right now) to use CPAP.  It is encouraging to know that they have an entire pediatric CPAP clinic to help kids and families.  

Dr. Cuevas is supposed to call me either this afternoon or tomorrow to let me know his findings.  I'm very impressed that the Dr. himself is going to call and not a nurse (I asked him specifically).  Like I said, he was very thorough and said Emerson didn't show any obvious signs of any neurological problems so that's good news.

Has anyone else's child tried the combo of meds to help in a situation like this?  I knew the T&A wasn't 100% guaranteed to work but I'm still a little disappointed that it didn't entirely for us - although it did cure the OSA and his breathing is 1000% better than it was.  Overall, this appointment was well worth the wait and I feel like we are finally working with someone who is very familiar in sleep issues.

Wow, I don't have much experience with the meds combo(Hannah does take singulair for sinus issues and it does help) but It really sounds like you found a great Dr who actually knows his stuff. I think that is the biggest battle with our kids. Not many Dr experienced with the pediatric aspect of OSA. Keep us posted.


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Heather-Mom to Hannah(8-hose head) and Logan(4), wife to Paul (also a hose head)

Hi, I'm sorry I felt connected to your story. I don't mean to barge in but, I fully agree with Hannah's mom, it's about experience,  in the doctor's, then you, and others.  I lost my 20 month old Devin to OSA, 3 yrs ago.

Sara wrote:

Well, after waiting since January, we finally saw Dr. Cuevas who is a pediatric neurologist who specializes in sleep disorders.  The appointment went great - got us in on time and then the Dr. actually came into the room about 2 minutes later!  We spoke with him for over an hour and he was extremely thorough.  We talked about my pregnancy with Emerson, all of his surgeries, health problems, etc.  

To give some history, we were referred to Dr. Cuevas after doing 2 sleep studies, doing the T&A, and still showing some obstructive hypopneas and central events.  The doctor explained that some centrals are very normal throughout the night but he wanted to go back and review the data to see if Emerson's were considered normal or abnormal (associated with ox desats, arousals, etc.)  If he thinks they are of abnormal nature, then he will order an MRI for him, but he didn't seem too concerned at this point.

He was however, showing concern over having a T&A and still having hypopnea events.  He explained how he could still have some irritated tissues in his airways or even some leftover tissues from the adenoid removal.  Again, he's going to review the events in more detail.  He said right now he thinks it can be treated by giving him a combo of 2 meds - one is a nasal spray like Rhinocort and the other is Singulair.  These should help reduce any swelling he still has in his sinuses and airways.  This usually takes 2-3 months to see results and if the hypopneas are still a problem then we may need to look at CPAP.  He admitted that it would be a huge struggle to get a child Emerson's age (20 months right now) to use CPAP.  It is encouraging to know that they have an entire pediatric CPAP clinic to help kids and families.  

Dr. Cuevas is supposed to call me either this afternoon or tomorrow to let me know his findings.  I'm very impressed that the Dr. himself is going to call and not a nurse (I asked him specifically).  Like I said, he was very thorough and said Emerson didn't show any obvious signs of any neurological problems so that's good news.

Has anyone else's child tried the combo of meds to help in a situation like this?  I knew the T&A wasn't 100% guaranteed to work but I'm still a little disappointed that it didn't entirely for us - although it did cure the OSA and his breathing is 1000% better than it was.  Overall, this appointment was well worth the wait and I feel like we are finally working with someone who is very familiar in sleep issues.

Hi Jillimac - You are not barging in at all!  I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss.  What a very difficult time for you and your family.  Please let me know if you'd like to talk further.  I watched my son stop breathing several hours after one of his surgeries and vomit bloody mucous.  He completely flatlined and had to be revived.  Thank goodness we were still at the hospital.