hi, my name is melonie i have a four year old son Connor
Connor recently had a pharygoplasty (narrowing of the airway between mouth and nose).

Since the operation we have had sleep tests! The nurse that recorded him told me he had "A few episodes and a flow restriction". I am not due to see the respiratory doctor untill January 06.

I have also noticed that his body temperature is constantly low!!

I am just wondering if any body can make sense of what EPISODES AND FLOW RESTRICTION mean?

Also do you think the low body temp is due to the oxygen levels at night?

Many thanks

Melonie O'Brien

Melonie,

We could guess that "episodes" meant episodes of apnea but that would be irresponsible to do so without any data.  You need to simply call the doctor, tell them what you were told and ask for an explaination.

"Flow Restriction" is easier.  It means restriction of air flow.

Tell them you want Connor seen ASAP and to put him on a cancelation list.  If he has apnea, it may be that his apnea and flow restriction is very mild, but let them explain that to you.  You can press them by asking how low his oxygen levels got.  Normal, and the range O2 saturations should always be in is 95-99%.  Oxygen level isn't the only concern, the other issue of apnea is how much it disrupts sleep so that the quality of sleep is poor.  Breathing difficulties can cause disrupted sleep and loss of restorative sleep with or without decreased oxygen levels.

I have not heard of decreased body temperature being a symtom of apnea so view it as a separate issue to discuss with his pediatrician.  

You are paying the doctor, they work for you.  You have the right to answers, explainations and action.

Vicki


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

Hi Vicki,
thanks for your response, when he was in hospital after the operation he had a tube in his nose down the back of his throat to keep his airway open and to pump oxygen in!!!! Even with that his oxygen dropped to below 89%.  
it is just so frustrating waiting to see doctors

anyways i will keep on them....
and let you know how we go!!!

melonie

hi vicki

Last week we had a call from the respiratory doc, our appointment was moved forward.
Any way they have told me that connor had "hypopnea" and is moderate.

The respiratory doctor rand the plastic surgeon that performed his operation and they are butting heads as what should be done!

The respiratory doctor wants to reverse the whole operation, (which would greatly reduce the chance of my son ever speaking clearly enough so that he could be understood)
And the plastic surgeon wants to give him the cpap.

However because my son is special needs aswell the respiratory doctor dont think he will keep the cpap on.

We are now having more sleep tests done in Jan, returning the board of 12 doctors of the cleft palate clinic in Feb.

I am concerned however in the meantime how do they expect i just sleep at night?

He wakes up choking and some days his breathing is as loud when he is awake as what it is when his sleeping. I wonder if they should be checking his waking oxygen levels as well?

Sorry its so long but i am stuck here. I do know though that i would rather have a child that can breathe normal rather than speak clearly!
But it does make me angry that we put him through that operation just for him to have to go back and have it all reversed.

Anyway thanks for listening. I will keep you posted
Melonie