sleep apnea

Sleep apnea testing seems to be a pre-op test for many docs. Those of you who had the testing and turned out to have it, what did you have to do then? If you were diagnosed with it, did you have any idea that you had it to begin with? What are the symptoms? Thanks, Becky - waiting to be banded.

Did you have to get a cpap machine? I think that is what I have read is the solution for help with this? If so, do you know how much they cost? Thanks, Becky

Becky, most have a sleep study done today because that along with Diabetes are two Biggies for getting surgery approved... I had undiagnosed sleep apnea..it wasn't required when I had my surgery. I was always sleepy..I would wake up in the middle of the night feeling as though someone was smoothering me, and I snored. obesity is a huge contributor ...however, I know people that are on a cpap that are not over weight. and as far as I know insurance pays for anything related to sleep apnea. to be sure call your insurance company, as they may vary in benefits. Brenda

I just had a sleep study done this last Wednesday night and it was quite an eye opener for me. First off, I had asked my PCP for a referal, because I figured it would help with me wanting WLS. He of course referred me and on the night of my test, I tried to explain to the technician that I haven't slept flat in almost 3 years. (I sleep in my fat-boy lazy-boy) He told me that I had to sleep as flat as possible and I can tell you right now, that in itself was a challenge! I can not believe the amount of wires that they hook up to you and they stick them to every part of one's body imaginable; arms, legs, chest, hair, brows, chins, and cheeks as I recall. They had also put a finger stick on my left index finger to keep my O2 stats readings. Now, I had my study done at the Sleep Center at The Good Semaritan Hospital in Lexington, Ky and they have those posture-pedic type beds, you know the ones the naasa uses ( ) Anyhoot, I couldn't sleep on that bed for love nor money. I did everything I could to fall asleep and I suppose I managed to. My husband, who was able to sleep in the room with me in one of those reclining chairs, said that I'd fall asleep and wake up every 2 hours or so. I have a spine injury and laying flat is difficult on my back (of course) and my legs were so swollen by the time the study was over, I could hardly walk. Back to the information you're looking for though-- The staff was very nice and as accomidating as could be. (well the lil'male nurse I had was a little dry with his sense of humor, but I suppose he wasn't there to entertain me) Once the study was over, (whi*****idently I asked for it to be 10 minutes before it was officially to be over because the pain was just to much) I got dressed and went home. Now the nurse guy told me that I didn't do any REM sleep, but he felt that they had enough information on me towards the end of the test to make some good readings, because I had fallen asleep and just over an hour that I slept, I had "many, many apneas". I didn't even make it home from the hospital before the reviewing of my test Dr. called me (scaring the crap outta me) telling me that I needed a CPAP machine not just yesterday, but now, along with oxygen. My oxygen levels were as low as 70%. And to think that I thought I only had a minor sleep problem. I've been on this machine now since Thursday night and I can definitely tell a difference in my sleep and in how I feel when I wake up. I am actually sleeping through the night, well, except for the occasional wake ups I get when my mouth opens and the suction startles me. (I'm supposed to be getting a chin strap) I'm still tired all the time though, but not the can't function tiredness I am used to feeling. I am thinking the tiredness I am feeling comes from another health issue. I'll say this much, my mind seems clearer. I don't have the confusion like I was having and as you can see, I'm able type out long responses, something I've not been able to do for a long time. I just didn't have the energy nor the focus to do so. Good luck to you I hope that your study goes well-- Dee

Hi, I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in June 05, I had all the symptoms: headaches, always falling asleep during the day, And I couldn't drive far distances without falling asleep. They gave me a Bipap machine during the middle of my sleep study so I had it pretty bad, I also snored really bad too. I kinda figured I had it and my family doc recommended me to the sleep doc. Like the other poster said alot of people have it that are not overweight, but being obese makes it somewhat worse. Insurance usually pays for a Cpap or Bipap if you need one, Ky medicaid actually goes ahead and purchases the machines through some companies. I guess it's better than just renting it to you. I own mine now but I haven't needed it since I was 1 month post op. I suppose it looks better on your list of Co morbs if your trying for approval but I don't think it's a must have to get approved. Hope this helps, take care.