Sleep Apnea

Need some suggestions  my Doc has told me that I can't use my cpap for roughly 6 weeks while I'm healing. Now I've had sleep apnea for well over 10 years so am kind of used to using this thing, when I don't my uvula swells and I get a sore throat. Anyone else here have suggestions that might help me sleep better for those first 6 weeks other than sitting up to sleep.

Subdoc

Only suggestion I have is to sleep in a recliner.  I found that more comfortable than my bed the first 4 weeks after surgery anyway.
Lying flat in the bed was not comfortable and trying to get out of the bed was a real pain - literally.

I had sleep apnea for over 7 years - so bad I had a bi-pap machine due to the excessive high pressure I required.  Haven't used it one single night since my surgery on 4/28/08!!  AND I LOVE IT!!!

Try sleeping in an upright poss.
I dont know why your Dr would tell you that ?? Then again he the Doc !!

Best wishes
Nick

Weird. My sleep doc and my surgeon insisted that I use my CPAP from the moment I entered the recovery room and all throughout my hospital stay, not to mention once I got home.

/Steve

Mine had me bring mine to the hospital with me so that's a new one for me as well. The recliner sounds like your best bet though. You need to ask him why though

Mine was insistent I bring it and asks whenever I see him if I'm using it.

Subdoc-

I'm with the rest of the guys.  Sounds odd your doc does not want you to use your CPAP post op.    I had to drag mine with me to the hospital.

Here are the Four Mantras of Life Post WLS:  

1.  Sip, sip, sip.
2.  Walk, walk, walk.
3.  Any problems - CALL YOUR DOCTOR!
4.  Never trust a fart!

Also used mine the day of surgery. I have turned down the pressure since then but I still use mine nightly.

I literally could not sleep if I was told not to use my cpap. Not only the sore throat but I wake myself up. There would be no sleep.

I would love to hear the Doctors reasoning for this because I can not think of one.

Marc

Here's a little different twist:  I was told to bring my mask and hose and the hospital would provide the machine.  I was also told that I have to turn my BiPap down to 10 (currently 20/12) for a few weeks after surgery.  Apparently, if there's too much pressure, it's possible for air to blow into the pouch.