FREAKING OUT -HELP!

Is that why they do the sleep apnea test, to make sure you dont need a machine during surgery?

It's not just for surgery, it is until the apnea is gone.  I was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2002 and had surgery in 2005, stopped using it in 2006 and then in 2011, a different type of apnea surfaced so I'm back on CPAP possibly for life.

 
Hey Tracey,

Have you gone in to see if you have a deviated septum?

My new apnea is caused by allergies.  I only have to use my CPAP during allergy season, which is now an extremly long season with the shorter winters.

I bought my CPAP on July 4th and had surgery on July 27th. I brought it with me to the hospital, they used it in the OR but I never got it set up in my room.

There was never any talk of delaying my surgery. I havent used it in months but Im thinking of using it again - I think my migraines might have something to do with my oxygen levels at night.

That is what I've always assumed was the reason the bariatric program wants to make sure you do a sleep apnea test, although it's also to ensure that you don't stop breathing in your own bed at night as well. My husband (who also uses a CPAP, for longer than I have) has told me that if he ever winds up in the hospital and can't communicate, that I should make sure to let them know he has sleep apnea so that if they need to put him under, he'll be safe.

Since sleep apnea are episodes of stopping breathing while sleeping, then I assume that when you're put under, they want to make sure you have the CPAP on so that you don't stop breathing while they're doing surgery. Anyone know this for sure?

You don't need the machine for the actual surgery because after they put you to sleep, they insert a tube down your throat anyway.  But you need to bring it to the hospital for your overnight stays.
Linda G

Oh, okay, I see. 

The thought of a tube down my throat freaks me out, but as long as I'm knocked out, I don't care.  Then again, I'm completely wimpy about needles, tubes, and pain, all of which I know I'm in for!

When my husband and I were in the orientation class and the instructor started a video showing how the RNY works, we both cringed, thinking it might be one of those surgery videos.  Luckily, not.  I actually had a terrible dizzy spell and nearly fainted when I went through my birthing class years ago and they showed a video of a live birth, and I didn't want a repeat of that!

The anesthetist will determine whether or not you're knocked out before they put the tube down your throat.    They'll determine that right before the surgery. 

"The anesthetist will determine whether or not you're knocked out before they put the tube down your throat.    They'll determine that right before the surgery." 

Can anyone tell me what cir****tances might make them decide to insert the tube down your throat while you're still awake??????
The idea of them doing this scares the stuffing out of me !!!! 

Deb