rescheduled

Well, I went for my pre-op appointments today and met the surgeon (again). I had had a sleep study about a month ago, and they recommended CPAP, but I never followed up on it. I figured they would call me with the results and a prescription for CPAP if it was totally necessary. Never assume! It turns out that the surgeon has a policy that patients who need CPAP must be on it for at least 2 weeks before surgery. So I had to reschedule the surgery. It is only a week later, 2/17 instead of 2/10, but I was pretty disappointed. I got the CPAP today. It turns out that I have "minimal obstructive sleep apnea" - MINIMAL! My sats only went down to 91% one time. And though I have to have CPAP because that is what my surgeon requires, my insurance won't even cover the CPAP because I have MINIMAL apnea and don't meet the requirements for them to pay for it! So I have to pay out of pocket for the damn thing! Obviously I am renting it and will get rid of it as soon as possible. I know the surgeon just wants the best outcome possible, but man, I was pretty upset. I am okay now. I will keep exercising, get ahead on my school work (going for FNP), and be ready in 2 weeks!

Well that sucks, if your pulse ox doesn't drop before 90, I didn't think you needed a CPAP. Check with your surgeons office, maybe he misread the report. It is just a minor set back but an expensive one if your insurance won't cover the machine. Hang in there and good luck. Janice

I am sorry to hear you were rescheduled. It is horrible to keep waiting, and the money stinks too! Just wanted to put in a thought though. My friend had the bypass surgery in September (she is an RN too). She did not even know she had any sleep apnea, and answered all "no" on the questions for sleep stuff- she truly has never had a problem. She ended up in the ICU for 3 days post op with respiratory distress, much to her surprise and the doctors dismay! She went home on CPAP, but has lost about 85 pounds now and doesn't use it ( she only used it for about 2 weeks after she went home). She still doesn't believe she needed it when she was discharged, so what it was all about I have no clue???? So maybe, when she was under the stress after the surgery, she had the problem? I just know they are getting more and more serious about it. Good luck and God bless! Whatever you go through, it is worth it....I don't regret a minute...it is truly a new life

Thanks Pam! I am okay with the postponement now. I have been using the CPAP and can't really tell a difference (no change in daytime sleepiness, still wake up feeling tired), but my boyfriend is getting a good night sleep without me snoring! By this time next week the surgery will be over and I will have walked in the halls! Cris