Question:
I think that I might have Sleep Apnea!
I think that I might have Sleep Apnea, I mentioned it to my Dr just in conversation and he said that if I had it, it might affect me being able to have the surgery. The reason I think I might have it is because I am SEVERELY tired all day. I fight to stay awake all day long. I sleep until 10 am and ocassionally later, then I have to fight to get up. There have been several occasions that I have woke up gasping for air. I am afraid to get tested for it if it will affect my getting surgery. But I am also afraid not to be tested for it. I am so tired and exhausted, I cannot live like this. Please Give me any advice! — [Anonymous] (posted on May 21, 2001)
May 21, 2001
And if you are seeing a surgeon familiar with bariatrics, it may be your
ticket in. It was certainly a helper for me! It IS a co-morb. Waking up
with dry mouth? Headaches? Nightmares? Feel like you're never quite asleep
at night? But can't stay awake either? Snoring? The more you sleep, the
more you want to? Thrashing all night? Sweaty?
— vitalady
May 21, 2001
dont put off being tested for sleep apnea! it has its own effects on ur
body...the most severe being a strain on ur heart. i was diagnosed 2 years
ago & have a special machine to help me sleep, whether its a nap or for
the night. u will feel much better when u r treated for ur sleep apnea.
& it is a co-morbid to obesity.
— sheryl titone
May 21, 2001
Don't be afraid of being diagnosed with sleep apnea. I had sleep apnea for
8 years before my WLS. I used a C-Pap machine every night. Because it was
listed as one of my co-morbidities, the Dr. was very aware of the
situation. During surgery, the Doctors watched me very closely as to
oxygen levels, etc. Some people with sleep apnea are put in ICU
immediately after surgery to watch for these things however I did not have
to do this. I was immediately put in a regular room and continued using
the C-Pap machine while I was in the hospital and upon my return home.
After I had lost about 80 lbs., the sleep apnea was gone and the C-Pap
machine is stored in the closet. Believe it or not, I actually had to
adjust to not sleeping with it. It had become a security blanket and
blocked out many sounds, etc. Remember, it won't delay your surgery
plans...but your Dr. needs to know so that you can be monitored during
surgery. Good luck and if you have any further questions, please feel free
to email me.
— Ruth M.
May 22, 2001
Getting tested for it shouldn't make you unable to have the surgery nor
should be diagnosed with it. Its something your surgeon should know before
doing the surgery as they shoudl have the appropriate equipment in there
for you should you need it. Also have this diagnosed tends to help prove
medical necessity for your insurance.
— Dawn R.
May 22, 2001
I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea. Trust me when I say it will not
prevent you from getting the surgery. In fact, it HELPED me. It is one of
the more serious comorbidities that make having this surgery really
meaningful. Before I was diagnosed, I would nodd complete uncontrollably -
even while driving. After I had my sleep study done, it was the first
night of good rest I'd had is so long...I came home at 7:30 in the morning
just a chattin away, cleaning, going to the grocery,e tc. all before noon!
Using the CPAP machine was hard to get use to, but it does give your energy
back. But as much as it has helped me, I'll still be glad to get rid of it
after I loose some pounds.
— [Deactivated Member]
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