Sleep Apnea

[gavj78]

Hello Everyone,

I was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea a few years ago now. I did all the test etc and was given a CPAP machine. I was young at the time and couldn't really get to grips with it, I kept pulling it off my face and of course it sprung back!

In the end I gave up. I have now revisited the sleep clinic and did another sleep test but it takes around 20 weeks for any results consultation.

In the meantime I have found an operation that may help and just wondered if anyone has heard of it:

laser assisted uvulopalatoplasty?

Or if anyone knows how to manage it effectively other than using a CPAP?

[Hidden]

Hi,

Sorry, but I just saw this post. I'm going through similar issues with my CPAP. Although I've had OSA and my CPAP since 2011, I'm still having a hard time with compliance. I hate cleaning it and dealing with the long hose. As I was getting used to it, I even kept noticing it off and on the floor when I woke up (I wnder how that happened 😏).

The only operation I've heard of in connection with this is a septoplasty (to fix the deviated septum). My sleep clinician advised against this, though, stating it could "make things worse". Although I was initially very disappointed that he wasn't backing me up on this, I now realize he was right. Any kind of surgery is serious, should be used as a last resort, and is not without risks.

[LittleHil in reply to Hidden]

Hi

My husband has sleep apnoea and last Saturday, we went to the SATA (Sleep Apnoea Trust Association) Conference in Oxford. The question of surgery was raised there and what was said concurs with your comment that it's not without risks. It's not always successful either.

Are you a member of SATA? I've posted the link to their website. It's full of useful information. There is also a helpline If you are having difficulty in coming to grips with CPAP treatment or just need some practical advice.

sleep-apnoea-trust.org/

Hope this helps

[Hidden in reply to LittleHil]

Thanks, I will look at it. Since I'm not in the UK I don't if I can take advantage of their helpline, but I'll definitely look at the site. Thank you so much!!

[Lybra]

I have been using a cpap machine for 20 years.I could not do without it, I am not overweight I was born with the condition. I too was advised by the Edinburgh Sleep Clinic that any Op was not to be considered.If there is anybody out there who may think that they have this, then please do yourself a favour, get a Sleep Clinic test. The difference to my life is almost beyond explanation, and my Wife no longer has to suffer my horrendous snoring.