Question:
Do I need the CPAP?
Ok I guess in my last question I didn't explain my thinking very well. If things keep going the way they should I'm looking to have the surgery in about a month. I know people keep saying they love the machine but for me having it hooked up was the worst night I've ever had. I can't stand have something on my face. So with that in mind..after my ins pays their part I'm still having to pay almost $400 for it. Now why would I pay that much for a machine I absolutly hated?And only if I use it for a couple months? — megan23 (posted on April 19, 2008)
April 19, 2008
I used a CPAP machine for over 10 years PRIOR to RNY surgery. So I'm having
trouble understanding why you have to use one prior to surgery. I stopped
using mine about 3 months after surgery. There are nose masks, nose
pieces, mouth inserts, full face masks, etc.--a wide variety of air input
methods. I used the nose piece, that completely covered my nose. The first
night I used it, I awoke with a blister on each side of my nose. I called
the company that brought the machine to my home, as the nose piece was not
sized properly. The next one they gave me worked perfectly, and I could
sleep clear through the night without waking up. You can probably look
around for a used machine, but then you'll probably pay some $75 or more
for a airway tube and mask. You'll have to ask your surgey why he wants
you to use it prior to surgery. People with sleep apnea almost always do
not have that problem after RNY surgery, as the weight loss makes breathing
easier when sleeping. You could alway advertise your unit and sell it for
the same price you paid for it. I think a brand new one costs around
$2,000.
— Dave Chambers
April 19, 2008
I'm sorry you had such a miserable night. But then miserable is better
then dead. When you have sleep apnea, your airway gets blocked while you
sleep and you stop breathing. Most of the time your body kicks in and
makes you gasp for breath, this is why you don't get to the deeper level of
sleep where we actually get the best rest. Studies are showing the being
sleep deprived is actually more dangerous then driving drunk. That being
said, I would really work with the respiratory therapist you choose to find
a airway system that you can deal with for a couple of months. What's the
sense of going though the surgery if you die of sleep apnea in the month
following and never get to enjoy your new wonderful life? The call is
completely yours. What does your husband/other/family think? It's only
money.
— waterlover
April 19, 2008
There are a couple of reasons why they want you to use it. One is that it's
a dangerous condition in the first place and people do die from it--either
directly or from symptoms related to it (sleep deprivation, stress on the
heart, etc.). Second, they want to ensure your fast recovery post-surgery,
and that means sleeping well. Third, now that they KNOW you have sleep
apnea, the hospitals won't check you in for your surgery without the
machine--probably for liability reasons because they don't want your
breathing stopping on a regular basis while you sleep when you're hooked up
to a monitor.
Personally, I feel the same way about the machine. If it was meant to make
me sleep better, it failed miserably because I've never slept worse, and I
gave it a good two weeks of trying before giving up. Thankfully, my degree
of sleep apnea was very minor (6) and due solely to my weight, and I'm
already sleeping better with the 35 lbs I've lost, so I've quit using it.
This does not apply to everyone, though, and if you've been rated with
serious sleep apnea, it's in your best interests to use it.
— suezahn4me
April 19, 2008
I can't add much more than what was already posted about the health issues
but once you have finished using the machine it does NOT have to sit in
your house collecting dust. You can sell it on a medical auction site much
like eBay and probably get your $400 back and depending on the make of your
machine, maybe a bit more. One place to list is here:
http://www.cpapauction.com/ . This place advertises on eBay that they can
help and when you click to their link they say they night BUY your cPap.
The link is HERE: http://www.secondwindcpap.com/ . Another link is here
and although it LOOKS similar to the FIRST iT is not:
http://www.cpap-auctions.com/ . Here is another possibility:
http://www.kitmondo.com/category.aspx?CatID=199&catName=Respiratory-Equipment&mfr=cpap%20machine
. Just do a search for used cPap on your browser and click on the links
that mention auctions and check them out. If you find an auction site that
looks like it might be a good place to sell your machine then list it
there. Just list it with ONE site. You don't want to have it sold on 3 or
4 different sites and have to disappoint 2 or 3 people by telling them you
will refund their money because you made a mistake. Sell the WHOLE thing
EXCEPT the mask. Sell the tubing and everything UP TO the mask. The mask
itself is a PERSONAL item. It is meant for your use alone. Make sure that
everything is clean before you sell it. Wash the tubing and the filters.
Wipe down the cPap with a damp rag. Package it up good and secure.
Probably the most inexpensive way to SHIP it would be by the US POSTAL
SERVICE. Use their Priority Mail Flat Rate BOX. If the cPap will FIT in
the box it will be your cheapest option. if NOT then probably by Parcel
Post. MAKE SURE TO GET DELIVERY CONFIRMATION! It is YOUR guarantee that
the person buying the cPap actually GOT it. It puts a TRACKING number on
package that lets you TRACK the delivery of the package ON-LINE. The
customer CANNOT say, "I didn't get the package." For ADDED
security you can have signature conformation. This will GUARANTEE that the
person you sent it to GETS THE PACKAGE or you will KNOW WHO DID." It
costs a bit more but for the money involved, it is worth the cost. Another
option for shipping is insurance. On a package of THAT VALUE, I would get
insurance. Insure it for the amount you sold it for if possible. If NOT,
insure it for as much as you CAN. This way, if something goes wrong with
delivery and the machine is BROKEN, You can refund the money and submit the
claim for the insurance. Or put that the OTHER way, submit the claim and,
when you are paid, refund the money. However you feel comfortable playing
it. These are just some things I have learned over the years as an eBay
seller.
I hope this helps,
Hugh
— hubarlow
April 19, 2008
I was told a few years back that I had sleep apnea I could never find a
comfortable mask for the machine and never used the machine my lung
specialist prescribed some extra asthma medicine to open up my air ways
and made it easier to breathe. I told my surgeon this and he said that I
just needed to make sure I told the anestheologist so they were aware of
it. I had my surgery almost 2 weeks ago and I am off all my meds. and my
husband says that he don't hear me snore or wake up like I did before my
surgery I also feel like I get a full 8 hours every night now and am no
longer tired when I wake up. I am not telling you not to get the machine
but I would ask your surgeon and the doctor who is doing the sleep study
how sever your problem is.
— Harley2006Angel
April 19, 2008
Check with your insurance about just renting it for a few months that is
what my insurance is doing for me for about 6mos. I was lapbanded 4/9/08
have had the machine for about 2 mos. so far, and I didnt take it to the
hospital with me for my surgery either. So call your insurance and
explain about your upcoming surgery and tell them you dont want to buy
something that you might not need down the road after your surgery and then
check around where you can just rent them on a monthly basis and bill your
insurance.
Oh and if you do get one, get a swifter mask, thats just a thing attached
to the end of the hose that goes to nostrils and the head gear is a lot
lighter then other ones. It doesnt cover your whole nose and mouth, just
something in your nose. So Good Luck...
— moosey52
April 19, 2008
Talk to your surgeon about your feelings and what he feels your health risk
are this close to surgery. I never could have anything on my face, and
they had to keep me on oxygen for 5 days after surgery, but I did not have
the machine. I quickly lose my forst 50 lbs, and withing 45 days of
surgery I was sleeping sound without any problems. I told my surgeon if it
was life or death, I would do what every he wanted, but he felt that I
could wait for a few months and see how well I did. Not every doctor will
think the same way, but it is important that you and your surgeon work
together for your total success. If I had to do it for the surgery, I
would do it, but I did not. Best of success to you.
— William (Bill) wmil
April 19, 2008
Talk to your surgeon about your feelings and what he feels your health risk
are this close to surgery. I never could have anything on my face, and
they had to keep me on oxygen for 5 days after surgery, but I did not have
the machine. I quickly lose my forst 50 lbs, and withing 45 days of
surgery I was sleeping sound without any problems. I told my surgeon if it
was life or death, I would do what every he wanted, but he felt that I
could wait for a few months and see how well I did. Not every doctor will
think the same way, but it is important that you and your surgeon work
together for your total success. If I had to do it for the surgery, I
would do it, but I did not. Best of success to you.
— William (Bill) wmil
April 19, 2008
I was told I needed the machine. I never got it and the problem has
resolved itself for me. I had my gastric Bypass pn 10/2/07. I wanted to
save my money and I am happy I did.
— Lynnmon
April 20, 2008
I too was told I had to have the machine, I had one sleep study, Tech said
no problems but when the pulmunologist read the results, said I did.
Sigh... So I had two sleep studies my out of pocket was $500 for those
tests, A cpap machine My out of pocket was $400 also for the thing. I had
to do it in order for the surgeon to approve my surgery. I had to be on it
for 6 weeks before surgery. While I did my best with it.... but honesyly I
didn't use it. I know I took my own life in my hands but it worked and It
now sits under my bed gathering dust. I'm glad I jumped through the hoops
to have the surgery but sad I have spent all that time on money on
something that was useless in my mind. I am 6 months out not and lost 72
lbs. Yeah!!
— M_J_
April 20, 2008
Because:
1) weight loss might not cure your sleep apnea
2) lack of oxygen from the sleep apnea causes heart disease, dementia, as
well as many other health conditions since every cell in you body needs
oxygen to survive and thrive.
— Donna O.
April 20, 2008
That is really a question that you will have to wait and see. It took me
almost a year to get completely comfortable with my CPAP...then I even used
it to take naps and go camping. It made a HUGE difference in the person I
was and the quality of life I had. I didn't even realize how miserable I
was before getting good sleep!
I had laser surgery for it...that didn't work. Then I had the radical
nose/throat/tongue surgery for it...that only made the CPAP more
effective.
After my RNY I lost 100 pounds and STILL NEED IT!. So if the weight is
TRULY the only reason for needing a CPAP, you won't need it after you lose.
But if, like me, you have full blown sleep apnea, you will need it
forever. Give it a chance and have follow up sleep studies to record your
progress. You REALLY CAN get used to it and love the difference it makes
in your life. Good luck on your sleep apnea and your surgery! Kim
— kcox1960
April 20, 2008
No one can make the decision on whether you should use the machine other
than you. I don't like anything over my face, either, however, when using
this, I am alive and a better person for my family. I'd strongly encourage
you to look up sleep apnea, the causes, and effects of improper treatment.
I hope you will make a good decision and join us "elephants" in
sleeping better at night with the machine. I was diagnosed as one of the
folks who "wakes up dead" due to this. I'd certainly hate for
that to be you, too. Take good care! Maria
— Maria V.
April 20, 2008
Megan, Where do you live? I have a great CPAP to sell. It was purchased
in 5/2001 but not used very much. Has only 6228 hours logged in on it.
Runs great. I was sent a new one by my present insurance. I have a
humidifier that goes on the bottom attached with a hose to the base. I
wasn't wild about the humidifier because it made my throat itch in the
middle of the night. I have the hose for the humid. as I mentioned as well
as the main hose all in excellent condition, working order and clean. I
have never smoked nor has anyone in my home. I do not use artificial air
fresheners so scents are not locked in side. I would sell you the unit for
$100 including shipping if you are interested. Please email me at
[email protected] to let me know if you are interested. Lyn Anders,
Lansdale, PA
— SkinnyLynni2B
April 20, 2008
I have been on both sides of this issue, as I am a Neurology nurse
specializing in sleep disorders and I have sleep apnea. I have lost 90+
pounds and am no longer considered obese, but my apnea continues. Weight
loss is not always a cure to apnea, it depends on the individual and many
other contributing factors. However, untreated apnea is the leading cause
of sudden death, strokes, heart disease, heart attack and some forms of
dementia related to oxygen deprivation of the brain.
There are many options other than a mask on your face, as a matter of a
fact, nasal pillows touch the end of your nose only and with a breeze
headgear that only touches the top of your head, you can have a much
simpler night without that claustophobic feeling. There are also nasal
pillows (brand new on the market!) that resemble oxygen cannulas, just
sitting under your nose like the oxygen that they give you in the hospital.
No bulky feeling over your face and feeling trapped or anxious about all
that stuff going on around you. I know changes can be anxious and scary and
so very upsetting to think of having this attached to you, but the risk of
suddenly dying in your sleep is great if you do not. You are having the
surgery to prolong your life and live better, do you want to risk dying
after all that effort? Dying is actually the easy option as studies show
that the first stroke is usally major and could leave you, as I have seen
so many times, laying in the bed only able to blink and stare.
I struggled at first until I discovered the nasal pillows and now am so
much happier. I know it quashes the idea of looking sexy at night, but my
husband says it is much sexier knowing that I will be alive and with him
for the long haul.
As for the cost, try freecycle.com as these are people wanting to trade or
give away their old items rather than creating more waste by throwing
things away. It is a great network that helps by allowing you to get rid of
your old things in the house and you post what you need and wait for
someone to respond that has a match for you.
We are all here for you, and we have been there ourselves, so we all know
what you are going through. It is a change, but any change worth making
takes effort. In the end it means that you will be a healthier person who
will be around to see your children grow up and your grandchildren come
into this world. Isn't that what this is all about?
— Sandra L.
April 20, 2008
If it has been determined (through a sleep study) that you need a CPAP, get
AND use one one. Otherwise, you are depriving your body of oxygen. You
are choking your organs (as one doctor told me). It took me over a month
before I got used to wearing mine. I'm 4 months post-op and just had
another titration test done... which helped me to know that I STILL need
one. (The sleep tech even explained that not using one, when it's needed,
can slow my weight loss.) I don't know if it was coincidence or not... but
when I starting using mine again, I did lose 6 pounds in a week.
— gonnadoit
April 28, 2008
To Keep You ALIVE.....
— niecie54
Click Here to Return