Question:
Sleep Apnea/deprivation issues
I'm three days post op and am only getting about 1 to 1 1/2 hours of sleep per night. I have sleep apnea and pre op was using a CPAP. My Surgeon doesn't want me using the CPAP for 7 days post op. Right now I'm feeling awful because of lack of sleep. Anyone have this problem and what did you do? In the hospital they wouldn't give me a sleeping pill but they did give me a benedryl for my allergies. It didn't help me sleep very much. — Hinkster2000 (posted on December 2, 2005)
December 2, 2005
I would contact your surgeon again and explain that you're really having a
problem. You need sleep to recouperate. Maybe he'll let you go back on it
sooner. I know some surgeons let you go back right away. I wonder if
they'd let you use it if the pressure was lowered? I wasn't allowed to use
mine either as a post-op, but they gave me supplemental oxygen in the
hospital. I ended up never going back on it as the first 20 or 30 pounds
helped my apnea tremendously.
— mom2jtx3
December 2, 2005
My surgeon's office just called and they are going to contact my Primary
Physician and have him call me something in for sleep aid. I don't know
what it's gonna be but I hope it works.
— Hinkster2000
December 2, 2005
Hi Brian, I also have sleep apnea and am on Bi-pap. I did not have any
restrictions after surgery and using my machine. I would ask the doctor why
he is restricting your use of the c-pap. I was actually told by my surgeon
prior to surgery to bring my machine to the hospital for use after the
procedure. I used it the entire 5 days I was in the hospital, both in the
ICU and on the regular floor. Good Luck. I hope you get some good sleep
soon. Christine
— pumpkelina
December 2, 2005
It had to do with the CPAP allowing excess air/gas into my stomach before
my stomach is healed. Maybe it's because I had the banded Gastric Bypass.
— Hinkster2000
December 2, 2005
Rare but POSSIBLE, at higher pressures it can inflate your intestines and
cause a leak. try sleeping in a recliner, which can minmize the apnea, and
be careful with sleep aids. Just like imnmediatrely after surgery they
might depress your breathing so much it puts you at risk of dying.
— bob-haller
December 2, 2005
I had to bring my cpap machine to the hospital and they really made sure I
used it every night. My surgeon has never said anything about using/not
using it but I'm thinking it will be good to ask next time I see him.
— juliem
December 2, 2005
I am a doctor and I used my CPAP anyway without a problem. They are afraid
you will swallow air and blow up with pain. I didn't. you might try and
stop for pain. The oxygen desaturation is dangerous and can be
lifethreatening.
— mrwmd
December 2, 2005
I agree with Bob...Watch sleep aids with OSA. Not good for you to do. I
think you better call that Dr about not using the machine. That is wrong
especially if you are feeling the affects now! What is you tiltration
number >14?? I was at 24/14 and let me tell you I wouldn't have given
it up for anyone.....I know how bad you feel when you are not using
machine. I tried to do it for 8 years after diagnosis in 1984. I got so
bad I probably would have died much sooner. Don't play with this get your
butt on the machine! Tell the Dr he needs to give you a better reason to
just let your health go like this!
— dcox94
December 2, 2005
Thanks everyone. Last night was another rough night, up and down all night,
although I feel like I got more sleep than before. I think I will go back
on the CPAP and see what happens. I think I should be ok. I have also been
running a low grade fever (100) so that doesn't help.
— Hinkster2000
December 2, 2005
Hi Bryan...I too had the Lap-Band. It's been 7 months now. I took my c-pap
machine to the hospital with me and used it the night of my surgery with no
problems. I still use it because I sleep so much better with it, but
hopefully I'll put it away one of these days soon. Good Luck, Bill
— billyblaine01
December 3, 2005
Hello Bryan, I too have a cpap. My pressure was at 18. My MD asked if I
could go with out it for 5 days or other wise they would put in drains, the
pressure was too high and could cause problems. I, of course, did not want
any tubes to go home with so, I opted to go with out. It was difficult but
I did sleep with the head elevated and supplemental O2. As far as the
sleeping medicine, you have to be careful, like alcohol they can make your
apnea worse. My doc told me after the surgery that I could use the cpap in
3 days. I was so afraid to use it but needed the sleep. I am 5 months post
op with no problems. I still use my cpap but my pressure has lowered to
10(I am not ready to give it up). I hope that you do well and I hope that
you get some sleep. Once you finally get that good nights rest, oh you will
feel sooooo good. Oh by the way, the first 2 weeks were the toughest and it
does get better. Best wishes, Regina
— reginagoiburn
December 3, 2005
bryan call your surgeon right now and report the low grade fever, it might
be nothing, but may be a sign of bigger troubles. better safe than sorry.
— bob-haller
December 5, 2005
I used my CPCP oin the hospital on order of my pulmonologist and my surgeon
was okay with it.
— Novashannon
December 5, 2005
Thanks to everyone for the advice. Fever is ok. Gone now. Apnea is better
because I said forget it and started using my CPAP two days earlier than
the Dr. ordered. My sanity depended on it. Anyway thanks.
— Hinkster2000
December 7, 2005
Hello there. Are you sleeping in a recliner, in elevated postion? If you
have one, give it a try, I do not know what I would have done post op
without the recliner, I used to be on CPAP pre op too, one of the worst
they had seen! HAve not needed it since surgery. May the sandman come
soon. You should be getting even more tired here shortly post op, it just
happens to us all. Also if you have even a slight fever, always call it
in.
— Jenny_B
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