Question:
I'm Confused about the usage of
CPAP/BIPAP in the hospital during the first 24 hours after surgery for those of us who have severe sleep apnea. Some surgeons say to definitely use it and other surgeons say don't use it because it can harm your new pouch. If CPAP or BIPAP is NOT used in the hospital right after surgery, how are patients protected from going into Respiratory Arrest from the effects of the anesthesia and morphine on severe sleep apnea? — Hackett (posted on November 10, 2003)
November 10, 2003
Susan- You essentially stay awake for the first twenty-four hours to give
your pouch a chance to strengthen.
— SteveColarossi
November 10, 2003
They put you on oxygen and monitor your saturation level. My surgeon did
not want me using it if at all possible. I was a 22/18 BiPAP, so pretty
high numbers. I did okay through the surgery and afterwards. I had oxygen
through a nasal cannula for the first 1-2 days and then just at night
because my sats would drop below 90. I actually was asked to stay off my
machine for a month. I tried to get back on at 4 weeks and had a terrible
time adjusting as the pressures were way too high already by then. They
adjusted them 4 different times but I never was able to get back on it. At
6 months PO a new sleep study declared me free from SA. I noticed very
quickly after surgery that things were changing. I wasn't mouth breathing
and snoring etc. Just getting a little weight off my chest improved things
a lot.
<p>I'm sure they will watch you closely in the hospital and will
determine before you leave what they want you to do as far as using the
machine. The bottom line is if you need it they will have you use it. I
know some that were put back on immediately and they had no pouch issues.
So just go with the flow. If you have any problems during surgery they
will keep you intubated until they feel safe you can breathe well on your
own. They told me that I could end up in ICU for a time but fortunatley I
had no problems during surgery.
— zoedogcbr
November 10, 2003
My doc instructed me to bring it to the hospital. If he hooked everything
up right, the air goes into the lungs, not the pouch. I asked for it as
soon as I was awake enough to form the words. EVen with the canula, the
oxymeter buzzer was going off every 30 seconds and making me crazy! As
soon as I put on my CPAP, I could sleep and they could stop rushing into my
room. Whew. Hard to say who was gonna drive the other crazier sooner!
— vitalady
November 10, 2003
I'm with Chris on this one, but then we share a surgeon. There was NO WAY
I was awake for 24 hours after surgery. For 6 hours until my pain was
under control, but then I slept. My pressure is at 14, the internist felt
it was over-titrated and that I wouldn't need it in the hospital. It took
me 6 weeks to get back to using it. I also was told to bring it when I had
concious sedation for a colonoscopy in October. Never needed it. Listen
to your surgeon, he/she is the expert.
— Beaumom
Click Here to Return