2nd Sleep Study

I received a call from the Griffin Hospital sleep center. They wanted me back for a second study - this time using a cpap machine. I told them flat out that I would not go through the torture I had endured for the first test. I was told that I have severe sleep apnea. DUHHHHH, I thought it was only restless legs. So I went for the second study. My surgery is Wednesday 8/30 and they told me they were going to expedite my results so I can have my machine for surgery. Haven't heard anything yet but I am anxious - about many things. I would like to know the next step. How do I get a cpap? Where? That kind of stuff. Help please, Linda

I am suprised to hear that they will be giving you the cpap when you are going to have surgery. I was dxed with sleep apnea and told that I wouldn't need the machine after sugery so not to bother getting one. Which I haven't had any problems since surgery so I guess they were right in my case. good luck with everthing and we will all be thinking of you and saving you a seat on the loosers bench! ~Chrissy

Thanks Chrissy - Maybe I should call the surgeon's office and ask their opinion. What you say makes sense. Please make my seat on the bench vvvveeeeerrrrryyyyy wwwiiiiidddddeeeee. Linda

No, no wide seat... because you won't need a wide seat ~Chrissy

Hi Linda - Usually your sleep apnea won't get resolved immediately after surgery - most people have to lose a substantial amount of weight for the sleep apnea to go away (some people who aren't over weight have sleep apnea too). Not getting to restoritive sleep will lessen your body's ability to heal - among other things. Sleep apnea is nothing to mess with - especially if you have severe sleep apnea - it can cause stroke, diabetes, mood swings, exhaustion, loss of concentration, among other nasty stuff! Usually your insurance company along with your doctors office take care of getting the machine to you. Some insurance companies actually have a rep come to your house, mine just sent it in the mail with an instruction video. I have to admit, my sleep apnea is mild so I really don't use the machine - but with severe sleep apnea you really need to pay serious attention, lack of oxygen causes all kinds of side effects! I had no clue what-so-ever I had sleep apnea until I went for the test - when I found out I had it, I did a bunch of research on it. Anyway - if they are treating getting you the cpap with a sense of urgency - there's a reason for it! It takes a while to get used to it, but I bet your restless legs goes away once you're using the machine! Good luck - and sorry you have to deal with this pain in the neck affliction - one day it will be gone! Tammy

Hi Linda, I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea and had been using my CPAP machine off and on before surgery. I did use it religiously for 2 weeks before surgery as was requested by my surgeon, and I also had to bring to the hospital with me because St. Vincents did not have any. I was put on my CPAP machine as soon as I went to my own room. After my sleep test, I saw a pulmonologist (sp??) and they reviewed my results and set me up with a CPAP machine through my insurance. Someone came to my home to show me how to use it and to fit me with the mask or whatever you decide you are comfortable with. Good luck with everything and please don't ignore the fact that you have sleep apnea. If you research sleep apnea, it can be a very serious condition if not taken care of. I don't mean to scare you but I would error on the safe side and use the CPAP machine. Nancy K