Sleep Apnea and Surgery

Hi all I'm still waiting to be put on the medically needy health program from the government now that I have been declared disabled. Here is a question that I have for any of you who may know the answer. I can't go to my surgeon yet until all this government stuff gets sorted out - so you guys are my specialists....lol I have severe sleep apnea - I'm on a cpap machine. Does having sleep apnea create a bigger risk to undergo surgery either open or lap? Just a little scared that I might stop breathing on the table - or do they hook you up on a respirator and stuff. I have confidence in my surgeon to be - just wondering. Thanks for all your help and kind words in the past! - Carol

Best thing to do is talk to Dr. Shinnerl about this Carol. Everyone is different as are surgeons. Carolyn

Carol: I had severe sleep apnea too, and was worried. During the surgery, your anesthesiologist inserts the breathing tube, and the machine breathes for you. Afterwards, I was in ICU for 24 hours, so they could monitor my o2 saturation, and give me oxygen. I was told to bring my cpap to the hospital with me. Yes, I suppose sleep apnea presents more risk, but your surgical team knows ahead of time, and will watch you closely! I had surgery April 2 this year, and am now down 58.5 lbs. I am no longer using my cpap. Just think, after your surgery, you'll probably be getting rid of yours, before you know it! Good Luck, and hang in there!! DeeAnn R.

Carol, Don't know about the sleep apnea, but dang, isn't it about time that they get on the ball for you with this surgery? Thanks also for the compliment on reaching the century club! God bless, Andrea

Hi Carol I also have severe sleep apnea and I haven't had surgery yet or even talked to the doc yet about the sleep apnea but I had posted and read posts of many people who had it and they jus****ch you a little closer. I read to that one of the main reasons why insurances approve the surgery is because people have sleep apnea which is one of there concerns for being medically needed for surgery. I am more concerned about blood clots then my sleep apnea I guess. I had a blood clot 3 years ago in my lung and now since January I am on oxygen. I guess its the risks we take to try to get healthier. I know it's scary of the unknown it's just the chance we take. I wish you luck. Take care. Lavonda

Hi Carol: I brought my CPAP right to the hospital with me. It was no problem at all. They monitor everything about you when you go into surgery. Buy the way I had severe sleep apnea and I had my surgery Feb. 2. I am no longer on my CPAP. I sleep like a baby and wake up without an alarm clock refreshed for the next day. Life is great! Good luck with your journey. Eileen