WLS and Sleep Apnea

Hi, All -
I'm new to the board and haven't posted until now.  I'm just shy of 6 weeks from RNY (can't tell you how excited I am); however, I've recently been diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea.  The sleep dr. recommended a CPAP machine; however, I don't feel it's helping - I awake in the middle of the night, grasping the mask from my face because I'm gasping for air!  I tolerate the CPAP for about 3-4 hours and once I remove the mask I'm able to sleep the remainder of the night (about another 2-3 hours before the dogs wake me up!).  

Anyway, the point of this is I'm currently renting the machine for a month.  I have a follow-up appt on 10/15 with the sleep Dr.'s nurse practitioner to determine if I need to go for a second sleep study with a CPAP.  I'm inclined to say "NO!" to the second sleep study, NOT renew the CPAP rental and wait to see how I do after surgery (scheduled for 11/18).  I've not had a problem sleeping until now ... I know it's attributed to the extra LBS and stress.  Suggestions, comments, advice?????

Thanks!

Lori

Lori,

First off let me welcome you to the NC Boards, we're happy to have you!!!  I know you'll find lots of friends and support with our group! 

I'm sorry I can't help you with the CPAP machine, my RNY was 6 years ago and I didn't have one.  I had sleep apnea but it wasn't diagnosed until right before my WLS.  I would talk with your doctor about doing the CPAP sleep study, do they need documentation showing you used the CPAP prior to WLS?  Anyway, sorry I don't have any words of wisdom, I'm sure someone on here will though. 

Keep us posted on your progress and again welcome to the NC Boards!!!

Welcome!! I have used a cpap machine for quite some time and find that it depends on the type of mask you are using. I have my first Dr visit the end of Oct. Looking forward to the process. I have been putting this off for some time and finally  kicked myself in the butt and went forward. My wife has had an open RNY preformed in PA. where thats all they do. Place called the Barix clinic. She wasnt very happy with the dr and their pain management at all. Good luck with your surgery!

WELCOME TO THE BOARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

I have a CPAP machine and have had it for several years. I am clausterphobic and boy howdy were the masks horrible. I wouldn't use the machine the first 3 years I had it. Then my Surgeon told me... use it or he wouldn't do the surgery and he wanted proof.  I got re-fitted for a better mask.  It honestly made all the difference in the world.  It took a week or two, but now I can't imagine sleeping without it.

I don't know how close you are to Garner, but Somna Quest - Maria is the owner and she is fantastic about helping you find the right mask.  It also sounds like they don't have you on the right setting.

Hello !!!!! I have a cpap and it took me a year to get use to it but now that I have I can't sleep without it.  I also had the sleep apnea  surgery and still had to have the machine.  I have been on mine for 9 years.  Trust me I hope to lose the monster after WLS. 

I'd say give the CPAP some time.  I love mine, but it does take some getting used to.  Once I lie down I don't even notice mine after a few minutes.  I sleep like a ROCK.  Your machine may not be set up to the right pressure for you.  You could check on that as a possibility.

Lori,

Welcome to the NC forum. It's nice to meet you and I look forward to getting to know you as you make this incredible journey.

Please call your Dr and let them know about the difficulties that you are experiencing. I have to tell you that even if you have 'moderate' sleep apnea, that is significant and the physical stress that it puts on your heart puts you and significantly increased risk for a whole host of problems, not the least of which is heart attack and stroke. I know from personal experience that using a CPAP can certainly take some getting used to and it may require more than one fitting to get it all right, but I strongly urge you not to 'ditch' it because your health depends on your being able to successfully use it. There are different settings, different types of masks, and even different types of machines. If it isn't working for you, you need to contact the respiratory therapist, pulmonologist or other healthcare provider that's monitoring your use of it and get some help to make it work for you.

Beyond that, I know that with my program, if you show up without your CPAP for surgery, they will automatically cancel the surgery. They can also tell if you've been using it because it has a tattletell device that actually indicates the amount of active usage the machine has on it.... so you can just turn it on and let it run ;-).

I wish you all the best ... including a good night's sleep.

Barb

P.S. You most likely won't need to continue using it when you lose the excess weight, so the use of it will still be fairly short term, but it's important to use it while you still need it.

 

Hi, Barbara ...
Thanks for your note.
My machine automatically ramps up the pressure as needed.  And, it has probably one of the best (worst for me) tattletale devices ... I can't just turn it on and let it run and not have it on my face; otherwise, it indicates a high pressure leak ... I've had the CPAP since last Tuesday and I've logged 9 days use and 38 (or 39) hours - which is a little shy of 5-6 hours a night ... and, with the trouble I've had adjusting, I'm doing so-so.

I've got a call into the Dr. now ... so, we'll see what he says.  I plan to take the CPAP with me on my birthday (surgery day) ... I won't leave home without it!

Last night was rough ... and, I'm hoping they get better and I get more sleep.  And, I guess my rub is that I know the reason I need the CPAP is because of the excess weight - I have trouble paying for something I'm not going to get full use of or will only need to use for a short period of time.  Make sense???

Thanks, again!

Lori

Lori,

I really do hear what you are saying... I was only diagnosed with my own sleep apnea a few months prior to surgery and I too had trouble getting used to it. Within less than 6 months out from surgery, I no longer needed it, but as you know, it's so important to use it while you do need to ensure your health and safety.

Hang in there.

Barb