Not doing a Sleep Study?

Hi everyone, I am in the process of doing my pre-op testing. I saw the Pulmonologist last week and the only thing I did was a Pulmonary Function Test. The result from that came out ok, a little on the lower side of normal, but still in the normal range. I asked about doing a sleep study to find out if I have sleep apnea and was told thats not necessary. I snore at night but I dont know if that alone means that I have sleep apnea, I dont't feel fatigued on a regular basis etc. How many people had to do a mandatory sleep study and was put on CPAP? What will happen to me during or after surgery if I do have sleep apnea and was not treated with the CPAP? He said I do not need it and I didnt want to be rude and insist, afterall I am not the doctor and he is probably right. Many people had mandatory sleep study why not me? I am excited about my surgery but I want a complete preop testing before going under. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi, I had to go for a mandatory sleep study but, that wasn`t up to the pulmonologist it was a prerequisite of my surgeon. My surgeon said he wants to know that during sedation his patients will get enough oxygen.If your surgeon doesn`t require it then tell him you would like to have it done and get the referral from the pulmonologist.It shouldn`t be a problem. After all they aren`t paying for it.Good luck.

Many doctors do NOT require a sleep study. How you answer certain questions plus a physical exam of the throat give indications that a study is needed. i'm sure you'll be fine. All the best! Irene

Dr. Nusbaum did not require it - my pulmonologist requested it. I *knew* I had all the symptoms & I wanted the test to prove it - I knew it was going to be a co-morbidity for me. If you have sleep apnea, you know it. Here are some symptoms: snoring - and I mean *snoring* stopping breathing at intervals during the night waking up feeling like you've been beat up with a 2x4 extreme difficulty in concentrating nodding off during the day - or while driving - yikes! never feeling like you've actually slept. P~ "Life is too short to wear sensible shoes!" "WWCHD?"

My Dr. didn't require it but I think it depends on the patient. I actually got diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea after losing 165 pounds. So I had it and nothing happened to me during or after surgery. When I went for my revision they told me to bring my CPAP for recovery. I did and they didn't use it. The Dr. recommended my head be raised in Recovery. So I didn't have any problems. If there were a problem I assume it would come up on the monitor.

Hi everyone Thanks for all the responses and support. Pamela I think I will call the office on Monday and schedule to see Dr. Nusbuam before my surgery on 4/27/2006. I saw him almost a year ago May 23, 2005 and a few things have changed since then. When the Admin Asst. told me it wasn't necessary to see him prior to surgery "unless I wanted to". I agreed because at the time I thought that maybe most patients only have on average one consultation, then the next time they see him is on the big day. I am terrified of the hospital stay, I have never been in the hospital this is my first surgery. What should I expect? Is the IV needle a big one? Do they put the Cath in while I am awake? When do they take the drain out? How long before I get a room? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

The only thing they should do before you are out is the IV. Everything else is done when you are out. My drain came out before I went home. With the revision I went home with the drain for 3 weeks. It was closed off. Everyone is different with the drain. All depends on how you recover. Surgery is scary. But you must trust your doctor to do the best. The staff at the hospital is there to help you through. Good luck with everything.

BigChyck: Sorry for the delay in responding. My GBS was my first surgery ever, too. The pre-op nurses were fabulous. They do put the catheter in while you're awake, but I never felt itgo in & the IV needle was easily taken care of as well. I don't believe Dr. Nusbaum uses drains; I never had one. I was the last surgery of the day, and you'll be so in and out of it you won't know how long it takes to get a room. I still have no idea how long it took. You're in great hands with Dr. N & St. Barnabas. P~ "Life is too short to wear sensible shoes!" "WWCHD?"

I was 45 at the time of surgery and 367 lbs. I had a sleep study done about a year before my surgery and it came out inconclusive, probably because I didn't sleep. My surgeon did not require it so I did not get another one but I know I had sleep apnea. I woke up choking quite a few times a week. If you feel more comfortable getting one then tell the pulmonologist you want it, period. I think the main guy to talk to is the anesthesiologist, he's the one that needs a good airway. If he knows you do or do not have sleep apnea I assume that will make his job easier. My unprofessional opinion, you are very young try not to stress so much I think things will go well. Don't second guess yourself if you feel you nees or want something before the sugery to make you feel more comfortable then insist on it! I wish you all the best! Jean

How ya doing Big Chyck..I am scheduled for surgery on April 19th and the pulmonary dr. said sleep study is not needed for me either..I am not concerned..So don't worry Marianne