Pre-Op Appointment & CPAP

Hello everyone. I went to the pre-op appointment yesterday. All my blood work and other tests were normal but when I saw the anesthesiologist he asked me if I'm using the CPAP machine. I explaines I'm claustrophobic and get really anxious as soon as I put on the mask and feel like my throat is closing up and no air passes. He said it's probably anxiety and that I had to start using it. He suggested melatonin. Put it on yesterday and was in and out of sleep. I did not get a good night sleep. Anyone go through something similar and would they cancel my surgery if I can't get used to it? I'm Freaking out that my surgery might be cancelled.

If you are supposed to be using it, you need to bring it to the hospital with you and use it.

Maybe a visit to your family doctor is in order. You may need some anti anxiety meds to get you through the next little while so you can use it.

Eventually with weight loss you may not need it at all but the Anesthetist has a valid concern.

Oh I know he does. And he told me I had to bring it with me to surgery. I had a surgery in September and I took it with me. But it wasn't on me when I woke up, the nurse put it on later but I was awake the whole time I had it on at the hospital. It just seems like they think I don't want to use it and I'm exaggerating. I wish I could just put it on and go to sleep. I already mentioned it to my family doctor last week and she said just keep trying and didn't prescribe any anxiety meds. Last 2 nights I took the melatonin and made me drowsy for a bit only and then fully awake I couldn't sleep. I will keep trying and hopefully I get over it.

What kind of mask do you have? mine just goes to my nose and doesn't cover my face at all.

I have an AirFit F20 and the reason is because I need to be able to open my mouth and I suffer from environment allergies and sniffling alot. I tried the nose pillows. I'm taking the sleeping pills and today is my fourth day finally sleeping with it. I was so hapoy the first day when I woke up and the mask was still on lol I had fallen asleep once with it and woke up without it lol...I'm finally on the right track thank God. The thought of having my surgery cancelled scared me.

Maybe you should get a different type of mask. They have nose pillows that just sit under your nose. Would probably work better for you. I struggled with mine at the beginning , but now I can't sleep without it. Sending positive thoughts.

Thank you Elizabeth! I have allergies and have the sniffles alot. I tried the nose pillows before , I think I tried all the masks they had lol....and this one was the one I did the want but worked best because I would open my mouth and his one cover my nose and mouth. Day 4 today of finally sleeping with it! We are almost there!

I had the same problem- i eventually found a new style of mask that helped- but my center would not even consider scheduling my surgery until i had been using it ever day for 6 weeks! thankfully now- 5 months after surgery i don't need it any more!

Stick with the CPAP ... it is worth it. Mine has a button that looks like a sideways triangle on it ... it ramps up the pressure ... ie., starts out lower and slowly increases to the proper pressure. It makes the initial breathing easier when you're tense and as you are falling asleep, you don't realize the pressure is increasing. Focus on relaxing as you breath out and let the heaviness of your relaxed chest push out the air ... try to focus on the fact that you aren't covered by it ... your eyes are free, etc. ... try relaxing by focusing from your toes up ... relax the toes first, then feet, then calves, etc. ... helped me.

Good luck.