Questions, Questions Questions!!

I wanted to go to Jackie's Support Group meeting tonight but plans changed and I wasn't able to make it - So I thought I would post another question here - You guys seem to know exactly how to answer my fears - So here goes - One of my biggest concerns about this surgery is the surgery itself - specifically the anesthesia. And now that I have been told that I have sleep apnea - it doubles my fear! Did any of you guys have sleep apnea and how did the anesthesia affect you??? I

Hubby and I both had sleep apnea prior to our respective surgeries. The doctors were aware. The key thing will be to bring your CPAP with you to the hospital. You are on a breathing tube during the surgery so all is very well monitored and sleep apnea isn't an issue since your airway cannot close down. It is after the surgery when your respiration is depressed due to the remaining anesthesia that it is a concern and why they wanted you to have your CPAP with you and wear it every time you laid down to rest. Hope this helps. Kathy

Donna- I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea before my surgery as well. I also had never had surgery and the fear you describe was my worst fear as well! BUT, I will tell you....the Drs. are so great. They know what they're doing (or at least you should pick ones that do!). If you have faith in your Drs., you'll be fine. (My surgery experience is in my profile if you want to read all about it!) Christina S

OOPS!! My husband (NinersFan) was logged in!! Christina S

Christina - I am using the same surgeon that you used. Dr. Anez is doing my surgery. I am told that he is one of the best in the country - And I've heard good things about Fair Oaks Hospital.

Donna- Then I *know* you'll do great! Dr. A uses a hand picked Anethesia guy (I can't remember his name this morning) and the folks at Fair Oaks Hospital are wonderful! Keep in touch and if you have any questions, let me know! (Ms. Court also used Dr. Anez). Christina S

Donna we are sorry you did not make our meeting last night as we could have put your mind at ease. You are on a tube during surgery so you can't stop breathing so don't worry about that. After surgery, especially if they know you have sleep apnea, they monotor you very carefully and use your mask to make sure you keep breathing. They will take very good care of you I promise. Many people who have this surgery do have sleep apnea and are here to tell the tale. I had never had surgery before so I was worried about things like this but the nurses and doctors take great care of you..... Jackie