Question:
I have both sleep Apnea and Acute Asthama, what should I expect post-op?

Although I passed my pulmonary function test with great results I'm anxious about what to expect right after surgery. Will I more than likely wake up with a machine breathing for me? and will I more than likely end up in ICU until they can ok my breathing? I'm definitely going to speak with my surgeon but wanted to know if anyone else with this combination has had the surgery. I'm having open DS.    — Karla G. (posted on February 16, 2003)

February 16, 2003
hi..i am 7.5 weeks post op and have a history of sleep apnea. my dr. surg. arranged that i stay in pacu (recovery room) for 24 hours hours post op. i was fine and the care was outstanding. you should talk to your surg and find out his post op plan for you. good luck!
   — nan K.

February 16, 2003
Hi Karla, I also had surgery with moderate/severe sleep apnea and asthma. I was told to not bring my BiPAP machine as the surgeon did not want me using it after surgery as it would put too much pressure on the pouch. I am 2 weeks out tomorrow and still not using it, per my surgeon's request. <p>I was told I could wake up on the vent and if I was having any breathing problems would go to ICU for a while, till stabilized. I woke up in recovery, no vent and went to my regular room within 45-60 minutes of surgery. So it caused me no problems during and after surgery. The only thing that was a slight issue was that I had to have a low level of oxygen through a nasal cannula when sleeping otherwise my oxygen level would go below 90 and then they would panic. I'm sure I had some apneas but as long as the level stayed at 90 I was good. <p>As far as the asthma they had me use my inhaler right before surgery and then everyday I was in there as usual. They also did breathing treatments at least 2 times a day, I think more at first, but they do those for everyone. You also have to do inhalations, 5 at a time, with a device that measures your capacity or something. Hurts like heck but you survive. Mine always was around 2000-2500, so they were happy with that. I, like you, did well on my pulmonary function test which means you have good lung capacity and strong lungs, so that will go a long way to help you after surgery. I wish you the best of luck. Chris
   — zoedogcbr

February 16, 2003
I had severe sleep apnea, mild asthma. As soon as I could string together words I asked for my CPAP, althought I had oxygen, the oxymeter still kept going off every few seconds, making my groggy self crazy. The nurses had to have intructions exactly how to work it, but they were good about it, plugged me in & back off to dreamland, complete with air AND oxygen. Oh, and both disease are showing no symptoms today (8+ yrs postie)
   — vitalady