Question:
Has anyone had to get a machine for slep apnea and practice with it before surgery?

   — leslie R. (posted on August 13, 2003)

August 13, 2003
I had to do this because my surgeon, based on my answers to his questions, thought I might have sleep apnea. During my sleep study, it was determined that I had mild sleep apnea. I had a second sleep study where they used a C-Pap machine and determined the appropriate setting for me. My surgeon required 6 weeks on the C-Pap prior to surgery. Luckily for me, in the hospital after my surgery, my oxygen levels stayed up around 97% so they didn't make me wear it in the hospital.
   — Carolyn M.

August 13, 2003
Leslie; I've had Sleep Apnea since about 1993. I've used a CPAP machine all of that time and I found that my sleep has been uneven at best. Sometimes, I wake in the middle of the night and sometimes I feel like I need sleep throughout the day. Most of the time, I feel well rested. To get comfortable with the mask, I've had to sleep on my left side, and keep the wind from escaping around my nose. I use pillows in my nostrils. There's less leakage. These masks don't fit all that well, but on the other hand, I wouldn't go anywhere without my machine. It was much worse than before. I can't believe a doctor would make you use a machine without a sleep study. You have to have the pressure adjusted to your own needs.
   — Ken M.

August 13, 2003
Leslie, If you have sleep apnea, the best way to be safe for your surgery is if you use your CPAP at least for a little while before surgery and also please make sure that all medical personnel taking care of you including the anesthesiologist and nurses are well aware that you have sleep apnea. My best friend, Ginger Brewster, who is on the memorial page of this website, died because she had the surgery with undiagnosed/untreated sleep apnea. Please be safe. Best of Luck to you.
   — Hackett

August 13, 2003
My surgeon requires her patients to be on ot for at least a month before surgery....so blood oxygen levels are where they are supposed to be.I was diagnosed with apnea 2 months before surgery...Now it's 2 months after surgery and my apnea is gone already and my cpap is collecting dust.
   — jennifer A.

August 13, 2003
As a previous member posted based on questions I answered on my physician's survey it was determined that I might have sleep apnea. I had a sleep study done and they said I had mild sleep apnea so I was actually issued a CPAP machine BEFORE I even had the 2nd sleep study. I was told this would be a test and then when I had the 2nd study I would get the machine and its pressure settings adjusted. Once this was all done I was told I would have surgery. However to my surprise the doctor was happy with the fact that I had the CPAP already and was using it and I was able to have my surgery scheduled for next Friday 08/22/03. I guess it all depends on the physician and his policy...
   — SassySamara

August 13, 2003
I've gone through a lot due to the sleep apnea issue. My first home-test was not conclusive (Feb 2003). I had to do it again, then it was found I needed a further sleep study. I had a sleep study (April 18) at a hospital sleep lab, and it was found I have mild sleep apnea. I had a second test using the CPAP machine (June 11), and then my PCP ordered a CPAP for home use. I've been using it a little over a month now, but I can't say I feel any different than before, except that I'm not snoring, and that makes hubby sleep better!! I wouldn't have sought this myself, but my surgeon required it before they would schedule my surgery. So it's just one of the hoops I've had to jump through to get this done. I believe my doc wants you to use it at least 6-8 weeks prior to surgery (mine is set for Sept. 11). I'm hoping that losing weight will help this problem, at least decrease the snoring, then hopefully I won't have to use the CPAP anymore. I really don't like it - I find that it wakes me up a lot during the night. Good luck to you.
   — Carlita