Question:
I can't get in to get my CPAP until after my surgery...

I was diagnosed with sleep apnea a months ago. Unfortunately, the sleep lab can't get me in to get a CPAP until May 24th which is a week after my Open RNY. I am scared now that something I won't wake up when I quit breathing, while I'm under the effects of my pain medication.(morphine) What will they do to make sure I don't stop breathing?    — KCAllen77 (posted on May 16, 2002)

May 15, 2002
Well my pressure was 17 and I didnt tolerate the bi pap at all never did use it. Told my surgeon this, he kept me on a higher oxygen flow with pulse ox monitor. Inform surgeon, nurses, anestalogist, and everyne else of the situation. Call your surgeon office RIGHT NOW! They may be able to get your study complete before surgery, Dont worry but be involved...
   — bob-haller

May 15, 2002
If you tell the doctor about your fears, they could possibly put a continuous pulse oximetry on you. It's just a little probe (sticker) that goes on your finger and measures your blood oxygen level. You can set the limits on the machine and it will alarm if your levels drop. That way if the morphine and the sleep apnea decrease your breathing they will know. This is really something pretty easy to do, so if you are scared--ask for it. Good luck!!
   — Cory F.

May 16, 2002
Like you, I didn't have time to get a sleep test before my surgery. As a result, my Pulmonologist put me on 2 liters of oxygen at night before the surgery, and I also had it at the hospital. I still use it now that I'm home until I am fully healed and can have the sleep test done.
   — JoanneML