Question:
Pain control, leaks and sleep apnea

My pressure is 17, I am concerned that such a high pressure could cause a intestional leak by inflating my intestines. I have read about this occuring to someone. Although my pulmonary doctor says it cant happen and my doctors staff said not to worry about it, they have never seen it occur. Well naturally I dont want to be their first! Plus I am worried that pain control with sleep apnea will not be enough. Hopefully some of you can reassure me.    — bob-haller (posted on July 1, 2001)

July 1, 2001
Mine was at 15. Better mine than theirs! The CPAP goes into your lungs, which is where you want air. Unless something drastic happens (catastrophe or some freak thing), the air won't go into your stomach. With apnea, we all had to stay the first night in ICU. Someone is right there with you, anyway. You really do not want your oxygen levels to drop. Bad thing. Then they may have to "take steps" to reoxygenate you. Better to just keep your levels steady. The good news & bad news is that within weeks, you will not be at 17 any more! :-)
   — vitalady

July 1, 2001
I had sleep apnea and my setting was at 19. I had used the CPAP machine for eight years. After WLS, I did not have to be in ICU. My Dr. had warned me that this might happen but I did not have any trouble during or after surgery. When I had lost about 80 lbs., the apnea was gone. I have now lost 161# and do not have sleep apnea anymore nor do I use the CPAP machine. I did use the CPAP machine during my stay in the hospital following surgery. If you have any further questions, please feel free to email me.
   — Ruth M.

July 1, 2001
Mine was set at 12. I didn't have to ever go to ICU, either. I did just great in the hospital; took my c-pap in with me & they ran my oxygen thru the c-pap when I slept. I had no problem with pain control;I was on patient-controlled Demerol pump. I was off my c-pap within about a month of surgery or about 50 pounds. I haven't used the c-pap now for about 13 months. I see no reason to have a re-evaluation done & think it would be a waste of money. I KNOW what the symptoms of sleep apnea are; I lived with it for enough years. It's all gone now, the day time sleepiness, the snoring, the matted up hair, the waking up to go to the bathroom six times a night...all gone. I sleep great now. I am 131/2 months post op, 170+ pounds lost & within about 10 pounds of goal weight. Hope this helps reassure you...
   — Kathy W.