Question:
Does everyone have a sleep study?

I just got off the phone with the woman in my surgeon's office who handles the surgery prep work and such, and she gave me the times and dates that I needed to go to do my lab works and things, but she never mentioned a sleep study. I thought I read somewhere that its very imptortant to get this done before you have your surgery. I'm not sure if I have it or not, I snore, but I don't fall asleep during the day. I don't wake up gasping for air. My question is, will it be harmful if I don't have one done and have surgery anyway? And should I schedule one on my own? Thanks so much for you help.    — Heather B. (posted on August 23, 2002)

August 23, 2002
Please insist on a sleep study. The anaesthesia and pain medications used in surgery can make a mild case worse. If the hospital is aware that you have sleep apnea they will probably keep you in ICU the first night to keep a closer eye on your breathing. Better safe than sorry!
   — ctyst

August 23, 2002
I didn't have one but my husband says I snore less now that I have lost weight he said I never snored alot though.
   — Candace F.

August 23, 2002
I didn't have to have one. Or a lot of the other tests that many people seem to have. Not even a psych eval. All I had was bloodwork and an EKG.
   — jen41766

August 23, 2002
I think it's best to have a sleep study done. Be aware that there is a risk (up to including death) if you have undiagnosed sleep apnea and the hospital doesn't take the necessary precautions immediately post-op. You may do fine without it, as some members have. But for me, I want to be sure to take all precautions.
   — Jon W.

August 23, 2002
I did not have a sleep study done prior to my surgery last November. The day after surgery I was rushed to ICU and intubated because I had stopped breathing. I was in ICU for 5 days, in the hospital for a total of 10 days. I was self pay and that extra five days cost me over $20,000, not to mention the fear and anxiety for me and my family. You do not want your first 'sleep study' done by the respiratory therapists in the hospital. On the silver lining side, I do not remember being in any pain after surgery and hardly used my PCA at all. Only you and your Doctors can decide what is best for you but I certainly wish I had exhibited some symptoms of apnea before surgery.
   — Julia O.

August 24, 2002
I never had any symptoms either. Other than just being tired all the time. I thought that was because I was overweight. Being diagnosed with sleep apnea and getting a CPAP has been wonderful. I also stayed in the ICU just because I have sleep apnea. I am soooooo glad I did. I had problems with breathing after surgery. Now I am doing fine at 2 weeks post op. Please, please get a sleep study done. I am sure if you mention it to your doctor, he will do it. Insurance should pay for it. Take care, Melanie
   — Melanie D.

August 26, 2002
Heather, Please do get a sleep study done. If you read the memorial I wrote on Ginger Brewster on the memorial page of this website you will understand why. If it turns out you don't have sleep apnea, then so much better. But, why take such a big chance on losing your life when having the sleep study is not a big deal compared to what could happen if you go into surgery not knowing you have sleep apnea. When you read about Ginger Brewster, please let me know your thoughts. Again, its so much better to be safe than sorry.
   — Hackett