Question:
MY DOC WANT ME TO SEE AN ENT?

Hello all!!! :) My doctor want me to see an ENT? Why is he requesting ENT? I do suffer sinus pain and pressure,But lately I have been waking up gasping for air and or choking as well..I would have thought that he would have consider me to go for sleep apena test INSTEAD of an Ent??    — Ruschell (posted on September 14, 2003)

September 14, 2003
You likely have GERD, I did pre op and the RNY fixed it all up. Gerd was horrible but if your surgeon doesnt get you a sleep study then get your PCP to do it or find a new surgeon. Sleep apnea can kill....
   — bob-haller

September 14, 2003
The pulmonary doc I seen said that the Apnea gets agrivated by the pain meds that relaxes the muscles in your throat which causes the breathing problems. So make sure they know if you have any breathing problems cause it can cause severe and/or deadly outcomes. Good Luck
   — Tee P.

September 14, 2003
Thanks for all the luv and feedback....xoxo ~ Ruschell Dawson~
   — Ruschell

September 14, 2003
Sinus pain and gasping for air requires and ENT. The sleep study comes after.
   — faybay

September 15, 2003
An ENT is an ear-nose-throat specialist. Officially an Otolaryngologist. They are the ones you would normally be sent to for any issues involving any structures of the head and neck. They are also the ones who traditionaly see a patient prior to ordering a sleep apnea test. By the way, you may not need a sleep apnea test. This test is so often viewed as some magic kind of test that will document all sorts of things. You may have some other type of problem such as a fluid filled sinus showing constant infection, or a bone cyst or enlarged turbinates (bones along the sides of your nasal passage that can have tissue swelling that blocks off the openings to your sinuses so you have problems/infections). The md may want to be sure you have no underlying infectious process so you don't have greater problems when you are dealing with healing from a major surgery. You really do need to be in top condition prior to having this surgery to do the best you can do. It sounds like your md is very thorough and that is always good. So go see the ent, you may find out he can help you with stuff you thought you'd just have to live with and will feel better!! Good Luck.
   — Karen M.

September 15, 2003
Count yourself among the lucky ones that your doc is so competent and is getting you checked out prior to surgery. Your PCP probably should have sent you a long time ago. Whether it is sleep apnea or some other structual or infection problem - luckily it is being dealt with now. Good Luck and follow your doc(s)advice. HUGS, HUGS, and more HUGS!
   — Deborah F.