Question:
Question regarding the Bi-Pap.

I have to be put on a bi-pap machine two weeks before surgery and then on it right after surgery. I am reading all these complications that occured after surgery, and I'm starting to feel pretty frightened. Has anyone been on a bi-pap machine and lived to tell about it after surgery?    — Marti T. (posted on September 23, 2003)

September 23, 2003
I to was on a bi-pap machine for sleep abnea about 6 weeks before surgery. It has now been 6 weeks after surgery and I still use the machine every nite. I was required to bring it to the hospital but since I was only in for 2 nites I did not use it. The staff seemed to be in my room every 2-3 hours and I preferred to not be wearing my "alien mask". The machine is actually not that bad but I'm hopeing I'll undergrow it soon.
   — EILEEN L.

September 23, 2003
I was placed on BiPap 3-1/2 weeks before surgery in January 2003. I needed pressures of 22/18 which are very high. I had zero problems adjusting to it and slept great. The most important piece of SA therapy is to get a mask that is comfortable for you. In my case that meant a really tiny, non-glamorous mask. It had strange headgear so it was a little difficult at first to put on, but I got used to it. But for me it fit great as I have a small nose and short distance above the lip etc. There are all kinds of masks available. When you get your machine ask the person to show you some options and try them on. Make sure to actually try it with your machine settings. I found a really comfortable one that had gel etc. but the relief valve was something I could not breathe back against. I felt like I was choking. So I went with the other one, which worked great. <p>I not only lived to tell about surgery but have been officially released from BiPap therapy. Like I said I did great with it before surgery. I never used it in the hospital as I was doing okay. I did need a low level of oxygen when sleeping otherwise my level would drop below 90 and the hospital staff didn't like that, but that was it. My surgeon asked me stay off of it for a month after surgery to keep the pressure off the healing pouch. I was very concerned about this and talked with my pulmonologist and he said it was okay and to follow what the surgeon wanted. Whether you are put back on the machine right away varies drastically and mostly depending on your particular situation. For me I likely had been living with SA for probably 2 years but did not recognize the symptoms. I also have a daytime sleep disorder so many of the problems and tiredness I had I wrote off to not taking my meds when I should etc. I also had been sleeping in the recliner for 18-24 months, which must have helped me breathe better. In my mind I was sleeping there because I hurt too much and tossed and turned if I slept in bed, but most likely it was the SA causing the problems. So in my case I think the docs felt I survived that long and would be fine without my machine after surgery for a while. <p>I did try to get back on the machine at 1 month but found problems with it. My ribs/muscles got so sore because the pressures were too high and were forcing them to move all night. Like over exercising a muscle. We tried to lower the setting 4 different times with unsuccessful results. It was down to 10/7 and I actually slept better without the machine so my pulmonologist told me to stop. I was retested in early August and released from therapy. I still had 10 apneas an hour but none were obstructive. He said he was jealous and wished his sleep study looked like that as he would not be on treatment either. So in my case losing 150 lbs allowed me to go from moderate/severe to basically non-existent sleep apnea. I wish the same results for you. You will be fine!
   — zoedogcbr

September 23, 2003
Honey be glad they are taking care of respiratory problems now! Calm down - you'll do just fine! The use of the Bi-Pap will help your recovery and hopefully protect you from problems. Undiagnosed sleep apneas or obstructions, etc. are what cause people problems. Now that you know you need this - as do your doc, surgeon, anesthesiologist - they can be much more watchful and prepared to provide you with the best care. For every problem you read about, there are 100's of others that didn't have a problem. It is good you are aware - make sure all your docs know - and then focus on some positive thoughts and put positive energy toward your surgery and recovery. Wishing you an uneventful surgery and recovery and send a few prayers up for you! HUGS, HUGS, and more HUGS!
   — Deborah F.

September 24, 2003
ALive and kickin!!! DOn't worry. You should glad that your doctor is taking your health problems in acct. He now knows what to do in case of a emergency. without the machine and the test he would not know. DOn't worry. You will be just fine.
   — spring A.