Question:
Can someone please tell me the reason for the sleep apnea test pre-op?
— Adam L. (posted on September 9, 2003)
September 9, 2003
My surgeon's office explained that the anesthesia and pain meds can
increase the effects of sleep apnea, so if you have it, you will have to be
monitored even more closely. When I had my surgery, the first night,
before I went to sleep, the nursing staff said that my oxygen levels were
fine and I didn't need to use my CPAP machine. Well, several times during
the night I had heart beat anamolies (sp?) and the staff kept waking me up
to find out why I was setting off alarms. They even had a nurse come in to
draw my blood to check for oxygen levels...well, Hello! They finally
figured out that I was having apnea episodes...put on the CPAP and I was
just fine. Moral of story - wear your CPAP in the hospital even if they
tell you you don't need to!
— vittycat
September 9, 2003
Adam, This is not to frighten you, but to tell you what can happen when
someone has the surgery with undiagnosed/untreated sleep apnea. Please
read the memorial I wrote on my best friend, Ginger Brewster, on the
memorial page of this website. She died because she had the surgery with
undiagnosed/untreated sleep apnea. Please be safe and have the sleep study
done. If you have it, please get treated and also make sure everyone
involved with your care before and after your surgery know that you have
sleep apnea and that they take precautions for you having it. If you have
any questions, please feel free to e-mail me. Best of luck to you and
PLEASE be safe!
— Hackett
September 9, 2003
I have severe sleep apnea, and with anestetic (sp) it could be dangerous
for you if the surgery team doesn't know about it. You stop breathing and
having anestetic (sp again) can make it worse and your brain will have a
harder time waking you up like it normally does when you stop breathing. I
am glad I know this time around that I have it, last year they removed my
tonsils and didn't know so that is kinda scary in hind sight! GOOD LUCK!
— Saxbyd
September 9, 2003
I went through several sleep apnea/overnight in a lab studies and I have
mild sleep apnea. You may be tested for sleep apnea b/c it would be a major
co-morbidity and usually if you have it, you are automatically approved by
insurance due b/c they see this surgery as an effective means to reduce or
totally eliminate this life-threatening condition. So while it's not a good
thing to have by any stretch of the imagination, it's good for insurance
approval purposes.
— Lisa B.
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