Surgery for Sleep Apnea - Sleep Disorders Message Board

laine0163 · 11-29-2004, 10:17 AM

Would anyone be willing to share their experiences of the surgery for sleep apnea (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or UPPP)? I am debating between the surgery and CPAP. For several reasons I am hesitant to do the mask but also I am not too eager about the surgery. Thank you!

hry33 · 12-04-2004, 02:49 PM

surgery is much less common now that CPAP machines are popular, if given the choice its difficult to decide

dbakz98 · 12-04-2004, 11:24 PM

I had the UPPP surgery. It didn't help with the apnea. I still have to use CPAP set at 18cm which is pretty high. I wish I didn't have the surgery. Not only was it a rough recovery, but now, food goes up my nose when I swallow.

analog2000 · 12-06-2004, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laine0163

For several reasons I am hesitant to do the mask but also I am not too eager about the surgery.

Why do you not want to use CPAP? The initial adjustment period can be rough, but now I would never give up my CPAP. My doc says that surgery isn't an option for me, but even if it were, I don't think I would do it.

MOONCHILD63 · 12-10-2004, 05:28 AM

I had surgery last year.I have been sleeping much better whereas for 10 years I would have headaches on a regular basis.I did use a cpap but it is a pain in the keester.After surgery and during the recovery period is uncomfortable but by no means superpainful.2 days after surgery I was out playing with the kids on their swingset.WIth liquid percocet pain management is easy.By the third day I became dehydrated and then the crummy feelings came in.I felt awful for a week.The doctor said I should have come in for an IV to rehydrate so do this and you will be OK.I also stopped taking the percocet after the 4th day because I got the horrors and had insane thoughts i went on a much milder med.SWallowing anything for 5 days ain't gonna happen and you will feel like you have a cold for 4 months.But in the end I would do it over because I lost weight ,sleep and dream now and thats a plus I missed the dreaming.