Nov
22
2009
What Do You Know About Sleep Apnea Surgeries?
Posted by: Alan in Obstructive Sleep Apnea, tags: About, Apnea., Know, Sleep, Surgeries, What
I hate the mask (as many people do). I have severe obstructive sleep apnea. I am considering surgical options but I’ve been told the only one that may work for me is the mandibular advancement (when they break your jaw and move it forward). Has anyone had this before? What were your experiences? Did it work? Do you know of any other surgery that may help? Oral appliances?
Entries (RSS)
November 22nd, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I had a mandibular advancement back in the day when they still wired your mouth shut for 6 weeks. (Many surgeons now opt for a screw and plate closure along with tight rubber bands that allow more mouth movement and a little more eating options!)
I did have about a year of orthodontics before I could have it done, incidentally, so it was not a quick fix by any means.
The surgery itself sounded far worse than it actually was. The most pain I had was like a dull headache in my jaw area. Pain management was not a problem at all. I did miss eating what I wanted and lost significant weight. (What I would do to have that happen now!!!) I missed yawning the most, though!
It did fix my sleep apnea completely. I have never even snored since. It was well worth it for me.
My 5 year old had tonsils and adenoids removed for the same reason (sleep apnea) with good results as well. I had previously had that surgery, and it was much more painful than the mandibular advancement.
I hope this helps! Best of luck to you!
November 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
try your dentist about a tap
November 22nd, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I am not aware of that one, but my husband did have his nose done. He says if he had to do it again, he would. He feels it was well worth it.
I have a breathing mask on the way for me. I hope I like it better than a lot of other people I know that hate it too…
Good luck.