Apnea and will NOT use Cpap

[Lady Lap Band 71]

So I wanted to get some people's opinions on my situation..here it is....

They say I have sleep apnea lol I refuse to believe it. It's very minor is is caused by my weight. I have just recently developed it and even the pulmonologist said loose the weight and it will go away.

So I absolutely hate things on my face and WILL NOT use the cpap machine no matter what anyone says I will not use it. Plus I am just embarassed and will not let ANYONE see me with that horrid thing on. I got it through UPS the other day and it's still in its box, I have already addressed it to go back to where it came from. I intend to ship it back on the day of my surgery.

The only reason I got it in the first place is because my doctor requires you to use it for 3 weeks prior to surgery. I intend to keep it a seret that I am not using it.

So I guess my questions is.....did anyone else not use their machine prior to surgery or have a similar situation? I'd like comments to on what you think! Thanks!

[greenthumb19 0]

Breanne,

I am a "hose-head" who has used my CPAP faithfully for the past 2 years. I was shocked when I first found out that I had sleep apnea, then it all began to make sense- the snoring, being obese, the fatigue. The fatigue before I started my CPAP was practically debilitating- I could easily fall asleep sitting at a red light. What a huge difference the CPAP has made in my life! I wasn't so sure that I could sleep with a mask on my face, either, but you get accustomed to it pretty quick and it becomes part of your sleep routine. I wake up feeling refreshed, ready to tackle the day. I even bought a battery pack for my CPAP so I can use it when I go camping. I am 5 weeks post-op now and have lost about 40 pounds so far (pre-op diet and post-op), with about 70 pounds more to go. I'm hoping that my sleep apnea will be cured with losing weight, but I'm ok with it if I will still need my CPAP when I get to goal, if it means I will sleep well and feel well. There's actually quite a few skinny people in the world who have sleep apnea and use a CPAP! So I encourage you to rethink about trying the CPAP- at least take it out of the box and give it a try. You might be amazed at how much better you feel in just a few days. Sleep apnea is a serious disorder, and can lead to other health problems if not treated. I was shocked to find out that I stopped breathing 19 times per hour during my sleep study, and am thankful that my CPAP keeps me breathing continuously through the night now. Just give it a try- I think you'll feel a difference. Good luck!

[Cleo's Mom 257]

I sent my CPAP back (unused) many years ago - long before I started on the lapband journey. Like you, there was no way I was wearing that medieval torture device. There are many on these boards that swear by them and depend on them, however. Fortunately, I had a new set of eyes looking at my sleep study results and breathing tests and this doctor said I had mild sleep apnea and I was not required to use it prior to surgery. However, since you are required to use one by not using it you might be jeopardizing your surgery because the machines are set up to record your use. If you don't use it they will know. So, maybe you should call your surgeon and ask the reason for it's use. It usually has to do with the anaestesiologist (sp?). You might be able to get away with not using it. But you need to make your case and see what the surgeon says. Or maybe your insurance requires it. I don't know. Good luck.

[Holabbie 0]

Well you asked for opinions so here's mine. You are being utterly foolish. I have severe sleep apnea and my weight had nothing to do with it since I weighed 140 pounds or so when I developed it. Frustratingly I didn't know I had it for a long time but I knew something was really wrong since no matter what, every month I put on anywhere from 2-5 pounds. In two years I gained over 60 pounds...while on a 20 grams of fat per day diet.

Apnea does horrific things to your entire physical system and the only treatment for it is cpap. If you were a diabetic would you refuse to take insulin? Apnea affects your brain, your heart, your metabolic system...I could go on and on. I use the cpap because I don't want to end up having a stroke due to blood pressures that were off the charts. I guess I would rather wear a cpap mask at night than sit in a chair drooling on myself, unable to communicate.

However, all that aside, I am concerned that you are already "sneaking" around and doing things totally against the orders of your doctor. The surgery you have coming up will require you to follow very strict rules and guidelines. The band does not make you lose weight. You lose weight by using the band as a tool. However, there are things you have to do to make this happen. You can't just blow them off because you don't like them.

I encourage you to really think hard about your readiness for this surgery. Your commitment has to be extremely high and you have to be able to follow the recommendations of your doctor, even if you don't like them, think they're foolish or just don't agree.

Also...one of the biggest side effects of untreated apnea is weight gain. Your body knows it's not getting enough rest and it goes into a 'hoarding' phase. Your system thinks it is under attack and it turns virtually everything you eat into surgars to give you energy in case you need it to fight. However, since your system isn't revving up and pouring out the andrenaline, those sugars just sit there, turning to fat.

I hope your pulmonologist is right and you "Just need to lose weight" to get rid of the apnea.

Good luck to you no matter what you decide.

[Nanook 2]

I had many apneas during my sleep study and have been using my mask/cpap machine for the past two years non-stop. It's really helped me with my quality of life as the toll the apneas took on me were greater than I had imagined.

I think if I was 22 I would feel a bit more self conscious as you are and that's probably normal. I've been with the same man for the past 27 years and he'd rather me look a bit goofy than stop breathing and die or snore or be cranky during the day because of my lack of a good quality sleep.< /p>

There are many types of masks or nose pillows you can choose from. I had to pay for half of my machine and all the equipment and it wasn't cheap. Once it's used they may not take it back, you'll have to look into that. Anyway I wouldn't give mine away until I've recovered from sleep apnea. Good luck to you Nancy.:smile2:

[shellyphaunts 0]

I would encourage you to use it. sleep apnea is serious, and can lead to other serious health problems.

Before I was diagnosed w/ sleep apnea I felt like hell all the time. I could be sitting in a chair reading a book and doze off. I couldn't concentrate and felt like I was in a fog all the time. I had zero energy and stamina. I couldn't get thru the day without a nap. (or two)

Now I use my CPAP each and every night. I feel 200% better. I haven't needed a nap in two years! Best of all, I don't stop breathing at night. :smile2:

Yea, it may look silly, but I would rather look silly than risk my health. Give it a shot!!

Hugs,

[maestrita 43]

I don't want to create the effect that we are dog-piling you, but I totally agree with Holabbie. It sounds like you were hoping to find some justification in something you know is unhealthy. Aside from going into surgery oxygen deprived and possibly putting yourself at serious risk, there are serious long term health risks with untreated apnea. There is a mountain of research data clearly delineating the relationship between apnea, diabetes, and heart disease. My sleep specialist explained to me that I would learn to wear the CPAP, or I would develop debilitating illnesses what could end up killing me eventually. He assured me that I would not live as long as my peers.

I, too, suspect that I had apnea before I gained the weight because of some of the symptoms I experienced, and because of some of the comments of house guests who heard me snoring. I didn't think it through, and just kind of laughed it off. Over the next few years, my weight ballooned, and I began to suffer crippling fatigue. Here's the thing. If your body is fighting to stay alive at night, you will gain weight due to increases in certain hormones. If you continue to crank out those hormones, you can suffer chronic problems with the glands that make those hormones because your body can't keep doing that forever.

Sadly, I do have those chronic problems, and I suffer from hypersomnolence as a result. I tell you this, my friend, only to help you to see where you could go, and I pray you choose not to. I know you will make the best decision for your situation, but I implore you to consider your doctor's advice once again. Good luck to you.

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I didn't even get tested because I told my doc (this was 5 years ago when I complained of fatigue) that if I DID have it I wouldn't use the mask. He said ok. SO I understand where you are coming from. (My mom died from emphysema, on oxygen. My dad was in a wreck, rear ended by a woman who fell asleep at the wheel and he died on the ventilator. So I have a "THING" about breathing equipment).

Having said that...DONT keep things secret from your doctor. That's assinine, that's self destructive. It's childish, too. Either tell him straight out your case is MILD and you won't use it, or use it for 3 weeks as he requires. Really, you are a big girl. You don't need to lie and sneak around your doc; you are paying him.

[plain 12]

So I wanted to get some people's opinions on my situation..here it is....

They say I have sleep apnea lol I refuse to believe it. It's very minor is is caused by my weight. I have just recently developed it and even the pulmonologist said loose the weight and it will go away.

So I absolutely hate things on my face and WILL NOT use the cpap machine no matter what anyone says I will not use it. Plus I am just embarassed and will not let ANYONE see me with that horrid thing on. I got it through UPS the other day and it's still in its box, I have already addressed it to go back to where it came from. I intend to ship it back on the day of my surgery.

The only reason I got it in the first place is because my doctor requires you to use it for 3 weeks prior to surgery. I intend to keep it a seret that I am not using it.

So I guess my questions is.....did anyone else not use their machine prior to surgery or have a similar situation? I'd like comments to on what you think! Thanks!

Hey there, Gonna Lose It! Since you asked for opinions, I'll chime right in. I'm a registered polysomnographer (fancy words for a sleep therapist....I deal with sleep apnea and CPAP 48 hours / week, lol). One of the biggest myths in sleep medicine is that Obstructive sleep apnea is usually weight related. While that can be true for some people, new findings show that the overwhelming prediliction for sleep apnea is how your "airway" is shaped. In other words, it's usually genetic. So.......there's a slight chance that you might not need the CPAP after you lose the weight, but odds are that you will.

Having said that, wearing a CPAP is really not much different than taking prescribed medication from your doctor. Without a doubt, wearing the CPAP is much better for your health (the risk of heart attack / stroke on untreated sleep apnea is like tenfold), but in the end, you have to make the choice. I know plenty of diabetics that aren't compliant with their medicines. It's their choice.

Now, having said that, I should tell you that there is a "smart card" inside CPAP machines that give a detailed readout on if you've been wearing it, how long per night, what pressure, etc. So, be aware that if your doc has a rule that have to wear your CPAP 3 weeks prior to surgery, he has the ability to check and see if you've really been wearing it or not.

[haroldrussi 0]

I did not see any comment about a surgery to remove the Uvula, tonsils, adnode (sp), and some soft palate to cure sleep apnea which works only on about 70-80% of the time. I had this done about 5 years ago and got off the CPAP after two years. You will experience a lot of pain for this surgery for about 3-5 days but if it works for you like it did for me then no more CPAP. I also agree with the comments about following your doctor's advice and wear the "D" thing or get the doctor to not require it. Tell him the truth.

[Lady Lap Band 71]

wow I never really imagined I would get so many responses!

Let me comment on a few things......first is, I am never tired I am awake all day and do not take naps. I sleep 8 hours each night and am ready to go the next day, I don't wake up with a headache or anything.

second, I did explain to my pulmonologist that I hated things on my face and would not wear this. I did tell him that I'd wear it the three weeks before surgery however, that was the only way I was going to get the surgery.

oh yea and the other thing is....he said I don't have the apnea while I sleep on my side with is 95% of the time. Sometimes I fall onto my back for a few minutes and that is when it happens. Then I'm back on my side and its all good again.

Thanks for your comments I appreciate them all and none of them have upset me so please feel free to continue your thoughts if youd like!

[AngelWhisper 0]

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea long before I ever considered a lapband. When they tried CPAP it made it worse. I get a lot of post nasal drip with allergies and stuff and the machine blew all that crap into my throat and I choked on it in the hospital. It was DISGUSTING. I'd never use a CPAP.

[Lady Lap Band 71]

I was diagnosed with mild sleep apnea long before I ever considered a lapband. When they tried CPAP it made it worse. I get a lot of post nasal drip with allergies and stuff and the machine blew all that crap into my throat and I choked on it in the hospital. It was DISGUSTING. I'd never use a CPAP.

It feel good to hear someone relate thanks for sharing!

[HeatherO 7]

Your doctor requires that you use it for a few weeks but you are saying you absolutely refuse and will keep it a secret.

My opinion is that it is non-compliance and if you also are not truthful about it, you may not be ready for surgery.

When you choose to be blatantly non-compliant regarding a direct request related to your health such as this one it raises questions about whether or not you can be compliant in other areas of care that will allow you potential success with the band.

Now, having said that, I should tell you that there is a "smart card" inside CPAP machines that give a detailed readout on if you've been wearing it, how long per night, what pressure, etc. So, be aware that if your doc has a rule that have to wear your CPAP 3 weeks prior to surgery, he has the ability to check and see if you've really been wearing it or not.

This is something to be considered as well. I know other posters have said in the past that they were required to bring their machines with them to the hospital. If you are required to bring it and don't bring the machine, or if you bring it and the card shows that you never even used it, or if you did, did not use it as the doctor prescribed, the doctor may refuse to perform surgery on you due to non-compliance. No matter what you say to the doctor, it can be easily verified.

If apnea wasn't important, they wouldn't have made you do the sleep study prior to surgery in the first place. It is the same with other pre-surgery testing as well . . . they need to make sure you are in the best health and any issues are addressed prior to surgery.

Are you really willing to risk your health or the opportunity to get the band just because you are embarrassed to wear something at night?

[bandfun4me 0]

heather and restless monkey, Hope she takes your advice. If she can't follow the dr rules for three weeks she will have a long hard road trying to follow the instructions for post op. Then she will be eating around that band. May not do you any good. Does sound a little childish. my DH says some nights he wakes up and my nose mask has "sprang" an air leak. He is so comfortable with it, he jsut reaches over and moves it around till the suction takes hold and I never wake up, and he's back to sleep as well. I am probalby over my apnea, not quite ready to part with my sleeping pill(CPAP). its wonderful.

Edited March 27, 2009 by bandfun4me