New to the Board, not to Apnea... I want out

[Cutter]

[parts of this thread were copied from our old forum]

ncdude wrote:

Jun 12 2006, 08:33 AM Post #1

I'm tired guys. I've worn a dog gone CPAP for over 4 years now. It's helped quite a bit, but there have been so many non medical problems, fighting with insurance companies over mask costs, being doubled billed by the mask companies themselves, etc.

I'm just tired of being tied to a machine every night. I read through a few of the threads here, and have seen descriptions of some mouth devices that people seem to have gotten help with, but there's not enough info to trace down what they are called. Any help?

I'm also interested in the Pillar procedure to stop snoring. Will that stop apnea as well? Thanks in advance.

ncdude

 

ConnCarl Wrote:

Jun 12 2006, 04:48 PM Post #2

Ncdude, it's important to research very carefully before opting for an alternative treatment for OSA. Use your favorite search engine and read everything you can find. Here's a good start:

Pillar Procedure FAQ

There are plenty of options to CPAP, but I wouldn't consider any of them without consulting a board-certified sleep specialist.

Good luck! Carl

"You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred." - Superchicken

 

ncdude wrote:

Jun 13 2006, 06:08 AM Post #3

Carl-

What are the other options (surgical/non-surgical) for those of us that want to get rid of that confounded machine? Thanks.

nc

 

ConnCarl Wrote:

Jun 13 2006, 09:37 PM Post #4

I don't have an exhaustive list, but here are a few;

Surgical treatments:

LAUP - Laser Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty

RFA - Radio Frequency Ablution

UVPPP - Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

GA - Genioglossus Advancement

HM - Hyoid Myotomy

MMA - Maxillomandibular Advancement

Non-surgical treatment:

MAD - Mandibular Advancement Device

Hope this helps! Carl

"You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred." - Superchicken

 

ncdude wrote:

Jun 14 2006, 07:51 AM Post #5

Carl -

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm assuming that we've both gone the CPAP route to solve our apnea. I'm wondering if you know of any studies that might shed light on how to determine which surgical procedure might be right for which people.

I'm also interested in finding out how I can locate a board-certified sleep specialist in my area. I saw a neurologist about 4 years ago after a stay in a hospital. I spent 2 nights in a sleep lab, one to verify I had apnea, and the other to try a CPAP they gave me.

Thanks.

nc

 

ConnCarl Wrote:

Jun 14 2006, 07:29 PM Post #6

Yes, I'm on CPAP now, after 12 years and a number of surgeries.

There are plenty of studies that attempt to detail the effectiveness of one OSA procedure over another. You can find them easily with any search engine, but they're written for surgeons and can be a very difficult read.

Your best bet is to locate a specialist here.

The American Board of Sleep Medicine is the real deal, not some snake oil salesman with a bogus website crammed with commercial referral links. Consulting one of their Diplomates makes it somewhat more likely that your doctor will examine you and your history carefully before recommending a course of treatment.

Whatever you do, ask lots of questions! Don't be shy!

Good luck! Carl
"You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred." - Superchicken

 

ncdude wrote:

Jun 15 2006, 12:32 PM Post #7

Carl-

My neurologist is on the list. However, I've only had the single sleep study 4 years ago. I see her once a year, and I don't know how she tells if the settings that were programmed in back then are still the best for me or not.

I found a really good site on the Pillar procedure, and one of the doctors that does it happens to be an ENT that helped me with a hearing issue. I plan to speak with my neurologist about it, and then see the ENT. In my flawed logic, the procedure may help me, even if I still have to wear a mask, which I hate like the dickens.

I'm curious about you, Carl. What surgeries lead up to you ending up still needing the mask?

nc

 

ConnCarl Wrote:

Jun 15 2006, 09:41 PM Post #8

I had uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, turbinate reduction, septoplasty, genioglossus advancement, hyoid myotomy and hyoid relocation.

Carl
"You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred." - Superchicken

 

Dave L Wrote:

Jun 20 2006, 12:31 PM Post #9

ConnCarl
Jun 15 2006, 09:41 PM
I had uvulopalatopharyngoplasty, turbinate reduction, septoplasty, genioglossus advancement, hyoid myotomy and hyoid relocation.

Carl

Glad I found your forum. I've used cpap for 5 years. Good to find others that have similar experience.

Dave
Toronto

[Dreamcatcher]

Enjoyed reading this post as many times I have launched my mask and said thats it Ive had enough. Would be great if Carl came on and gave us an update on which route he took...any news?

[Cutter]

DC,
I don't see Carl's username on the Member List but he could have joined the new Forum with a new username. It would be nice to get an update from Carl.

[SuperSleeper]

DC,
I don't see Carl's username on the Member List but he could have joined the new Forum with a new username. It would be nice to get an update from Carl.

ConnCarl was on Apnea Board almost since the very beginning in 2004. A very helpful, well-informed and humble chap indeed. He was our first Moderator in the first system we were on (ezboards) and then on Invisionfree (which later turned into Zetaboards). But shortly after we transitioned to Zetaboards, he disappeared and hasn't responded to emails. I suspect he had some health issues and if I remember correctly he may have had some family issues also... I'm hoping nothing serious happened to him. He hasn't re-surfaced here on the new forum as far as I know. Would be nice to see him participate here again.