Newly diagnosed: surgical option?

[Ap66]

I was just diagnosed with apnea (AHI=66) and of course prescribed a CPAP(which just arrived and am trying for the first time tonight) and I will give it a fair try. 

But...I was told I had apnea due to jaw structure so went to an Ear/Nose/Throat Dr to get his take on the situation.  He says that an oral surgeon has an operation (I think an MMA?) which he claims will be 95% effective (read: AHI <20).  I'm seeing an oral surgeon in early May for a consultation.  

I am wondering if what the ENT said is true.  I thought I read online that MMA jaw surgury I said not very effective for people with severe apnea.  And I am aware that when you ask a hammer what to do it says your problem is a nail.  

Does anyone with sever apnea have experience with jaw surgury?

[kwhenrykerr]

Please give your cpap time to work.

[Ap66]

I intend to. But as a stomach sleeper and a traveler, the idea (*if true*) that one surgery and done could improve the severe apnea to mild or near none is attractive.

But I will give the PAP machine a go.

Thx

[Gideon]

Note: per your original post " (read: AHI <20)."

We consider that to be not adequately treated, if that is so you would still require CPAP post surgery.

[MitchS]

An AHI <5 is considered fully treated. As bonjour stated above, you would still need CPAP therapy after the surgery.

[Sleeprider]

MMA has almost never replaced CPAP in individuals diagnosed with severe obstructive apnea like you. The claim of 95% success at AHI <20 is terrible. When someone shows up here with a CPAP treated AHI anywhere near 20 it is alarming. That would not remove the need for CPAP and could have significant complications, pain and jaw dysfunction. I think you will find CPAP can be effective, unobtrusive and easy to live and travel with. At least you have good equipment to give it a go. Good luck!

[TASmart]

Would seem based on the stated "success" rate that the best you could possibly get is an easier apnea to treat, while the good Dr. get a new car. Choice is yours.

[Ap66]

Thx bonjour, pup, sleeprider; that speaks to my experience that a surgeon suggests surgury. I dont need permanent complications AND still need a CPAP. Might as well just stay CPAP. When I meet the oral surgeon I will press the issue of what "effective" means to him and what complications there are and since he claims hundreds of these surgeries I'd like to know what % of them still utilize a CPAP. Thx all.

[Gideon]

Likely none of them because he did not rx that.

[stanleydean]

Hi Ap66 and welcome to the forum. You have received a ton of good advice, do give the CPAP a fair try, not just a few days but for as much as a year or more while digging into this forum, learning, sharing your data etc. I'm thinking you will start getting some good results early on and you can build on that. Whatever you do remember that you can always opt later to have the surgery but you could never opt to un-have it Good luck and keep us posted as you progress. 

Stan