Tonsillectomy

[km2293]

Hi all, 30 year old UK male here with moderate obstructive sleep apnoea (22 apnoea'a an hour).

I have a tonsillectomy booked in for next Thursday (June 1st), and I was wondering if anyone else has had one and if it has helped with their sleep apnoea? I'm not overweight which I know is a leading factor for OSA. Nurses and doctors have even been surprised when I said I had sleep apnoea. However, they took a look at my tonsils and adenoids and said they're very big, hence why I'm getting them out! I also sound very nasally when I speak.

I'm a little worried about the recovery from the operation, especially with using my CPAP machine. Because there will be constant pressurised air hitting the surgical site, I'm worried this is going to be very painful when I sleep.

If anyone has been in my situation, please get in touch

Thanks

[OpalRose]

I've never experienced this, but my thoughts are that any throat surgery may involve a painful recovery.  Everyone is different in their pain tolerance.  

If it were me, I would try to use the Cpap as much as possible while recovering, as long as it doesn't cause more pain.  

Just be sure your humidity setting is sufficient to help with any dryness.  
Also, if you have a heated hose, turn the setting up a bit so that the air isn't cold.

Not knowing your pressure settings, but just until you heal, you may want to lower your pressure a bit to aid in comfort.

The best approach is to ask your doctor.  If you find it more painful to use Cpap while recovering, then try to sleep somewhat elevated and/or on your side.  You could also sleep in a recliner if you have one. Just be sure your head/neck doesn't tilt down to your chest area and cause obstructions.

Hope you have a speedy recovery.

[Sleeprider]

Tonsillectomy is a standard procedure in improving an obstructed upper airway, and you're correct that in adults recovery is not a picnic. I don't think your CPAP will actually affect the pain level because the movement of air is not different in volume from someone that breaths without CPAP, and the air can be slightly warmed and humidified, and CPAP should reduce snoring, or the vibration in the soft palate that would otherwise be painful on the surgical site. So what you experience with CPAP is a slightly pressurized airway which holds soft tissue more open.  It's more subtle than you probably think. The tonsils reside near the back of the throat in the oropharnyx and are clearly in the path of pressurized air. Post surgical swelling and pain are not inconsequential, and you will just have to judge your comfort level with or without CPAP. For many of us, it is not an option.  Studies have mainly focused on reduction in AHI post-surgery rather than the temporary discomfort. 

Labromaniac had a thread on this topic last year prior to his surgery. Never followed up post-surgery in this thread, but he is still an active member. Send a PM https://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread...sillectomy