Important Decision to Make: SURGERY.?
I have a pretty major decision to make regarding surgery. I am 17 years old and although I am not overweight (I am 5’11 and 160 pounds, muscular build) I have sleep apnea. I’ve got it pretty badly–in a sleep study I did a few weeks ago, I averaged 7 times an hour in which I stopped breathing (for 8 hours a night, that equals an average of 56 times in one night!) and each time, my oxygen level fell to 73 (which is very low). As a result, my doctor referred me to an ENT (Ear Nose & Throat doctor). I had the appointment today, and the results were that my tonsils are insanely large (almost twice the size they should normally be), my adenoids have grown back (I had them removed when I was 6, but apparently the damn things came back!), and my uvula (little dangly thing in the back of your throat) is gargantuan.
The ENT gave me these options:
1. Have the surgery to take out the adenoids, tonsils, and most of my uvula (if not the whole thing). The issue is that it’s only a 50/50 chance that the surgery will make a major difference in my apnea and actually cure it. It’s almost certain that it will help, but only a 50% chance that it will majorly help me. I would be out for about a week and a half to 2 weeks, including no work, no school (not that big of an issue for me…I’ve got senioritis already), no driving, etc. Basically being homebound for 2 weeks. That, and this surgery will cost several thousand dollars.
2. Don’t have the surgery and instead go straight to a CPAP or BiPap machine (breathing machine to use at night to provide air pressure to keep my airway open so that I can breathe somewhat normally). This will not cure my apnea in any way, but it will make it manageable. It’s not a cure, just a treatment device.This also won’t keep my apnea from getting worse in the future as the surgery could. This machine will also cost a few thousand dollars.
3. Don’t have the surgery or the machine, but continue life the way it is. I really don’t want to do this (I am exhausted almost all the time) and I want the problem to be fixed, but this one doesn’t cost any money–money which we may soon not have (my dad works for GM…’nuff said).
I know it’s my decision (and my family’s) in the long run, but I really need advice on this. This is a life-changing decision, and if I don’t treat this it can and probably will kill me later in my life. Honestly I’m leaning towards #1 because that could actually fix the problem–#2 would just give me a machine which would help, but not fix the root problem. I figure if I’m ‘broken’ I should have the surgery to ‘fix’ it, not just something to help but still be broken.
What do you think? I really need some advice…
Tagged with: 17 years • adenoids • air pressure • amp • appointment • breathing machine • cpap • ent ear nose • oxygen level • several thousand dollars • sleep • sleep study • throat doctor • tonsils • uvula
Filed under: Sleep Apnea Solutions
i don’t know what adenoids are. sorry, not takinf anatony, and not planning on it. i have my sciences finished. but above all, i say to have the surgey. i don’t want u do die!
*gives you a cookie and a hug*
I had my tonsils and adenoids removed. My adenoids because they were affecting my hearing which made my family think I was deaf for the first few years of my life, and I had speech problems until I as 13.
My sister had her tonsils removed because she had breathing problems, and she is SO much better now.
I’d say go for the surgery, because it won’t hurt anything.
Try to get some insurance or something, though, while you are still a minor!
Get the surgery. Good luck!
It’s really a question if you can actually manage to afford the cure. If you still live with your family then I suggest you take the first option, they can care for you, and you won’t have to worry about paying for rent/mortgage, which will give you plenty of opportunity to pay off your doctor’s bills. If you can get any other assistance from anyone I suggest you take it.
Even if you don’t live with your family I DO suggest that you get into contact with them. They will be the best source for support.
But don’t take my word for it, I know very little about your life and I may not be giving you the best advice (Though I really do suggest you get this problex fixed as soon as you can).
Good luck, I hope it turns out well
I would get the surgery done now. There may be ways in which it can be made more effective – for example, I remember reading somewhere that hardening of the soft palate can help with apnoea.
But my tonsils did that when I was 21 and caused me no end of problems. I used to wake up but be unable to move. That was scary. Eventually they took out my tonsils and I breathe so much better all the time, not just when sleeping. My sleep is much better now too.
Be warned: you may have to take 3 weeks off work/school. General anaesthesia takes its toll on the body and you will need about five days just to get over that (my tip: drink plenty of water and fruit juice, and walk around a lot – even if it’s just up and down the street. The drug sits in your muscles and will need to be "flushed" out).
Then your throat will take about 2 to 3 weeks to heal. Eat plenty of tropical fruits in fruit smoothies – so mangoes, papaya, paw paw, pineapple, melon, guava, etc. These fruits have a high concentration of fruit acids and help the scar tissue to heal. Avoid milk & dairy products. My chiropractor suggested this to me and I recovered much more quickly than the doctor expected.
Also, if you’re so disposed, rub arnica cream into your neck & throat – it’s an anti-inflammatory.
But all in all, if you have the chance to correct it now, go for it. The machine will restrict your life and you will become dependent. Not doing anything will make you miserable, long term.