I am looking into getting a tracheostomy to deal with my OSA. (Relax, I’m just looking into it!).
It is a good decision for me personally, its just a matter of how much of a risk or inconvenience it is, measured against the HUGE benefits it would offer.
Those of you who have intimate knowledge of the nature of these, please inform me on the specifics… what different types have different maintenance, different problems, ect.
Would it be out of line to ask that no one mention CPAP in this thread unless it is in relation to having a stoma? I know all about the benefits of CPAP…
That thing that must not be mentioned doesn’t work for me because I can’t STAND to wear it for the 3-4 hours it takes me to fall asleep.
But since I can’t use it (and I have apnea), my sleep doctors refuse to prescribe any sleep meds, so – catch 22 – it takes me 3-4 hours to fall asleep! (I’d just like to say Fuck You in case any of them are reading this).
As a result, surgery seemed like the perfect answer, and my surgeon suggested four different surgeries that I could try, independently or together. However, he also told me that even if I had all four performed, I could only expect about a 30% chance of any real alleviation of my apnea. Since those odds suck, I won’t be having any surgery and I’ll just rely on the Internet to get my sleep meds (Ambien).
Getting back to you and your OP: What odds have your doctor given you that a tracheostomy will solve your problem? If you don’t know the odds, I’d strongly suggest you find out before going any further.
Last year, I had a uvulaplasty, my tonsils removed, my adenoids removed, and a deviated septum corrected for lifelong sleep apnea. It worked for the most part. I am 32, not overweight, and in pretty good shape. My throat was just not designed properly. I never tried CPAP except for a sleep study and went right for the surgery. I don’t know if a uvulaplasty is an option for you but you could look into it becasue the only real drawback is a couple of weeks of pain and (hopefully insurance) dollars.
I know you don’t want the CPAP mentioned, but I have to, because unless you have a MAJOR problem with the use of one, it seems like a tracheostomy is an infinitely drastic measure. I’ll admit that I’m biased because I’ve never had a problem with a properly fitted CPAP (and consider the damn thing the greatest invention ever created and near enough my savior to prompt the setting up of an altar to the inventor).
No direct experience with any of these technologies (my sleep issues don’t include OSA) but I vaguely recall reading somewhere, someone discussing issues with keeping the stoma site clean / infection free, and problems with different materials used for the thingy that keeps it open. IIRC, silver was one of the options.
Just curious - when one has a stoma, does one also use anything like a CPAP attached to the stoma?
It certainly wouldn’t be my first choice… but liken it to something like, say, dialysis, daily insulin injections for diabetes, a colostomy bag… all necessary technologies that would seem to be on a par with “repulsive” CPAP.
If one has the health condition, then you have to deal with it regardless of how appealing it is. Or deal with the consequences (death, lousy quality of life, etc.). I don’t think anyone would choose to have to use CPAP (or a stoma) just for the heck of it, but if you’ve got a condition that mandates such a tool, use it and be glad for its existence.
Some years ago, I went through several sleep studies. Though the idea of CPAP didn’t thrill me, the thought that my severe, unrelenting fatigue might be treatable and my quality of life could improve - well, that was a pretty powerful incentive. I was extremely disappointed when my sleep issues proved to have no OSA component.
Fuel, I’ll be very interested in hearing what you wind up deciding about the stoma, and what impact it has on how you’re feeling.
I sympathize with you, as my wife could not stand the [damned machine]. Family doc was also terrified of prescribing Ambien for long term, saying “It’s addictive.” As my wife is 76, and the only way to get sleep is to use it, that’s pretty stupid.
Changed docs, and new one discused the ordinary insomnia that is only now and then, and chronic insomnia, which she has, and agreed that there is little harm in Ambien taken in small dose, whenever needed. Now she gets more sleep.
So, try some another doc that is reasonable and knowledgable about sleep problems. Good luck & sleep tight.
