I scanned the internet in many places to help decide if I should have the “sleep apnea” surgery done. By in large, the reviews were mostly negative but I decided to do it anyways. I will likely not be checking this post for updates, so please do not be offended if your follow up questions go unanswered.
In April 2016, I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea at the age of 34. I am male, about 6’4” and was around 255lbs, 18 inch neck, broad shouldered, former athlete who now has a mid sized gut. at the time of my first sleep study. I am not going to record all of the metrics, however my AHI score was a 55.
My second test, or the titration study, did not go well. I slept for maybe a half an hour using a bi pap machine. I did not tolerate the machine well. However, I decided I would purchase the machine anyways in hopes that I would eventually acclimate. I tried for several months to no avail. I believe the longest I was able to wear the mask in any one night was about 2.5 hours. Normally, I would be around an hour and fifteen minutes. Needless to say, after several months, I decided to start looking at surgical options.
In November, I decided to go the modified UPPP route. I did a lot of research and settled on a well-respected ENT in my area. We decided to proceeded by completely addressing the airways and the ENT preformed the following procedures; Removal of both sets of tonsils, removal the uvula, base of tongue coblation, turbinate reduction, and a septoplasty.
By the time the surgery came around (January 9th) I had gained a lot of weight. Later, I would learn (from an endocrinologist) that it is very difficult to lose weight with sleep apnea, but I will leave that conversation for another time. I had gained about another 20 pounds, I suspect because I mainly laid in bed after work until the time I got up again the next day. The apnea had gotten bad enough that I was essentially unable to function at normal levels.
As a side note, I have seen several postings across the internet related to sleep apnea and attendance at work. To directly answer FMLA and Disability questions; Yes I was able to qualify for both. I opted with disability (thru my work) and was covered for 3 days off a week up until the surgery time. I CANNOT blanketly say you will be eligible since there was a lot of paperwork that seemed that there can be a large variance from individual. If you are unable to function at normal levels, and feel that you may qualify for either paid or unpaid leave, I would suggest you have the conversation with one of your physicians.
Anyways, as I previously mentioned, I had the surgery on Jan 9th. I spent about 36 hours in ICU after the surgery, I would highly recommend this if your insurance allows. I think it made a big difference in my overall recovery. There were no specific complications. I won’t go into day to day details since you can easily find that perspective on the internet with a little research. I would recommend searching youtube for in depth information. That said, Yes the surgery was painful. No it was not totally unbearable ( I was on liquid oxycontin for about 2 weeks which helped a lot). I could not really eat much, if anything. Drinking water was difficult for the first 8 days or so. I was able to start eating “real” foods again around day 12. This part wont be fun, but you will get thru it.
I did my follow up sleep study a week ago today, and received the results today. My current weight is about 245. I lost about 17 pounds from the surgery and have been losing weight ever since. My AHI went from a 55 to 12. For me, the surgery was worth it. Obviously, the results of these surgery’s will vary. There are instances of some people not benefiting at all. However, I am very happy that I chose the surgical route and would definitely do it again.
I hope this helps someone out there.
Thanks,
Brian