RE: Inspire?
Thanks for the info, but I won't be get it now. I went into get the pre-surgery sleep study and I no longer have sleep apnea. Anyone else ever have it go away on them?
I've been using a CPAP for about 13 years since I was originally diagnosed with it and was moderate to severe at that time. Weight hasn't really changed all that much if anything I've put on a few pounds. So lately when I travel I don't use the CPAP, but I've continued to use it at home on a very low setting just so I don't snore and bother my wife.
Grady
RE: Inspire?
I had the inspire device implanted in late June of 19. I am 53 and I live in Michigan. I had a hard time adjusting to the mask and I kept taking it off when I slept. I had the surgery where they put you in twilight sleep to see how your throat collapses. I was a good candidate so I went ahead with the surgery. It was about three hours long and the scarring was a bit more than I expected. My speech was slightly slurred for a few months but it returned to normal. There are three incisions. One just below the jaw line, one for the device itself just below my right clavicle, and a third one near the bottom of the rib cage on the right side as well. The incision near the rib cage was not fun for about a week (like a cracked rib). that is where the sensor for the diaphragm goes. The jaw line incision attaches a sensor to the hypoglossal nerve. Each breath it moves your tongue forward. You have a device that activates it each night and gives you 30 minutes to fall asleep. You continue to adjust the intensity until it bothers you. One level per every three nights is what they recommend. I like it so far. If you move the setting too quickly you may be a bit sore in the AM but I've moved it up quite a bit since I first got it and it seems to help. I had my surgery at the Univ of Michigan.
RE: Inspire?
I would think twice—no, make that three times—before implanting the Inspire device. I wish I had. Immediately after one was implanted in me last summer, most of my body shut down. I was in critical condition with acute pulmonary edema and many other serious problems. I was on a respirator for about a week and in the ICU for three weeks. After-effects continued for at least five months. I missed work for the entire second half of 2019. Implanting the Inspire device is not the minor out-patient procedure that the company suggests. Beware.
RE: Inspire?
Thank you all for sharing your experiences. I had just posted questions and was searching for just this kind of information.
Good Luck to you all. I am still searching for a blissful nights sleep as well....
RE: Inspire?
I am considering the inspire, my doctor thinks I am a good candidate, doing a sleep study in a couple weeks to further examine. I like to hike and do overnight float trips on rivers. Hauling a machine and battery is a pain, in addition to fighting masks...... But watching this thread closely. Thanks for your inputs