Wanted Laser surgery - Now I've got a CPAP

[Gaspin]

I kept my other half awake, even when she went in the spare room, and it was making us both cranky, tired, ill and frustrated!

Off I go to the Doc's:
Me: "Can you refer me to an ENT specialist to get my throat lasered, please?"
Doctor: "Sure, go and see Dr Snifter"

Later...

Dr Snifter: "Your sleep study shows you have mild OSA, and you've gotta have a mask pumping pressurised bedroom air up your schnozz for the rest of your days...Oh, and don't forget to tell the DVLA so they can ban you from driving as well!"

Me: D'OH!!!


Can anyone tell me what's the good side and happy ending to this?

[Joe McManus]

The good news is, you save a lot of money, keep all your vital body parts intact and don't waste your time on painful treatment that is commonly known not to work at all.

One review of seven randomised trials concluded that surgery had a general lack of impact on symptoms and, even where improvements in quality of life have been shown immediately after surgery, these were rarely sustained beyond 12-24 months.
Another review of 48 studies found that up to 62 per cent of patients who had surgery reported persistent adverse effects, such as a dry throat, difficulty in swallowing, voice changes, and disturbances of smell and taste. Up to 22 per cent regretted having surgery.
Weight loss and other lifestyle modification is recommended as an adjunctive treatment to CPAP, but can be difficult to achieve, according to Dr Elshaug and his colleagues.

When accustomed to CPAP you will have to energy to consider your true options. Your body will be grateful for giving CPAP a decent run.

[retsyo]

Had laser treatment back in 2002 along with deviated septum surgery. All paid for by BUPA. It may have seemed beneficial for a short time but eventually diagnosed 2 weeks ago with OSA.

[PIPKIN]

dr gill my doctor has siad i can have it done lasar stuff 5 grand does it work

[puffin]

Don't waste your money and change your Doctor.