Operations and General Anaesthetics

[Marian]

Not sure if I'm in the right part of the forum for this, but hope so. I was due to have an operation last week using general anaesthetic, but they would not do it as they were worried about the sleep apnoea and would only do the op when an high dependency room was available. I now have to go in tomorrow to have the op as a room is available but the hospital has just phoned to say it all depends whether the anaesthetist is happy to do the op and they will have to check me tomorrow. Just to reassure me, has anyone out there had an op using general anaesthetic whilst they were suffering with sleep apnoea and had no problems? I appreciate everyone being cautious but I have now been worked up into a state of fear!

Marian

[puffin]

Hi Marian
I'm currently wanting for a stomach by-pass op. This has already been put off once because of OSA. Twelve months ago last February I had my Gall Badder removed, because of my size I had to wait for a HDU bed. Talking to the anaesthetist for this first op. was the trigger to get tested for OSA. I came out of the surgery with flying colours.

This second op. was booked for the 1st March, 9 days before hand I had a phone call saying that the anaesthetist wanted to see me first. The earliest appointment was and still is the 22nd April. I know that they are being careful and should be putting YOUR best interest first. But I always get the feeling that they are looking after their own backs and being over careful all the time.

If you want to PM me your email address I can send you a leaflet that you can print out and take to hospital for the ward staff. It explains OSA in clear plain speak. Just take your kit with you and don't let them mess with it. If necessary take the number of your sleep clinic and or take a letter as well. That way if they have any problems they can talk directly to the clinic.

I am 100% sure that everything will be fine and that they will look after you to the best of their limited ability. Take care and let us know how you get on.

[anneliz]

Hiya

Hi Marian I had a major op a couple of years ago before my OSA was diagnosed and came through with no problem, like puffin says once they know they are just ultra careful. There were several complaints about my snoring keeping the whole wing awake though!!!!!!!!!!.
So don't fret you will be fine, if you ever get them to do the op that is.

[Marian]

Thanks for all the positive help, I'm just getting jittery in case it gets postponed again! I've only been diagnosed with OSA since February and it seems to be causing endless problems, but, I suppose it must get better - eventually!

Thanks again.

Marian.

[puffin]

Just an up date on my op. The anaesthetist saw me on the 22nd of April. Two months wait for a quick 5 minute chat and a blood sample. Said as I am compliant on CPAP, there will be no problems just bring my machine in when I go in. Dates now been reset for the 24th May.

[JippiJ]

Just thought I would wish you a speedy recovery Puffin.

Hope all is well.

JippiJ

[puffin]

Thanks, but it was canceled, now due on the 8th June.

[gvader]

Hi Puffin,

Checked that link you put up a couple of days ago about the by-pass op and was staggered to see that the post-op mortality rate is 2%! You're a braver man than me!

[puffin]

Hi Gvader
I figure that the odds are in my favour, I had my gall bladder out 16 months ago. No problems at all. In fact they kicked me out of the hospital afterwards, in less then 18 hours.

The heavier you are, the higher the risk. Its either the op. or brown bread in +/- 10 years via fat related diseases. OSA was the first one to stick its head up above the para-pit and my younger brother has type 2 diabetes, which puts me in the high risk ground.

As least I have a chance to improve my life, some folks who qualify for the op. never get the opportunity because of lack of funding or waiting lists or GP's who just tell um to go on a diet! Trouble is diets simple don't work in the long term for a good number of fatties.

[gvader]

Hi Gvader
I figure that the odds are in my favour, I had my gall bladder out 16 months ago. No problems at all. In fact they kicked me out of the hospital afterwards, in less then 18 hours.

The heavier you are, the higher the risk. Its either the op. or brown bread in +/- 10 years via fat related diseases. OSA was the first one to stick its head up above the para-pit and my younger brother has type 2 diabetes, which puts me in the high risk ground.

As least I have a chance to improve my life, some folks who qualify for the op. never get the opportunity because of lack of funding or waiting lists or GP's who just tell um to go on a diet! Trouble is diets simple don't work in the long term for a good number of fatties.

Tell me about it! I'll find out on Friday what they have planned for me - at least the survival rate for Gastric Banding is a bit better

[puffin]

Good luck with what ever they decide to do mate.