Double-trouble

[GrumpyBiker]

Yesterday I saw a consultant as the first-step toward having a Stapendectomy operation on my middle ear to address hearing loss due to Otosclerosis. As this is covered by my company medical insurance, I was referred to the Spire hospital, Leicester. The consutant I saw speicalises in middle-ear issues and OSA. As part of the assessment for suitability for my ear op, he carried out a camera endoscopy to check out my estuchion (SP?) tubes. Whilst there, he also had alook at my airways, to see if there was anything he could do for my OSA.

The endoscope showed that my soft-palate was close to the back of my throat and would cause obstruction - this is operable but he said it would not be worth doing in my case because the base of my tounge is set a long way back and is also a cause of obstruction - this is probably why I need a high pressure on my APAP - the 90% figure is 16.9

Losing weight will be beneficial - in many ways - but in my case may have no impact on my OSA.

Ah well, hosehead for life

Andy

[James @ Intus]

Almost, it's Eustachian Tubes, named after a guy called Bartholomew Eustachius.

I'm glad to hear your ENT wasn't too surgery-happy. Most OSA-aware ENTs get their lasers, scissors and knives out after a quick peek!

Remember that if your tongue is a big part of the issue, you can use a mandibular advancement splint as an alternative to CPAP if weightloss isn't an option and you don't want to wear the mask all the time.

[sleepster]

First of all..Good morning to all of you and the newbies!!..Andy..I am also a "Lifer"..It actually makes me sad to hear people talk about how they are losing weight and might be able to get off CPAP(just jealous)..I'm just a lil' skinny girl,one would NEVER suspect I have severe OSA..I've often told myself"If I were just big I might not have to wear this,wishing I were big and had a chance"..sorry..just whining..I'm a lifer..Will have to deal with it!

[pilewis]

I myself am a lifer now.

I am on the big side and no matter how hard I try find it impossible loosing weight. Although a lot of it is medical related to when I was younger and very bad with Asthma. I had to take steroid based tablets and medication on an almost permanent basis and as such been told can take almost 10 - 15 yrs for them to clean from my system but thats only if you don't have to take any steroid forms of meds again!

It is thought that my OSA is a side effect of my Asthma but have to admit now having the forums here don't see it as an issue as my CPAP has really improved my quality of life and don't know what would do without it.

I wish I could loose weight but hey ho thats life.

[threewheelweave]

Lifer but what a difference to LIFE - LIVE IT!

I'm likely to be a lifer too - but it is not all bad - some things are REALLY GOOD!
High Blood Pressure before the CPAP machine and with a 10mg HBP tablet best reading 187 / 95. After just one half night of good sleep on CPAP without a tablet new best reading 148 / 84. THAT'S WHAT I CALL A RESULT!

Yes you may be a "lifer" but a better quality of life on CPAP is worth the really small difficulties / adjustments we have to make to get good sleep

With increased energy and just knowing what has been wrong after so long in the darkness - is literally a "breath of fresh air" in more ways than one!

So to the problems and LIVE IT!

TWW
UK

[sleepster]

Appreciate the support..I sometimes get on a pity-party but you are so right..The good parts of wearing CPAP far outweigh(no pun intended)the bad ones!!!