Thanks!

I had outpatient surgery yesterday and everything went well UNTIL I got home. I'd had general anesthesia. When I went to bed last night (w/narcotic pain reliever), I noticed I wasn't breathing naturally with large gaps in between breaths.  I called the sleep center and they agreed it would be better to switch from VPAP to the previously titrated pressure on bilevel.  I was still afraid to go to sleep.  I finally fell asleep around 4.  When I checked my stats this morning, my AHI was 33.  It was an awful night.  Since then, I've talked to another RPSGT and it was suggested I stay w/VPAP but set the range higher (18/8) as the anesthetic supresses the reflex.
HELP!  I have another surgery scheduled for the end of the month, again with a general anesthetic.  Suggestions?



Last edited by lktnky on Thu Jan 22, 2009 7:28 am; edited 1 time in total
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ResMed VPAP Auto 25 w/4i humidifier
CL2 w/med pillows
Respironics white chin strap
ResScan 3.5 software/cardreader for VISTA

I hope you get your answers. There are some really good experts here. I don't understand anything about it. I just want to wish you well.  I am having a colonoscopy tomorrow and it is not a big deal but I don't think I will use CPAP tonight. I'm not sure about how long the effects of the prep will go on.
Again I wish you well and I'm sure someone here will help you.


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"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." AA Milne

To clarify, a CPAP is not used in general anesthesia because people are always intubated (a breathing tube inserted) during general anesthesia.  Therefore, there is no need to keep the airway open because it is being held open with a plastic tube.

Isigh, use your CPAP tonight because you want to go into surgery well rested.  Spending a night apneic does not put your body in the best shape it can be in for medical procedures.  Are you not going to use it because you are concerned about getting up and going to the bathroom repetitively?

Vicki


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Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.
Marilyn Von Savant

That which does not kill you makes you stronger-Friedrich Nietzsche
Friedrich must of had apnea.

Yes. I'm not sure what's going on with me but I had a total meltdown. I guess the whole cancer/apnea thing has gotten to me. I couldn't finish drinking the stuff because I was throwing it up. I need a break from all this!


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"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." AA Milne

What does one do about AFTER the surgery?  I'm talking about when I get home, have the residual general anesthetic still in my system, take a (narcotic) pain pill which suppressed my breathing reflex. I don't know how to explain it.


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ResMed VPAP Auto 25 w/4i humidifier
CL2 w/med pillows
Respironics white chin strap
ResScan 3.5 software/cardreader for VISTA

I think I'd call my sleep doctor and discuss this w/him(her) and ask for advice!


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Some people are like Slinkies... Not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Resmed VPAP Auto. Humidaire 3i, Simplicity mask, ResScan 3.7, S8 ResLink, Embla oximeter.

Thanks CrohnieToo, but what I'm looking for is experiences from other folks on this forum who may have had similar circumstances and what they did about it.


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ResMed VPAP Auto 25 w/4i humidifier
CL2 w/med pillows
Respironics white chin strap
ResScan 3.5 software/cardreader for VISTA

I wish I could help you. Is it possible to speak with the anesthesiologist about this? I think it would be his responsibility as well as the surgeon to make sure you are safe from the after effect of anesthetic given the fact you have apnea. It seems your treatment team should cover all the bases for you.


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"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." AA Milne

Thanks for your kind words, isigh.  How did your procedure go the other day?  Sorry I didn't think to ask earlier. I hope you're doing well?
I'll take your advice and ask the anesthesiologist again.  The thing is, I'd told everyone but the UPS guy that I have apnea and their reassurances were "you'll be monitored the whole time."  I didn't even THINK to ask about the recovery period at home!  Silly me!
I asked for help here because I want to hear of different experiences from a variety of folks who've already HAD surgery, been down the recovery path and can look back and tell me what worked for them. My next surgery is scheduled for next Friday morning and I'm trying to be proactive with enough time to GET prepared.
Take care,
LKTNKY


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ResMed VPAP Auto 25 w/4i humidifier
CL2 w/med pillows
Respironics white chin strap
ResScan 3.5 software/cardreader for VISTA

Your welcome! I wish you all the best. My procedure went well. They didn't even want the CPAP. You are smart to be proactive. I didn't have general anesthetic but I was out the whole time and I slept all day in my recliner without CPAP. It wasn't my intention, I just did. I see the tech this month and the sleep doc next month and I'm going to start my visits with, "I just don't think I'm getting all the information I need to make this work." That puts it on them and hopefully they will be more attentive. Best of luck! Please let me know how it goes. Some people are sensitive about the mention of prayer but I really think it helps so I'll say some for you on Friday. My Best- Isigh


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"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." AA Milne

You DEFINITELY won't offend me with offers of prayers. I'd really appreciate them as I too believe they are the highways for miracles.  I'm living proof.
All the best
L


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ResMed VPAP Auto 25 w/4i humidifier
CL2 w/med pillows
Respironics white chin strap
ResScan 3.5 software/cardreader for VISTA

So I talked to the anesthesiolgist yesterday to ask about next week's procedure and he said it's not the residual general anesthetic I need be concerned about but rather the narcotic pain reliever combined WITH the general that supresses the breathing reflex.  I asked about getting extra oxygen, drinking LOTS of water (to flush out my system) or any other tricks to use on the night after surgery and he said "no" to everything I could think of.
SO, short of asking for an overnight at the hospital, we plan to get the surgery over with (scheduled for an early morning appt) and have my DH take as many naps as he wants on Friday afternoon so he can watch me sleep.  
How much fun can a person have!!!!


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ResMed VPAP Auto 25 w/4i humidifier
CL2 w/med pillows
Respironics white chin strap
ResScan 3.5 software/cardreader for VISTA

Thanks so much for your prayers.  Surgery went very well this morning as they made these changes:
No demerol during the procedure while I was anesthetized. (I think this will be a key to any subsequent surgeries-keeping pain meds to a minimum.)
Shorter acting anesthetic.  The anesthesiologist said the one they used the last time could be absorbed by body fat and continue to be released for up to 24 hrs. after the procedure.
Using cold packs to minimize the bruising/swelling.
I'll be very careful with the pain meds they gave me.  Sent me home with a scrip for Percocet.  Since the uncomfortable stent has been removed, I should be able to manage the pain much better.  I was down to 2.5mg twice a day.
BTW/FWIW, I did contact my sleep doc early in the week and he's never returned my call.
Bottom line?  Be prepared and don't hesitate to ask as many questions as you want to.  I found it interesting that the Doctor and one of the nurses asked if I was in the medical profession becaused I used words like 'palpation' and wanted to know all about the procedures.
All the best,
LKTNKY


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ResMed VPAP Auto 25 w/4i humidifier
CL2 w/med pillows
Respironics white chin strap
ResScan 3.5 software/cardreader for VISTA

I am being scheduled for a left heart catheterization. I believe they do it under conscious sedation, but I am worried about the breathing, the recovery, and I am also worried because I have RLS and I'm concerned that I may not be able to lie still during the procedure, or during recovery.  Are there any suggestions on what I can do to make sure this procedure goes smoothly?


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ResMed Auto Set II w/hi4 Pressure 9 - 20 EPR at 3 SleepWeaver, Mirage Micro, Liberty, FitLlife
Orig AHI 30.4 RDI 36 & RLS/PLMB