Quote:
Originally Posted by stevesworldnyc
Hey, I had sleep apnea, and had it corrected a few years ago. I tried the machine, but like you, I couldn't tolerate it. After a couple of weeks, tell your doc that you are taking the mask off in your sleep because you can't take the machine and that the machine keeps you awake. Suggest that they consider surgery (if you are willing).
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I don't see where Jen says that she couldn't tolerate the machine. In fact, she said she had no problems falling asleep with it. Even if the machine were part of the problem, there are still many options to try - different masks, cushions, pressures, oxygen.... before chucking it and
asking for surgery.
But most importantly, I have a real problem with "telling" a doctor something that isn't true. I'm coming from a chronic pain POV, and one of the worst and most common stigmas CP patients face regularly is
not being believed. The doctor-patient relationship requires
absolute candor on the part of patients. Doctors - especially those who deal with patients regulary (vs. surgeons, pathologists, and some others) learn to be very good at "reading" people. If they even
suspect a patient is less than forthright, that patient could have problems getting that doctor (or any other) to believe anything they say in the future.
Surgery should always be an avenue of last resort, and even then only with multiple opinions. I'm glad it's worked for some -
REALLY - but I hope all other options were exhausted first, especially considering all the complications and adjustments mentioned (and those that
weren't mentioned).
I think Jen's solutions (if the problem still exists - her last post was 9 months ago) lie with the right sleep specialist and/or the right sleep psychologist.
Google:
sleep psychologist
Just my opinions.
Doc