Cpap usage after surgery

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10-21-2011, 02:41 PM
nytmoon

Cpap usage after surgery

I had my surgery on Monday and when I tried to use my Cpap my stomach started to hurt almost immediately. I think the air was getting into my stomach, I had noticed in the last few weeks before the surgery I would have to take the mask of in the middle of the night to burp. I was thinking I needed to get a new mask as this one has about had it. Does anyone else who uses a cpap have this trouble and were you able to fix it? I was also thinking of loosening the mask so there was not as much air pressure.
10-21-2011, 03:40 PM
jerzeygirl

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

I thought the CPAP was making my acid reflux worse! I wouldn't loosen it if I were you, because that won't work for the purpose it's intended. I used it up to a few weeks ago and now am sleeping better than ever! I have an appt. with the pulmonary doctor on Nov. 11 and then probably need a sleep study to be sure "all is well". Good luck
10-21-2011, 04:15 PM
ElleMarie

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

Loosening the mask will not help with reduction of airflow, but it will cause leaks that will be loud and keep you from getting good sleep. Repeat studies are in order if you have lost very much weight or if symptoms are reoccurring.

How old is your mask? Most insurance companies will replace about every 6 months.
10-21-2011, 05:29 PM
Grace

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

I needed to get a smaller size mask at about 50 lbs gone.
Also, if you have less obstruction, your air may be set too high now, unless you have an autofeed setting.
I'd suggest contacting your cpap doc to see if they perhaps want you to take it in to be reset a bit lower....
A new mask cushion is good but unless you are leaking, it won't help this problem.
I'm pretty lucky with my ins. I can get a new cushion once a month and a new mask every 3 months with a copay.
10-21-2011, 05:32 PM
AKGirl65

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

Did u not use your machine right after surgery? I'm taking mine with me. Did anyone else use it right after surgery or in the hospital? A couple of months ago I got sent home with a monitor machine that figured out since I had gained weight since the original adjustments that it needed to be increased. I would contact your sleep doctor.
10-21-2011, 07:59 PM
Grace

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

Quote:

Originally Posted by AKGirl65

Did u not use your machine right after surgery? I'm taking mine with me. Did anyone else use it right after surgery or in the hospital? A couple of months ago I got sent home with a monitor machine that figured out since I had gained weight since the original adjustments that it needed to be increased. I would contact your sleep doctor.

I took mine to the hospital with me. They fed the oxygen after surgery right through it. I had it right next to me all the time so when I drifted off my hubby could be sure it had water in it and that I had it on.
A side note on this one. When you get home, be sure you wash everything thoroughly. I didn't think of it because I was so tired. I was so nauseous for a couple days at home until I noted the machine smelled funny. After I washed it well it was better. I don't know why it was a problem, if it was leftover anesthesia leaving in my breath and getting into the mask or what, but do wash it well as soon as you get home..
10-21-2011, 10:27 PM
Camscrib20

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

I have had a problem w my machine since i came home also i havent used it i know i should but it seems every time i sleep w it i wake up and my mouth is so dry and its so uncomfortable gonna call abt getting the nose cushions instead of the face mask but i dont feel tired which is strange not using it
10-21-2011, 11:14 PM
ElleMarie

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

I took mine with me...never sleep EVER without it. Can't imagine how that would feel, it has changed my life having my machine and I won't part with it easily.
10-23-2011, 02:21 AM
kitsonk

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

Well, I parted with mine, gladly. Once I lost the weight, it really wasn't doing anything for me and while it served a big purpose, I was more than happy not to need it anymore.
10-23-2011, 04:31 AM
Grace

Re: Cpap usage after surgery

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camscrib20

I have had a problem w my machine since i came home also i havent used it i know i should but it seems every time i sleep w it i wake up and my mouth is so dry and its so uncomfortable gonna call abt getting the nose cushions instead of the face mask but i dont feel tired which is strange not using it

You may end up being one of the lucky ones who does not need it after you are done your weight loss journey. It takes time though for the cumulative effects of not wearing it to hit, so I think I'd wait til you are close to goal and then have another sleep test. I hope for you that you are able to give it up eventually! How great would that be?
Not so for me without surgery. A severely deviated septum is 1/2 my problem and the thought of any surgery right now...well, it's just too soon. We'll see.