Question:
Did anyone have concerns about breathing difficulties and laying down...
Remember that fateful morning...you are being preped for surgery, and you are in bed, laying on your back...did you freak out with breathing problems? Having sleep apnea, and frustrated with a broken machine, and remembering how much anguish you can have upon waking up in the nite out of breath, I bolted out of bed to regain my composure. When I cannot breath, while flat on my back, I want to sit up. So how does the surgery prep go with you needing to lay on your back, and getting freaked out? Can you be elevated a little until they put you out? Are you really guaranteed to keep breathing, even if you have this sleep apnea? Thanks for your thoughts on this subject. I am scheduled for surgery on 4/28/2003....<LP> — Lynn P. (posted on February 10, 2003)
February 10, 2003
Lynn,
I have apnea and use a CPAP. Since I've been using the machine, I
sleep on my back. I was only on my back for about one minute before I was
asleep and the surgeon held my hand during that time. Breathe deeply, I
vaugely recall them putting a mask on me. I didn't freak; I'm sure you
won't either. You're intubated during surgery; the ventilator breathes for
you. My Dr. doesn't give his apnea patients morphine, but I didn't need
many pain meds. Get your machine fixed or replaced because you should take
it to the hospital with you. It allowed me to get some sleep in that noisy
place. Good luck.
— Janis D.
February 10, 2003
I have not had WLS yet, however, I have had both a lumpectomy and
mastectomy and use a CPAP. My experience was that I was only on my back
for a few minutes, while IVs were put in, etc., and the next thing I knew,
I was in recovery. I really don't think you'll have any problem with
breathing during those few minutes when you are being prepped before the
anesthesia takes effect. Good luck and my prayers are with you.
— Debbie B.
February 10, 2003
I had severe sleep apnea before I had surgery. On the morning of surgery
the stretcher I was on was sitting up the whole time before surgery, while
I was waiting, when they put the IV in, when they wheeled me down the
hall,etc. I was not flat until I hopped over to the actual OR table. I was
only flat for about 1-2 minutes before I was out. I used to get VERY short
of breath when I was flat on my back so I understand how you feel but I
didn't have any problems. I also had PLENTY of morphine post-op through my
PCA pump and didn't have a problem. I had a pulse oximeter to measure my
oxygen levels and had on Telemetry to monitor my heart. I tried to use my
cpap in the hospital but it was uncomfortable because of the ng tube in my
nose. I also had a family member stay with me in the hospital to keep an
eye on my breathing. (I was very paranoid about my sleep apnea!
— karenrose
February 10, 2003
I meant to add that my bmi before surgery was 65 and weighed 414. I Have
lost 140 lbs and my sleep apnea is GONE.
— karenrose
February 12, 2003
Lynn, I was on the operating table for about a minute on my back before
they had me "out" and that was the "breath deep" time.
When I woke up I was almost completely sitting up and had an oxygen canula
in my nose with my NG tube. If you need your cpap machine I would suggest
getting it fixed or at very least tell the hospital that you usually use
one. Good luck on your journey :)
— Elizabeth D.
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