Re: Lefort 1, BSSO, and Genio. Advancement for Sleep Apnea

October 23, 2004

As far as medication--liquid medications are prescribed but as soon

as you can open wide enough to get a pill in then you can take the

solid form. Talk with your phamacist as many pills can be ground up

and mixed with pudding or juice but it varies as it can change the

chemistry and effectivness of the medication.

As far as breathing--I had upper jaw which involvoes a lot more work

around the sinuses then lower jaw so it may not be as much of an

issue for you. For me this was the biggest issue as it prevented

sleeping and was uncomfrotable. but I found a few products and I now

worship them. Nyquil is very good because it knocks you out--but do

NOT take it with or near you pain medication! The Breath Right

strips with Vapors----I love them! They worked really well and is

something you can use during the day and for an extended period of

time without it making you sleepy as nyquil or even childrens

dimatapp(liquid--the grape kind tastes most excellant) can. Also

there are those Vaporizers in a cup--the company that makes the

breath right strips make them--its foam cup with a liquid you fill

iwth hot water and drop a menthol tablet in---it works really well

to open up the air ways.

As far as non lactose---I am Aokay with milk but did use a lot of

boost and enusre purley for the sake of getting enough claroies in

to make my 1,000 calories a day goal, I liked them they didn't

taste super good but were okay. they are chock full of sugar so its

really important to rinse and bush as best you can after drinking

high sugar drinks, which can be a challange for the first month or

so---then it gets easier but not easy untill the splint is out!

>

> Hi All,

>

> I'm new to this list. I've been reading the past posts and have

> found them very helpful.

>

> I am scheduled to have surgery on Dec 2. I've been in braces for

18

> mos. I had braces as teenager, but it never solved the problem

with

> the retrognathic lower jaw. As adult I now have severe sleep

apnea

> (not overweight) for which I have been unable to find a full face

> mask to fit properly. So after months of frustration, I was

> referred by pulmonologist to the OS to the OD. I will have the

> LeFort I, BSSO, genio advancement and possibly turbinectomy. I

have

> been told I will not be wired, but rubber banded. These

procedures

> will be to open up the airway which is much narrower than it

should

> be.

>

> Since I'm no " spring chicken " (61), had major surgery for cancer

14

> years ago & reconstructive surgery 8 years ago ( I remain cancer

> free), I didn't make this decision for orthognathic surgery

without

> a lot of contemplation. If any one has had these procedure done

for

> sleep apnea or not sleep apnea, I had appreciate some insight on

> these:

>

> 1) Medications - Can you take oral meds or must I find a liquid

> alternative? (I am on some daily meds such as Sythroid, Zocor, etc)

>

> 2) Any recommendations for non-lactose smoothies? I am going to

> try the rice milk. I'm severely lactose intolerant. I'm also

going

> to consult with a dietician. I'll have to Boost, etc. too.

>

> 3) One of my main concerns is breathing. I have a very reactive

> airway and asthma (been well controlled). Did any of you have any

> problems with breathing straight of surgery?

>

> 4) How long before you can lay down on your side? I would

imagine

> they don't want a lot of pressure on the jaws for a while.

>

> 5) Did any one have BCBS Federal Employees insurance for the

> surgery and did you have any problems with them? My OS is not a

> participating doctor so anticipate my portion will be larger.

>

> Thanks for any insight. Many questions to ask the surgeons when I

> see them next.

>

> Thanks, Shirley

October 23, 2004