UPPP

I had my first sleep study in my early 30s because I had started snoring horribly. I was diagnosed with mild Sleep Apnea and basically told it wasn't anything to treat at that time even though I was continuously exhausted. My second study was done about 10 years later. By then I had developed hypertension/high blood pressure. I was having 72 episodes an hour of not breathing. My doctor conducted a Septoplasty for a deviated septum, as I was not breathing through my left side, and we tried the CPAP. I could not fall asleep while wearing it. We tried for 3 months different things and I just could not tolerate it (and I'm a stomach sleeper.) I ended up having UPPP. The surgery is another subject, but after I had extremely good results with breathing, less snoring, feeling refreshed for the first time in years upon waking, actually waking! But I am now 4 years post surgery and am noticing I'm back to feeling drained and exhausted. I find very little information on any follow up to see if UPPP works long term for APNEA. I know sleep studies are expensive but how do you determine if UPPP is a success if there is no data? Why is there no follow up study?

I am a dentist working in dental sleep medicine. It is not uncommon for patients with UPPP to relapse over time. This is one of the drawbacks of the procedure. The only way to be sure of your current situation is to have another sleep study. Home sleep tests(HSTs) are now available and relatively inexpensive if you are tight on money. A common way of treating the relapse is to use an oral sleep apnea appliance in addition to the UPPP. The combination will usually give adequate treatment. Remember, I have not examined you, this generic information is offered to suggest topics of conversation between you and your health care providers and is not a substitute for professional care.a.b.luisi,d.m.d.

I had a UPPP done in the 80's and unfortunately the web didn't go into great detail about the procedure. The surgery was a bigger deal than I ever imagined - They had to cut and use stitches to close and everyone had to be removed over time as they did not dissolve. Took about 3-4 weeks before I got off of noodles and jello.

I was told that it was questionable surgery but I was desperate to get off the CPAP. I had about 30 incidents that rose to over 40+ and my snoring did stop. The surgery removed my uvula which I blame for my easily chocking due to food not going into my stomach. I had quite a few friends who had it with laser and they like me felt great at first but their episodes increased.

From what I have read it is no longer in favor. I had mind 10 years ago. The post op pain was off the chart. Now when I eat I have food come out my nose every once in a while. So nice when we are with guest. I have also had my upper and lower jaw broken and moved forward. The nerves they cut didn't heal correctly, so my face is in pain 24/7. Wearing a cpap mask is very painful but I don't have much choice. I just purchased a Gel insert that goes between my face and my mask. Any one have any experience with this. GelUnited.com