Road to a Tracheostomy
My name is Mike and I recently
underwent tracheostomy surgery to treat severe obstructive sleep apnea. I
was diagnosed with sleep apnea several years ago and was immediately set up
on a CPAP machine. After losing one job and reaching the breaking point on
my current job, I sought help and realized that I had neglected treating my
sleep apnea and it was destroying my life.
My sleep apnea got so bad that I was experiencing some very perturbing
symptoms. My snoring was keeping my wife, Beth,
awake and she would leave the bedroom at times to work in the middle of the
night and sometimes fall asleep on the couch. I was waking up at least once
every hour to go to the bathroom. When things got really severe, I had an
occasional bladder accident which I have now learned is not uncommon in
severe cases. I was a zombie day and night. I slept at my desk 3 hours a day
on a good day and 5 hours a day on a bad day; and the bad days were more
numerous than good.
I went to another doctor, had another sleep study, received a new pressure
setting for my CPAP machine and started taking my treatment seriously.
The setting was an extreme 22 cm, and I was not able to tolerate it. I woke
up with earaches and a sore throat. One of the more embarrassing problems of
the high pressure was waking up with a bloated stomach and then loudly
belching non-stop for 20 to 30 seconds. After several months of aggressive
treatment, the doctor determined that CPAP had failed. It was at that time
I requested a tracheostomy.
I had studied the surgical alternatives for my condition and came to the
conclusion that due to the severity of my obstruction, and with my goal of
being free of CPAP, the only surgery that might help me would be the trach.
I had my surgery December 14th, 1998. Since that time I have been counting
my blessings. I have experienced only low to moderate pain. I have healed
quickly and the drainage from the surgical site stopped by the 9th or 10th
day.
The results of the surgery ... I SLEEP LIKE A BABY! I took a couple of days
to adjust to getting a full night's sleep. The first two nights I would wake
up after 2 hours wide awake and ready to start the day. I have adjusted,
though, and now sleep 7 to 8 hours a night without any problem. NO SNORING,
NO APNEA; just peaceful sleep. I have had small things that woke me up, like
the drainage or pain, but that is getting better and I am so thankful.
During the day I am awake! I am alert and can concentrate again. I have
also noticed that I am doing more work around the house. I am also happy to
say I passed one major test. Last Sabbath I went to church and STAYED AWAKE
THROUGH THE WHOLE SERMON! I am really counting my blessings.
Realizing that others might be considering a trach and might have questions,
I have set up this page. This site will be under construction for some
time as I experience life with a trach and dealing with a busy life.
** Special thanks to Carolyn who has
supplied support, links and information used on this site. Please feel free
to contact her also if you have questions regarding sleep apnea and/or sleep
apnea-related treatments.
