To have surgery?

[Waterbottle1999]

Hi all, this might be a long one so I don't drip feed, so bear with me

For 3 years now, I choke in my sleep. After seeing a stomach specialist we worked out it's not reflux, it's also nothing to do with my lungs. I saw an ENT and I have a deviated septum, I suspect from a silly collision I had with the pavement after a few drinks some years ago. I also have enlarged turbonates which are inside my nose. I am seeing a sleep specialist next week to check for sleep apnea, if it turns out I do have sleep apnea, my nose issues could have caused it

The ENT recommends surgery, says it's highly likely these choking episodes are caused by my nose. Hubby and I are planning to move cities next year and trying to save money. If I have this operation it will be about 5 hours drive away and I would have to go back about 3 or 4 times in a 6 month period.

It would cost a decent amount of money (fortunately money is not an issue for us, but we are trying to save) plus I'll be out of work for quite a few weeks. I do get paid sick leave.

So WIBU to create this "hassle" by getting this operation done? Or should I just get it out the way? What would you do?

[Birdsgottafly]

My sleep was affected by my tonsils. I had them out and it's made such a difference.

As you get older your disturbed sleep will have a greater effect on you, physically and your skin will look crap.

Mentally as well.

So although you think of it as a sleep condition, it can become a very serious health condition.

The younger you are, the easier recovery is.

[Home77]

Hi just wanted to mention you could join something like Benenden health, they may fund it if it is clinically necessary and not available on NHS...it is only around £10 a month and I used them for surgery. You would need to be a member for 6 months though, first. they have been great with me for varicose vein surgery when not available, on NHS. had it done in 4 weeks.

[Doraismissing]

I had surgery for a deviated septum and the access to my sinuses enlarged. It did help my sleep apnea and I am pleased I had the surgery but the recovery was painful (worst than 2 csections and 4 orthopaedic surgeries). I am still blowing out snot the size of a small broad bean (sorry tmi) 4 years later but overall worth it.

[Waterbottle1999]

Doraismissing I had heard it was quite painful, it sounds like it's worth it though.

Birdsgottafly glad to hear your sleep has improved. That's a good point how it can turn into a serious issue later

[ADHMeeee]

My OH was by chance sent to a sleep clinic and diagnosed with sleep apnoea. Without his cpap machine, he can and will drop off anywhere. He is a driver so this would be terrible. Thankfully with the cpap he is well and it is all closely monitored by the specialists and his workplace.

Without his treatment, it affects other areas of his health as well. So it is well worth having work done to help, because the kind of lack of sleep you are experiencing can be very damaging.