Let’s start with the answer to the BIG question: how do I sleep? Somewhat better. Of course, there is still tremendous room for improvement, but I do sleep better than before. I have yet to master the art of sleeping more than 4.5-6 hours a night, but I’ll gladly take what I can get. While I still wake up tired, I no longer have a headache in the morning. In addition, it’s much easier to make it through the afternoon without wanting to take a nap. There are no plans to have another sleep study.
Since the last blog update, I worked with a sleep specialist who encouraged me to meditate. I spent a few months practicing Mindfulness Meditation. Meditating was definitely relaxing, but it didn’t improve my sleep. I haven’t incorporated meditation into my daily routine, but I do enjoy the experience.
At this point, I don’t expect my physical recovery to progress any further. Here’s the quick summary of the physical symptoms that will likely remain with me:
- Numb lower lip, upper gums and the roof of my mouth
- Most top teeth have the wooden tooth feeling and don’t have complete sensation
- Upper gums still feel spongy when chewing
- Difficult to chew very hard and crunchy foods
- Weight returned to pre-surgery (bummer)
Looking back on the entire experience, I made the right decision to have the MMA – there were no other options left. While I haven’t had a breakthrough moment, I have benefitted from the surgery. I had the best surgeon do his best work and I feel somewhat better. Would I do it over again? I think so.
Hello Pedal.
ReplyDeleteI came across this blog rather late. It's extremely informative (and funny too).
I have had apnea for 20 years, 15 of those undiagnosed. I went through dozens of shrinks, MDs, so-called sleep specialists and I cannot tell you how many SSRIs. I had an MMA done in 2009 which was a complete failure and am now facing a revision.
I'd be interested in chatting with you as you've been down a very similar road, albeit with a better surgeon than me. For instance I've been on a combination of 3 meds that have helped my sleep a LOT, nothing hard-core and no increase in dosages over 14 years. Single agent treatment never worked for me while combo agent meds have been measuably successful.
Maybe that would be something for you to consider.
I'm at kurtsteele7 on gmail
You should try TORS - http://www.uphs.upenn.edu/pennorl/research/tors/ - TransOral Robotic Surgery - those robots can reach places surgeons can't and it will clear the airway. 1 day turnaround. throat will hurt for a few weeks but well worth it.
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