Well, it's my turn for surgery...
For those who know (and don't know), I've been suffering from pretty severe sleep apnea for the better part of 8-9 months now. I've had a few sleep studies done, been outfitted with a CPAP machine, and have been put on Flonase to help open the nasal passages.
Unfortunately, this has not worked. My "sleep doctor" seems to be more about "throwing meds at the symptoms" and "stabbing at other possible causes" rather than treating the known issues. I went to an ENT twice in the last month, and he is suggesting a septoplasty to fix my badly deviated septum.
The good news is that it will allow me to breathe much easier, will probably cure my constant sinus issues and will most likely cure my sleep apnea, if not, at least reduce it tremendously.
The bad news is that it is surgery, and with any surgery, there are risks. Also, I will be out of work for a week (is that really bad news?
), and I have heard rumors throughout the dive community that some divers aren't able to dive again until at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery. If this is true, it would have me missing out on DUI Demo Days.
I have scheduled the procedure for 4/12, so that I can convalesce during Easter break week and miss as little "while school is in session" work as possible. I'll keep everyone updated, but rest assured that as soon as I am able, I will be back in the water, diving like a madman again.
For those who know (and don't know), I've been suffering from pretty severe sleep apnea for the better part of 8-9 months now. I've had a few sleep studies done, been outfitted with a CPAP machine, and have been put on Flonase to help open the nasal passages.
Unfortunately, this has not worked. My "sleep doctor" seems to be more about "throwing meds at the symptoms" and "stabbing at other possible causes" rather than treating the known issues. I went to an ENT twice in the last month, and he is suggesting a septoplasty to fix my badly deviated septum.
The good news is that it will allow me to breathe much easier, will probably cure my constant sinus issues and will most likely cure my sleep apnea, if not, at least reduce it tremendously.
The bad news is that it is surgery, and with any surgery, there are risks. Also, I will be out of work for a week (is that really bad news?
), and I have heard rumors throughout the dive community that some divers aren't able to dive again until at least 6-8 weeks after the surgery. If this is true, it would have me missing out on DUI Demo Days. I have scheduled the procedure for 4/12, so that I can convalesce during Easter break week and miss as little "while school is in session" work as possible. I'll keep everyone updated, but rest assured that as soon as I am able, I will be back in the water, diving like a madman again.
