What's Up, Doc? Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Surgery for Sleep Apnea

Are you considering surgery to correct your sleep apnea? I once had to consider the risks and rewards of my surgery. When I was about 16, I was ordered a sleep study and found out, low and behold, I had it.

Any surgery has risks. Here are some things you may want to consider asking your doctor if you are trying to go the surgical route.

What is the recovery time?

I wrote a previous article explaining the different kinds of sleep apnea surgeries. What surgery you're eligible for – if you are at all – depends on the type and severity of your sleep apnea. I had UPPP (uvulopalatopharyngoplasty) surgery so my recovery time was only a few weeks, if I remember correctly. But some recoveries can take longer.

For example, the lower jaw advancement surgery requires your jaw to be wired shut for a while, so you won't be able to work much if your job requires speaking. Ask your doctor how long the recovery time will be and what you will be able to do versus what you won't. It's best to let your job know ahead of time if you'll need time off. Also, ask about pain medication if you think you might need it. It's always good to have on hand just in case.

What will happen during the surgery?

Sometimes knowing is half the battle. If you're stressed about the surgery, ask about it. What are the risks? What is the percentage that it will make a difference? When I had my surgery (keep in mind this was about 13 years ago), my chances that it would fix my sleep apnea were about 50 percent. I believe it's gone up a little since then. But it's nice to know and can help you make that final decision.

How can I prepare myself for post-surgery recovery?

Foods to have on hand

I remember I was excited because getting my tonsils out meant I could eat ice cream all the time for a while. That got old fast. I could also eat applesauce and pudding, but I don't like applesauce, so my options were very limited. Ask about what foods you should stock up on and what foods you should stay away from that might irritate your throat.

Comfort items

What are some things that might make you more comfortable? Some people like to sleep as much as they can during their recovery times. Heated blankets are nice. Maybe have some movies queued up or some books ready to go. You probably won't want to be going out for a bit, so having things ready beforehand makes life way easier. Have a week's worth of comfy clothes ready to go and let someone know your plans.

It's nice and a good idea to have someone come check on you a few times a week or text every day just to make sure you're doing alright, especially if you're on pain meds.

Whatever you decide, make sure it's a choice you are comfortable making. It's okay and usually best, I think, to get a second opinion. Is there anything you would add to my list?