Tips for a Less Stressful Sleep Apnea Surgery

Surgery is scary. There are so many different factors that can determine the outcome. So what can we do to feel more in control and help the process run a little more smoothly?

Ask your doctor questions

You should always ask questions about things you don’t know much about or understand. I had no idea what went into sleep apnea surgery. I like to ask my doctor what the surgery itself initially will do.

What are you cutting off, through, or taking out? What is the success rate for people who get surgery? What is the percentage of what could potentially go wrong? Will I be awake for the procedure? What will my recovery time look like?

Make a list and put down onto paper all of the things you want to ask or that make you feel stressed out. Sometimes just knowing more about the unknown can make things a little less scary.

Be your own advocate

If you can, it’s always nice to have someone with you, but if that’s not possible (or even if it is, honestly), you are your own best advocate. If you know you don’t do well with a certain medication, speak up and let your doctor know. If you need something for the day of surgery, like a warm blanket, ask for it. Politely, of course, but you know yourself best.

If there is something that you know will help or won’t, talk to your doctor about it. Reiterate on the day of as well. Nurses and doctors are people, too; forgetfulness happens.

Do your own research about your surgery type

Did you know there are multiple types of sleep apnea surgical procedures? If you are thinking about getting surgery for sleep apnea, it’s good to look up what the procedure will do or even look like if you can stomach it. (That last tip is not for everyone.) It will depend on what kind of sleep apnea you have as well. It’s ok to look into kinds you don’t have, too. A little more knowledge doesn’t hurt!

Bring things that make you feel safe

When I go into surgery, I like to wear baggy clothes that aren’t restrictive and make me feel safe. I have a huge white t-shirt that says New York on it with a little picture of the Statue of Liberty and some maroon sweatpants. They do make you change into a sanitary hospital gown as they prepare you for surgery, but up until that point, it can help you feel in control. I think the loss of control is a big part of where a lot of fear comes from.

You can also bring a stuffed animal with you or something of a loved one if someone isn’t able to go with you. Maybe a piece of jewelry, for example.

I hope this helps those of you who get really nervous. I know I’m a wreck until I’m back home in my own bed post-surgery.

Have you had surgery for sleep apnea? Were you stressed about it? What tips do you have for others who might feel anxious about having a procedure done?