Welcome to an article that I can write from first hand experience! Obstructive sleep apnea has been something I have been dealing with since I can't even tell you when. I know of my history with it. When I was an active alcoholic it was a highly pronounced problem with me stopping breathing so dramatically every night, I'd gasp and rise. It's been a long time since I was an "active" alcoholic and I had thought that the issue subsided and that since the dramatic choking and gasping for air had stopped, I was over it. Well, not so fast.
I was visiting and ear nose and throat doctor and he suggested a sleep study due to the level of irritation I had in my throat. Not just what's apparent, no...they were down my throat with all kinds of scopes and peeking devices looking at my vocal chords for problems that were causing me to lose my voice. I thought it would be an inconclusive venture for him to do a sleep study, but he's the Dr. so...trust the guy. Went to the Trinity Health Sleep Center and they sent me home with a little kit to wear for a night. I survived it to find out that I was stopping breathing something like 90 times an hour. WHAT? 90 TIMES AN HOUR?
Apparently apnea is still an issue. The next step was getting fitted for a CPAP machine which I thought was going to be awful, but it's not. It's an "escape pod" really and once a night or two of getting used to it passed, it's just part of going to bed. It's like it's not even there. Is it perfect? Well, there are some things...cost is one. Replacement masks I seem to be a little fast on most get a few months out of them. Cleaning of the machine is a consideration, and it's not exactly a freebie but insurance does cover the machine in most cases and some supplies. CPAP is a very beneficial and highly successful therapy for millions of people.
Some however are intolerant of CPAP. Medical innovation is awesome though. For those who have not had relief with CPAP there's a procedure that's been FDA approved for a while called Inspire and Dr. Chris Morgan from Trinity Health is here to talk a little more about it. Much like a pacemaker is placed just under the skin for the heart, the Inspire device is implanted with a tiny wire that is led to the hypoglossal nerve and it gently manipulates the tongue when you breath in clearing the pathway for air to move and stop the depletion of oxygen while you sleep. It might not be for everyone and seeing your doctor and asking if Inspire is right for you is the first and best place to begin.
I approached talking to Dr. Morgan about this device and procedure as I would if I was a patient in his office. Pretty up front about my experiences with apnea, CPAP and wanting to learn more about Inspire. Take a listen, don't worry about HIPPA. I am freely sharing :)
Want a better nights sleep? It's within your reach and Trinity Health can help! Begin with your doctor and talk about how you're feeling. See if a sleep study is in order and if so, get it done. From there take what you learn and apply it to what you need to improve so many things in life by being just well rested. If the CPAP isn't for you, or if you're holding on to what you used to hear from your dad or grandpa about their experience...it's time to see and learn more about the innovative technology and incredible physicians at Trinity Health that can get you into a CPAP or Inspire Sleep Therapy Device! Click on the logo below for more details! Dr. Morgan will also be holding an informational webinar about this. • If someone would like to learn more about innovations in sleep apnea, they can call the Trinity Health Sleep Center (616-685-6330) or visit MercyHealth.com/SleepApneaEvent to register for a FREE virtual Community Talk on August 25. We're thankful for Trinity Health and their sponsorship of our work.
