Question posted by Doug Baldwin ( baldwin@cris.com) on 6:8:52 8/15/97
Question: My 17 year old son was diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (moderate to severe). An EET Dr. suggested UP3 surgery. My son refuses to use the CPAP, and has several bad habits, smoking, over eating, no exercise. We are in a dilemma, and have several questions. Will removal of tonsils alone (not UP3) reduce the apnea (should we try this surgery first before the full UP3). Does the UP3 surgery reduce taste buds? What dental "appliances" are available and how successful are they? Would life style changes only have a significant impact? If the surgery is only 50% effective why do it, especially given the pain?Is there a doctor in Michigan who is a specialist in adolescent sleep disorders and who also has a gentle, empathetic personality? I ask the same question regarding an EET surgeon. We could use a social worker or case manager to work with us as well. Is there a center in Michigan where we can find the gentle doctors and case management offerings?. . . Sorry to ask so many questions at once. Thank you.