Colonoscopy and Apnea

I'm going in for a follow-up Colonoscopy and noticed on the paperwork that I need to bring my CPAP machine in if I suffer from Sleep Apnea. I had a Colonoscopy 2 years ago just before I got the machine and all went well. Do I really need this? Anyone have any experience with this?

Well, if you don't want a heart attack while they preform the Colonoscopy, then yes, bringing in the machine is recommended.
I had one about three years ago, I was snoring so loud that the doctor told me about it afterwards. Then he mentioned that I should bring the CPAP machine the next time I get this done.

Goldie54914 wrote:Well, if you don't want a heart attack while they preform the Colonoscopy, then yes, bringing in the machine is recommended.
I had one about three years ago, I was snoring so loud that the doctor told me about it afterwards. Then he mentioned that I should bring the CPAP machine the next time I get this done.

When you have a colonoscopy you are not put out completely...you are put in a twilight sleep. Since this is only a 10-15 minute procedure, I see no need for a CPAP. Bringing a CPAP along in case of a complication and a need to stay over in the hospital (very rare) may be reasonable.

I just had a follow up done too and asked much the same question.
And it may depend on if they use twilight anesthesia or really knock
you out. And even at the hospital the anesthesiologist didn't think it
would be necessary. Then I said " did you know that during my sleep
study once my breathing stopped for 51 seconds " The next words from
him was and how do you hook this up ! You might be ok without
it but why risk it.

They want it for when you're recovering from the anesthesia. You'll likely be given Versed to sedate you. During the procedure, if you're snoring, or showing signs of hypoxia, they'll put in some sort of airway support which will be taken out as soon as the procedure is over. Then you'll be wheeled nto PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) where they watch over you while the anesthetic wears off and you regain your faculties. During that time you're going to be sleeping, waking, sleeping, waking, etc. Folks with diagnosed sleep apnea are frequently asked to bring their machine for the recovery phase. Leave the humidifier at home for the brief time it will be used. Airway management in a surgical/post-surgical setting is about as basic to the staff as is looking both ways before you cross the street.

saintiago wrote:I'm going in for a follow-up Colonoscopy and noticed on the paperwork that I need to bring my CPAP machine in if I suffer from Sleep Apnea. I had a Colonoscopy 2 years ago just before I got the machine and all went well. Do I really need this? Anyone have any experience with this?

Again, this is best answered by those performing the procedure (any procedure) as they will have access to your history which you did not mention here.

Anything else is just a guess.

fwiw- when I asked my doc told me I wouldn't need it - but that is me and my procedure.

During the procedure, the cpap mask and equipment will be in the way. As others stated, you may need the machine afterwards.
Sheriff

Sheriff,

Actually, the mask and hose are usually applied to the opposite end of the patient. Career politicians are an exception; with some of them, it's hard to tell which end is which.

I know my wife said I was snoring very loud in recovery, I wasn't official yet that I had SA. It was a little embarrassing...

saintiago wrote:I'm going in for a follow-up Colonoscopy and noticed on the paperwork that I need to bring my CPAP machine in if I suffer from Sleep Apnea. I had a Colonoscopy 2 years ago just before I got the machine and all went well. Do I really need this? Anyone have any experience with this?

Doesn't sound like there's any wiggle-room there to me. Take it with you and use it.
They're covering their butt, so you need to cover yours (or face or wherever you're using it)

I took mine and felt I needed to use it during the "procedure" ( 2011 ).


Den

.

I had one done last summer. I told them I used a CPAP when I made the appointment and they said I did not need my CPAP machine. When I told the anesthesiologist I had sleep apnea and used a CPAP machine, he said no problem and put me on oxygen. The last time I had one - before CPAP - they did not use oxygen. They use a very fast recovery anesthetic and I was up and about within minutes after the procedure.

Hi there - I asked virtually the same question! They were happy I had it with me but it didn't get used. I would bring it again in the future 'just in case' I needed to stay longer.

I would say if you're sleepy afterwards use it. I had a horrible woozy spell when I got up and it was accounted to low oxygen. Despite me being 27 with no other issues. A few big breaths and I was okay but it was a serious eye opener!

Slartybartfast wrote:Sheriff,

Actually, the mask and hose are usually applied to the opposite end of the patient. Career politicians are an exception; with some of them, it's hard to tell which end is which.

I think those politicians just got voted outta' office!
Sheriff

I always bring mine, but they have never opened the bag. However, it should be with you in case you need it or in case of an unexpected hospitalization.

Sheriff Buford wrote:

Slartybartfast wrote:Sheriff,

Actually, the mask and hose are usually applied to the opposite end of the patient. Career politicians are an exception; with some of them, it's hard to tell which end is which.

I think those politicians just got voted outta' office!
Sheriff

The new guy has the two orifices in close proximity.