Sleep Study Results

I saw the sleep specialist today to get the results of the sleep study that was done over a month ago. I was told that I slept a little under 6 hours. I awoke an average of 33 times per hour and that meant that I slept for less than 2 minutes at a time! (No wonder I fall asleep at the computer.) I knew that I awoke frequently, but I had no idea that it was that often.

He told me that the usual reasons that they see for that frequency of awakening is either sleep apnea or limb movement. I was taking Mirapex to control my RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) so I knew it wasn't that and he confirmed that my limb movement was normal during sleep. He said that I don't have sleep apnea, so that wasn't the reason for me to keep waking up.

He concluded that the cause was discomfort, probably from pain. Well, duh! I told everyone that without a sleep study. It only cost approx. $3500 for them to determine what I already knew.

My next appointment is tomorrow afternoon with the behaviorist. If she says that I am ready to move on then, I think my next step will be to meet with the surgeon to start the insurance approval process and then ultimately get a date for surgery. Let's all keep our fingers crossed, unless you are knitting.

The Cardiologist

Yesterday, I had my cardiology appointment. I was finally told that what showed up while I was in the sleep study was that I occasionally have a few extra heart beats. The doctor said that this is not all that abnormal, and that the only reason that I was referred to him is that I am up for major surgery so they are being overly cautious.

An EKG was performed in the office and he said it was completely normal. Of course, he listened to my chest sounds and said that my heart and lungs sounded perfectly normal. The final test was an echo cardiogram. The technician said that she didn't see anything abnormal or worrisome. (She was a lap band patient, so we had lots to talk about while she performed the test!)

I was told that I will receive a letter within a few weeks that will either tell me the doctors final determination, and sign off on my weight loss surgery, or it will give me an appointment for follow up if after reviewing the echo cardiogram, he feels that there is something that needs more attention. After all that I was told, I feel confident that I will be able to proceed without further delay. What a relief!

My next appointment is on Monday, July 13th, to finally hear all the results of the sleep study and see if I need to be treated for sleep apnea. On Tuesday, July 14th, I will see the behaviorist to determine if she thinks I need more counseling or if she will sign off on my weight loss surgery. Keep your fingers crossed!