11 - 3+ Year Update

Well, it's been quite some time since I've posted an update.  In reality, there really isn't much to report that is significantly different than it was last time.  I still have that lingering numbness in my chin and a little in my gums.  It doesn't bother me much other than when my face gets cold.  It just enhances the stiff feeling that a cold face normally gets.  I am still sleeping fairly well.  I have found that my weight does have a certain threshold that I can't cross.  I have bumped up against that threshold a couple of times and if I lose 5 or more pounds, my sleep improves dramatically.  That's interesting to me because my weight was never considered to be a root cause of my OSA.  I'm a fairly broad-shouldered 6'-3", so I am overweight by the chart in the Dr's office, but I would only be able to achieve the chart weight if I lost all possible fat and removed one leg.  So, I can stand to lose some weight, but not near what that silly chart says.  

I have received emails from several people either asking me a question or just commenting.  I actually just now responded to someone considering getting surgery with Dr. Viozzi.  I'm happy to answer anything I can about my experience and am sorry that it takes a little while for me to respond.  If it's been a while and I haven't answered, please feel free to follow up and remind me.  I know how important every little bit of information can be when struggling with OSA.  I don't think I'll ever forget some of those nights of terror I had and how hungry I was for information.

Overall, things are going very well.  I doubt I will ever forget the whole experience dealing with OSA.  I will try to keep this blog updated at least once a year or so.  I don't think any more often would really be beneficial for anyone as things are pretty stable.  I think it could be reassuring to some to hear whether or not MMA may be a permanent solution.  I know there are some who have had such success with their surgery that they basically fall off the face of the Earth.  GOOD!  That means that they've moved on with their lives and have a new focus.  I know that when I was looking for information prior to surgery, the one thing I couldn't find was someone still posting after 5 or 10 years.  It would have been very reassuring to me to see a ten year success story.  I'll do my best.  Good luck and I hope you all have a great 2011 Holiday Season and a great 2012!